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Research
One of our primary lines of research explores how mineral nutrition governs plant resource allocation, endophyte-mediated resistance, arthropod performance and the efficacy of biological controls in turfgrass environments. Such studies aim to provide basic information on the structure and function of turfgrass communities and facilitate the integration of cultural and biological management tools. We also expect this work to advance the conceptual framework for the study of plant nutrition as it affects interactions between trophic levels.
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Because of the need for reduced reliance on chemical tools to manage pests in urban landscapes, there is an increasing need for research which better integrates cultural and biological tools. Our research addresses this demand by examining how common cultural practices/decisions such as fertilization, mowing and turfgrass species selection influence the efficacy and persistence of natural enemies with particular emphasis on entomopathogenic nematodes and Neotyphodium endophytes. |
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Studies designed to develop alternative turfgrass management strategies often deal with insects, weeds, and diseases independently, focusing on specific pest problems within one of these major pest categories. While such studies provide important biological and pest management information, they do not provide a holistic framework for managing turfgrass. In an effort to address the many hurdles that have frustrated the adoption of alternative management methodologies, our research program employs a highly multi-disciplinary approach to evaluate and describe entire suites of biological, economic and aesthetic parameters associated with divergent landscape management philisophies. This research aims to provide a broad basis for comparing the relative strengths and weaknesses of fundamentally different management approaches while allowing us clarify the trade-offs associated with each. |
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This project involves cooperation between Purdue University and several hundred homeowners located in Tippecanoe and surrounding Counties. We use detailed management information in conjunction with on site data collection to search for and describe relationships between management practices, physical and spatial features of the landscape, and biological characteristics of residential lawns. The primary goal of this project is to examine how urban pests and their natural enemies respond to a broad range of management approaches in the home landscape and to identify key factors which contribute to or reduce the pest problems in this environment. This research compliments and provides feedback for more controlled studies aimed at clarifying trade-offs associated with management tactics and inputs. [Visit Web site] |
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