Michael Fidanza, associate professor of horticulture at Penn State Berks, was awarded a grant from the United States Golf Association for a project titled “Evaluation of an Inorganic Soil Amendment to Reduce and Manage Fairy Ring Symptoms in Turfgrass.”

The primary objective of this project is to evaluate an alternative approach to conventional fungicide use for the reduction and control of fairy ring symptoms in golf course turf. The project is located in three geographical regions (Pennsylvania, Illinois, Idaho), with the Penn State Berks location coordinating the project. The amount of funding is $9,750 for 2011, with potential for renewal in 2012 and 2013.

Fidanza is the principal investigator. Co-principal investigators include Derek Settle of the Chicago District Golf Association, and Henry Wetzel III of Sustainable Pest Management Solutions, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Wetzel received a bachelors degree in agronomy from Penn State in 1992.

“In these uncertain economic times for Penn State, we are fortunate to be able to continue our research and teaching mission with the help of our industry partnerships,” Fidanza said.

Original story from Penn State Live.