The Lawn Institute Research Committee met in Tucson, AZ during the TPI 2018 International Conference & Field Day to review, discuss, and vote on research proposals submitted by university researchers from throughout the world. The committee received 19 research proposals this year focused on items including turfgrass insects, diseases, genetics and plant breeding, turfgrass water use, turfgrass cooling effects, biostimulants, plant growth regulators, and sod harvestability. 

The committee decided to fund five university research projects that have the potential to impact turfgrass producers and the industry throughout the world. They include:

1. Dr. Matt Elmore, Rutgers University ($2,500)
   1. Turfgrass Pest Control Recommendations Guide, Weed Control
2. Dr. Lee Miller, University of Missouri ($2,500)
   1. Turfgrass Pest Control Recommendations Guide, Disease Control
3. Dr. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University ($10,000)
   1. Harvest Aids for Improved Turfgrass Shelf Life
4. Dr. Marco Schiavon, University of California-Riverside ($20,000)
   1. Mapping and Monitoring Turfgrass Cooling Effects
5. Dr. Ben Wherley, Texas A&M University ($30,000)
   1. Environmental Impacts and Runoff Dynamics Associated with Turfgrass Removal in Urban Landscapes