Kevin Morris, Executive Director of NTEP, and Linda Pittillo Bradley, TPI President.

statistical and computer support for data analysis and reporting, etc. Te initial response was overwhelmingly favorable. Researchers and extension educators found the tests invaluable in learning about commercially available varieties and new experimental

selections. Seed companies and plant breeders could quickly learn where grasses performed best and under what management levels. Consumers liked the convenience of one source for unbiased variety information. Also, locating the plots mainly at state universities allowed them to be viewed by many people at field days. To see grasses growing side-by-side in field evaluations became very popular among the end-users in the turfgrass industry.

With the success of the 1980 National Kentucky Bluegrass Test, NTEP decided to coordinate a national perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) test in 1982. Tis test was the beginning of NTEP tests that required payment of an entry fee. Te entry fee for the 1982 National Perennial Ryegrass Test was US$1200.00. Te entry fees helped NTEP to hire a full-time Technical Coordinator and is now the basis for NTEP operations.

From 1983-86, NTEP continued with new tests of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), fineleaf fescue (Festuca spp.), bentgrass (Agrostis spp.), and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). In 1989, a st. augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) test was initiated, with buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) tests organized in 1991.

What You Need to Know

About NTEP: Structure Initially, NTEP was a program sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Turfgrass Council, a nonprofit turfgrass association in Maryland. Te Maryland Turfgrass Council provided the formal, legal structure necessary for NTEP to accept entry fees, pay employees, file tax forms, etc. In 1991, a non-profit corporation

TPI Turf News January/February 2017

was formed to administer NTEP. Tat organization, now called National Turfgrass Evaluation Program, Inc., handles the legal and administrative needs of NTEP. Te NTEP Policy Committee determines policy and procedures for NTEP and the members of the Policy Committee are the sole members of NTEP, Inc. In this way, the Policy Committee acts, in many respects, as a board of directors for NTEP, Inc.

Currently, the following groups or organizations have one representative on the NTEP Policy Committee: Regional Turfgrass Research Committees: Northeastern Region, Southern Region, North Central Region, and Western Region. Membership Associations: American Seed Trade Association - Lawn Seed Division (ASTA); Oregon Seed Association/Pacific Seed Association; Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA); Turfgrass Breeders Association (TBA); Turfgrass Producers International (TPI); and United States Golf Association (USGA). Te four regional turfgrass committees represent the four major geographical regions in the U.S. Individuals involved in these committees are mainly turfgrass scientists from state universities.

Each regional committee selects their NTEP representative. Teir representation on the Policy Committee gives a broad perspective on the problems and research needs across the U.S. Te industry membership associations appoint individuals to represent their segment of the turfgrass industry. Te NTEP Executive Director is a non-voting member of the Policy Committee. Te broad representation of private and public members gives the Policy Committee excellent perspective on the issues facing the turfgrass industry and how NTEP might address those issues.

Switch on the Rain with Rainlike Water

in ™

Bust salts & balance soils Better water penetration Superior soil capillary action Use 20% less water Greener, denser turf Use less fertilzers & inputs Mineral scale control Better flow & pressure

Chemical-free water softening treatment since 2008

888 820 0363 RainlikeWater.com 55