International links built with scientists through the IVMP

During the three years of the IVMP project links have been forged between researchers here in Australia and scientists in the USA that are working in the field of turf and roadside vegetation management. In particular, a strong scientific relationship has been developed with Prof. Fred Yelverton and Travis Gannon from North Carolina State University (NCSU). Much of the premise behind the IVMP project was based on the research of these scientists, so having them involved with the project played a large part in its success.

In the early stages of the IVMP project, the project manager, Steve Hampton, and the CEO of Technigro, Nick Bloor, visited the US. The purpose of this visit was to look at integrated management strategies for mown vegetation in the US, from appropriate species selection through to the use of plant growth regulators and herbicides with growth regulatory effects.

The project representatives met with a broad spectrum of people involved in vegetation management in the US, including Prof. Yelverton, so as to better understand the successes and challenges faced by researchers, asset owners, asset managers, Vegetation Management service providers and product suppliers.

Fred Yelverton is a Professor of Crop Science and Extension Specialist, and is also Co-director of the Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education (CENTERE) at NCSU. His specialist research interests include weed management systems in turfgrasses, the ecology of turfgrass weeds, and the ecological and physiological effects of plant growth regulators on turfgrasses. 

Fred visited Australia for two weeks in September 2010, during which time he worked closely with other members of the IVMP Technical Team and had the opportunity to interact with local vegetation managers and gain an understanding of the management issues we face here in Australia. He also gave presentations on IVM at the Vegetation Manager's Forum at the Gold Coast on 21 September, before heading over to Christchurch, New Zealand, where he was the keynote speaker at the 17th Australasian Weeds Conference.

      

Travis Gannon (left) discusses IVM with Technigro staff

Travis Gannon assists Prof. Yelverton in coordinating projects in all facets of weed management and plant growth regulator use in turf including sports turf, golf courses, and roadsides. He is currently completing his PhD and has worked closely with the North Carolina Department of Transport devising Integrated Vegetation Management plans for roadsides and other non-crop areas. Travis visited Australia in August 2009 and gave some insightful direction for the final year of IVMP project, based on his experiences from the US. He also gave a presentation to over 80 attendees at the IVMP Vegetation Managers Forum on 19th of August 2009.

Both Fred and Travis are excited by the fact that IVM is gaining a foothold here in Australia and are interested in the directions that we are going in. They are keen to collaborate on future IVM projects, and we are looking forward to working with them in the coming years.

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