Funded Research Driving the Future of Turfgrass Science
The National Turfgrass Research Foundation proudly supports scientific research that advances turf culture and strengthens the Canadian turfgrass industry. Through fundraising initiatives, charitable donations, and annual industry contributions, NTRF funds research that addresses real-world challenges and opportunities facing turf professionals.
Each year, NTRF-supported research generates practical insights, applied learnings, and evidence-based solutions that help inform decision-making across the industry. The research shared here reflects the outcomes of funded projects—connecting science to practice and supporting more resilient, sustainable turf systems nationwide.
AGRONOMY
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Survivability of Poa Annua Subjected to Forced Hardening
Jason Pick, Executive Director of the Alberta Turf Grass Research Foundation (ATRF) Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
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Use of reclaimed wastewater on growth & quality of turf putting & sod systems, soil chemical & microbial
Dr. Katrina Jordan & Dr. Eric Lyons, University of Guelph
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Establishment, phosphorus needs & testing of various KBG cultivars to determine their mowing & stress tolerance
Dr. Katrina Jordan & Dr. Eric Lyons, University of Guelph
ENTOMOLOGY
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Field evaluation of biocontrols for leatherjackets (Tipula paludosa)
Peter Purvis & Parm Charbonneau, University of Guelph
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Development of cultural practices for integrated turfgrass management – tools & practices
Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Co-sponsored by Landscape Ontario and Agricultural Adaption Council – Canadian Agricultural Adaption Program
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Efficacy evaluation of all-natural corn gluten blends in turf for the control of white grubs
Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Co-sponsored by Agricultural Adaption Council – CUPRI Program
PLANT PATHOLOGY
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Biological control of dollar spot disease in creeping bentgrass using beneficial microbes
Dr. Manish Raizada, University of Guelph Co-sponsored by Quebec Turfgrass Research Foundation and Agricultural Adaption Council Growing Forward
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Fungicide alternatives management of Microdochium patch & Anthracnose on Poa annua putting greens
Dr. Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University Co-sponsored by Western Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation
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Management, host pathogenicity and rapid identification of Magnaporthe poae on annual bluegrass and Kentucky bluegrass turf
Dr. Katrina Jordan, University of Guelph Co-sponsored by Quebec Turfgrass Research Foundation
SPECIALIZED RESEARCH
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2012 Alternative product guide for lawn pests
Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation
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Quantification of soil loss from commercial sod production
Dr. Katrina Jordan, University of Guelph Co-sponsored by Nursery Sod Growers Association and Turf Producers International
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Economic Profile of the Ontario Turfgrass Industries
Dr. Glenn Fox, University of Guelph
SPORTS TURF
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Evaluation of overseeding sports fields with new species and cultivars
2025 Final Report Dr. Eric Lyons, University of Guelph
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Irrigation protocols & overseeding rates & methods for pesticide free soccer fields
Peter Purvis & Pam Charbonneau, University of Guelph
WEED CONTROL
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Biological control of crabgrass
Dr. Alan Watson, University of McGill Co-Sponsored by Landscape Ontario
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Integration of tools and species to promote sustainability in residential lawns
Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Vineland Resarch and Innovation Station Co-Sponsored by Agricultural Adaption Council Growing Forward 2
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Biological control of dandelion weed in turfgrass using beneficial microbes
Dr. Manish Raizada, University of Guelph Co-Sponsored by Agricultural Adaption Council Growing Forward 2