There are approximately 163,800 km² of cultivated turfgrass in the United States representing an area three times larger than any irrigated agricultural crop.  The turfgrass industry contributes approximately $40 billion per year to the United States economy and approximately $1 billion per year to the Oklahoma economy.

Turfgrass research began in the mid-1900’s at Oklahoma State University (OSU) with the leadership of several faculty including Dr. Wayne Huffine.  Dr. Charles Taliaferro began breeding and developing turf bermudagrasses in the mid-1980’s.  Since then, OSU has independently or collaboratively released seven bermudagrass cultivars to the turf industry, namely ‘Midlawn’ and ‘Midfield’ in 1993, ‘Yukon’ and ‘Riviera’ in 2005, and ‘Patriot’ in 2006.  Most recently, 'NorthBridge' and 'Latitude 36' turf bermudagrasses were released in 2011. These cultivars are popular in the U.S. transition zone primarily due to their improved turf quality, cold hardiness, and spring dead spot tolerance.

RESEARCH PRIORITIES

1. Develop and screen turfgrasses for improved turf performance and environmental adaptation to both biotic and abiotic stresses. 
2. Develop environmentally sound turfgrass management practices. 
3. Assess the pest management research needs of Oklahoma’s turf production and maintenance industries. 
4. Further investigate and develop environmentally sound yet efficacious and affordable alternatives to conventional turfgrass pest management practices. 
5. Document the current economic impact of Oklahoma’s turfgrass production & maintenance industry.

EXTENSION PRIORITIES

1. Develop resources for educating clientele on selection of turfgrasses with improved environmental adaptation to both biotic and abiotic stresses.
2. Develop resources and transfer information on environmentally sound turfgrass management practices.
3. Assess the pest management educational needs of Oklahoma’s turf production and maintenance industries.
4. Development of educational resources and tools that offer environmentally sound yet efficacious and affordable alternatives to conventional turfgrass pest management strategies.

TEACHING PRIORITIES

1. Prepare undergraduate students to enter the turfgrass industry by communicating basic scientific principles and applied management techniques.
2. Prepare graduate students to enter industry or academia through a program including advanced education, innovative research, and effective technical writing.