Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
July 11, 2001
Turfgrass conference to attract world's top scientists
Scientists and professionals from around the world will convene in Toronto July 15 to 20 for the ninth International Turfgrass Research Conference, sponsored by the International Turfgrass Society with assistance from the University of Guelph’s Turfgrass Institute and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
This is only the second time the conference has been held in Canada. It will be at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel and include presentations on the most current turfgrass research worldwide. Keynote speakers are James Beard of the International Sports Turf Research Institute, who will discuss the scientific advances that have revolutionized turf management, and Bingru Huang of Rutgers University, who will explore current and future trends in turfgrass research.
The conference will also feature symposiums on turfgrass transformation, pests, environmental impacts, distance education and water repellency. In addition, 209 scientific papers will be presented by turfgrass scientists from around the world. Topics include composting, using the Internet, the effect of golf course design and maintenance on amphibians and large invertebrates, evaluating golf footwear and managing earthworm castings on golf course fairways.
The conference will also include a tour of sites of turfgrass interest, including golf courses, a cricket club, sports fields, the turf track at Woodbine Racetrack and a sod farm. In addition, conference delegates will visit the University of Guelph to see first-hand the turfgrass and environmental research projects being conducted at Canada’s leading turfgrass research facility, the Guelph Turfgrass Institute & Environmental Research Centre.
The International Turfgrass Society was founded in 1969, the year the first conference was held, starting with 81 charter members. The society has grown to include more than 250 members from 26 countries. The conference has previously been held in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Japan, Canada and Australia.
Contact:
Rob Witherspoon,
Director Guelph Turfgrass Institute & Environmental Research Centre
(519) 824-4120, Ext. 6886
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 3338.
