The GTI Advisor 14(1)

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Advisory Reports

From the Editor

Welcome to the fourteenth year of publication of The GTI Advisor. 2009 certainly promises to be an exciting year in the turfgrass industry particularly here in Ontario with the introduction of the new Cosmetic Pesticide Ban. Critics have suggested that the ban is being rolled out with insufficient information and support for both professional turf managers and homeowners. Those in support of the ban see it as an opportunity to rethink our approach to management of greenspaces in the province. It will be interesting to see public reaction to the ban as it has been overshadowed by the constant stream of negative economic news dominating the popular media. Time will tell.

This coming season should also be a busy one at the GTI. A number of new research projects are being developed and we are also planning the construction of a new teaching/demonstration area that will include a broad range of common and uncommon turfgrass species. We are even going to take a shot at growing some warm season grasses although we may be reestablishing them from year to year. The new area will be located immediately adjacent to the Frost Centre and will serve to inform students, industry professionals and the general public as well as provide a source of plant material for potential future research projects. Watch this space for updates as we move forward in the season.

Turf Diploma Program Update

Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management students finished up their final exams earlier this week. First years students are headed out to their internship positions across Canada as well as in the United States and even England where one enterprising student has taken an internship with the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club. Most of the graduate students have secured employment with grads headed as far away as Scotland and Germany.

We are in the middle of our admissions process for September, 2009 entry to the program. Applications are up this year over 2008 but we still have positions available for interested students. If you are interested in the program, or perhaps know someone who might be a good candidate, please contact me as soon as possible and I can assist in securing a position in the program for this coming Fall.

Turf Managers Short Course

The 2008 edition of the Turf Managers Short Course finished up at the end of February. An enthusiastic group of 41 students from across the country reluctantly left Guelph with all of them successfully completing the program. We are just finalizing the short course awards and should have the annoucement posted in the next issue of The GTI Advisor.

GTI Turf Diagnostic Clinic Now Open

Dr. Katerina Jordan and Erica Gunn are ready and waiting for the first turf samples to begin to arrive at the diagnostic clinic. If you have a turf problem, you can contact the clinic by following this link.

Irrigation Workshop

Response to the second offering of the GTI Irrigation Technicians Course has been excellent. The course covers everything from soil and plant requirements to equipment and troubleshooting. Held over two days on April 18th & 19th the course is an excellent refresher for individuals interested in upgrading their skills prior to the season. For more information, follow this link.