ITRC 2025: Research Signals for Turf

Turf disease management remains front and centre

One thing was clear: turf disease management continues to be a major focus across the industry. Dollar Spot featured heavily, with several papers exploring the topic in depth. I also appreciated the comprehensive review of 15 years of research into Spring Dead Spot, a disease I have been asked about increasingly over the last few years.

That said, it was surprising there wasn’t more focus on Integrated Turf Management (ITM) as a broader framework for disease control. In European situations, where plant protection options are reducing, ITM will play a central role in turf management in the future. It’s an area where strategy, planning, and the right product choices will become even more critical.

Saitama Stadium, home of the Urawa Red Diamonds, and a venue for the Japanese national team. One of the stops on our field tour at the conference.

Integrated Turf Management needs greater attention

In Europe, the direction of travel is clear. As plant protection options continue to reduce, turf managers will increasingly rely on integrated strategies rather than single-solution fixes. Research and discussion in this area will need to accelerate to reflect the realities faced on the ground.

Technology and AI move closer to practical application

Another exciting direction was the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in turf management. A full symposium on ‘the future of mowing’ highlighted developments in autonomous mowing, with several papers showing tangible benefits of using this technology in turfgrass systems. This technology will undoubtedly continue to advance, helping to improve sustainability, optimise labour use, and address the ongoing challenges of staffing. It’s encouraging to see research in this area moving from concept to practical application, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a more familiar sight on courses and sports fields.

A big thank you to our Japanese hosts and ITRC President Hideaki Tonogi for organising such a well-run and impactful conference. I’m already looking forward to Guelph, Canada in 2029.”

“It was a real privilege to attend ITRC 2025 in Karuizawa, Japan. Turf events like this are invaluable for staying on top of the latest industry research, exchanging ideas, and engaging in turf science-focused discussions. The word map below gives a nice overview of the key themes covered.