Turfgrass Science and Physiology

Research Interests:

Stress physiology of turfgrass species, specifically, responses to temperature and nutrient availability. Turfgrass is a very important component of the urban landscape. From soil stabilization on roadsides to parks and golf courses turfgrass species are utilized in a number of different ways. My program tries to identify the factors which limit the growth and utility of turfgrass species and increase the understanding of the causes of these limitations. This knowledge will lead to a better understanding of the turfgrass ecosystem and better tools for effective turfgrass management.

"The say the grass is always greener... Find out Why!"

 Discovery Channel - Daily Planet; April 9, 2012
 http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/#clip654062  [15 sec ad + time: 0:59-6:10]

Selected Publications:

Lyons, E.M., K.S. Jordan, I.T. James, D.M. Hudner and D. McGowan. (2012). Irrigation frequency influences establishment of slivery thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) and rooting of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) on simulated golf greens. Acta Agricuturae Scandinavica, Section B – Plant Soil Science. In Press.

Watson, J., F. Hébert, E.M. Lyons, T. Blom, K.S. Jordan. (2012). Velvet bentgrass growth, rooting and quality with different root zone media and fertility regimes. Hortscience. 47:205-211.

Lyons, E.M., P. Landschoot and D. Huff. 2011. Root Distribution and tiller densities of creeping bentgrass cultivars and greens-type annual bluegrass cultivars in a putting green. HortScience. 46:1411-1417.

Gaudin, A., S. McClymont, B. Holmes, E. Lyons and M. Raizada. (2011). Novel temporal, fine-scale and growth variation phenotypes in roots of adult-stage maize (Zea mays L.) in response to low nitrogen stress. Plant, Cell and Environment. 34:2122-2137.

Lyons, E.M., K. Jordan, K. Carey. (2009). Use of wetting agents to relieve hydrophobicity in sand rootzone putting greens. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 11:1131-1138.

Lyons, E.M., R.S. Snyder and J.P. Lynch. (2008). Regulation of root distribution and depth by phosphorus localization in Agrostis stolonifera. HortScience. 43:2203-2209.

Elford, E.M.A., F. Tardif, D. Robinson and E.M. Lyons. (2008). The Effect of Perennial Ryegrass Overseeding on Weed Suppression and Sward Composition. Weed Technology. 22:231-239.

Lyons, E.M., J. Pote, M. Dacosta and B. Huang. (2007). Whole-plant carbon relations and root respiration associated with root tolerance to high soil temperatures in Agrostis species. Journal of Environmental Experimental Botany. 59: 307-313

Teaching:

The development of the next generation of turfgrass managers through a solid foundation in plant science and an understanding of the diversity of turfgrass systems. Emphasizing the both the practical skills and the problem solving skills needed to be a successful turfgrass manager.

Courses taught:

Fall:
    HORT*2450: Introduction to Turfgrass Science
    DTM*3000: Turfgrass Management II
    PLNT*6490: Physiology of Ornamentals and Turfgrass