New PhD research into sports turf stress

Posted 1 March 2011

First-of-its-kind research into sports turf stress is taking place at Harper Adams University College, in conjunction with two world-leading businesses.

During a three year study, PhD student, Harry Mbah, will be looking at environment-related stress in fine turf and be identifying potential techniques for managers to alleviate the effects on surface quality.

The project is funded by Syngenta - a leading agri-business, and Harper Adams, with research support from STRI (previously the Sports Turf Research Institute).

Dr John Reade, Senior Lecturer at Harper Adams, said: “We can offer Harry some of the most advanced educational research facilities and support at Harper Adams, which combined with the outstanding specialist knowledge and advice from STRI and Syngenta, will help him to conduct an extremely valuable investigation.

“This is an important continuation in our on-going research and knowledge creation in plant physiology and its practical implication for turf and crop managers.”

Stress alleviation is important for both the surface and quality of sports turf, and plays a role in nutrient and water management.

Dr Ruth Mann, Head of Turf Protection at STRI, said: “An in-depth study into environment-related stress symptoms, and the associated physiological and biochemical changes within turf plants, will provide us with the real opportunity to evaluate options to mitigate the effects.

“The funding of a turf-specific PhD study is an exciting and important development.”