Research visit in a collaborative project between the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), University of Minnesota and University of Massachusetts
By Sigridur Dalmannsdottir, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research
Project Ice-Breaker
I had the opportunity to spend a time at both the University of Minnesota and the University of Massachusetts this spring (Figure 1). This research collaboration is within a Norwegian-funded project “Ice-Breaker” led by Dr. Trygve Aamlid at NIBIO Landvik in South Norway. The aim of the project is to reduce the agronomic and economic impact of ice damage on golf courses and other grasslands caused by a more unstable winter climate. The project is divided into 6 objectives and in objective 4 collaboration between Norway and USA is included. In this objective we are investigating the impact of oxidative stress after return to aerobic conditions. Greenkeepers and grassland farmers often claim that it is not the winter but the spring that kills the grass; one reason for this may be the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that impair photosynthesis after ice melt. Also, combination of low temperature and long photoperiods or high light intensity in spring after late ice melt or ice removal is likely to increase the risk for photoinhibition, a damage to the photosynthetic system. Therefore, these physiological responses need to be quantified.
Field trial in Minnesota
I was welcomed by Dr. Eric Watkins and his team to stay for 3 weeks in St. Paul at the University of Minnesota. In the field trial we tested five species with varying level of anoxia tolerance (Table 1).
| Species | Variety |
|---|---|
| Creeping bentgrass | Luminary |
| Velvet bentgrass | Nordlys |
| Slender creeping red fescue | Cezanne |
| Chewings fescue | Radar |
| Annual bluegrass | Two Putt |
The experimental plots were established on a sand-based green in a randomized block design with 4 replicates in summer 2021. From December an ice layer was created and kept until March, almost 90 days. For more detail see these articles: Greens Height Cool Season Turfgrass Survival Under Ice Encasement by Andrew Hollman and Making Ice, Killing Grass by Gary Deters.
After ice melt the plots showed a variable survival of the different species. Annual bluegrass was mostly dead, while velvet bentgrass, of the Norwegian variety ‘Nordlys’, seemed to have the best survival. During the first days and weeks after ice melt the plots were measured for chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm values) and absorption of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging (Figure 2). Photos were also taken of the plot to score turf grass quality and green cover. Velvet bentgrass had also the highest Fv/Fm and PAR values, an indication of a more intact photosystem compared to the other species, especially annual bluegrass. The experiment will be repeated next season.
During my stay I also participated in an open field day for greenkeepers organized by Eric Watkins, Kristine Moncada and the turfgrass team at the University of Minnesota (Figure 3). It was interesting to hear about the challenges greenkeepers in the area are experiencing. This was an exceptionally cold spring day in April and even a Nordic Viking girl like me needed to warm up with a hot chocolate afterwards!
Experiment in the laboratory in Massachusetts
After my stay in Minnesota, I was welcomed to the University of Massachusetts by Dr. Michelle DaCosta and her team in Amherst for another 3 weeks (Figure 4). There we performed an experiment in the laboratory with similar aim as the field trial in Minnesota. We used the same species, except that we excluded Chewing fescue. You can read more about this study in a recent blog post by Dr. DaCosta. The PhD students Jeff and Katie must be acknowledged for their dedicated work on the project.
Collaboration between Norway and USA
We are surely benefitting from our collaboration across continents and across turfgrass and forage grass fields. I have been working on winter hardiness in forage grasses in Tromsø, Norway and Iceland for the last years, and being introduced to group of turfgrass researchers has given me a broader perspective about winter hardiness of grasses. Working in a good collaboration with green keepers also gives an added value to the work. We are experiencing many of the similar challenges with changing winter climate in both Europe and USA. To join forces and work together gives us more advantages to understand the mechanism behind plant winter stresses and to find adoptive strategies to deal with the challenges. I want to thank both Eric and Michelle and their teams for welcoming me and making my stay a wonderful experience (Figures 5 and 6). Not only scientifically, but also did I get to know so many fantastic people whose friendships I take with me.
