Eric Watkins

A major emphasis in recent years has been improving winter hardiness in perennial ryegrass using a number of different field and laboratory approaches including field-based screening, controlled environment evaluation, and metabolomics. My program has also led efforts to identify and improve low-input turfgrasses for various landscapes. In particular, we have demonstrated the usefulness of the underutilized fine fescue species for a number of turf management systems including roadsides, home lawns, and golf courses. We are now in the process of improving these fine fescue species for wider use in these environments through a federally funded multi-state breeding project. We have also made progress improving native prairie junegrass (Koeleria macrantha).