Following these discussions, full proposals will be requested an d reviewed. Recommendations for funding will be forwarded to the CTRF Board of Directors. Stress Management Many factors can influence the growth of turfgrasses. Turfgrass is subjected to environmental and cultural pressures and stress from use. The degree to which a turfgrass plant will be affected by these stresses is determined by the genetic potential of the plant and the severity of the stress.
Environmental extremes are an obvious source of stress.
There is a continuing need to quantify the effects of various stress factors on the growth of turfgrasses and to identify or develop turf-quality species or cultivars which will withstand some of these stresses. Many of the favourable characteristics may currently exist in native plants thus, the selection and development of native grasses could prove a valuable approach. There is a need to determine the public tolerance level for turfgrass pests to establish threshold levels for use in integrated pest management programmes. Allelopathy warrants further examination as a potential pest management tool. Both the chemical and physical properties of soil will affect plant growth and vigor.