Just add (less) water

Tough grass ... (from left) Dr Lambrides, Mr Davidson and Professor Godwin

UQ researchers have embarked on a $3 million research project with industry partners to develop more water-efficient turf grass varieties.

The project aims to help Australians maintain lush green lawns while still reducing water consumption in their gardens.

The project has been funded by a four-year Australian Research Council Linkage grant. Industry partners are Australia’s largest turf producers, the Jimboomba Turf Group, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), and the Council of Mayors.

It is the brainchild of School of Land, Crop and Food Sciences lecturer, Dr Chris Lambrides, who will lead the project with Dr Don Loch from the DPI&F.

According to project supervisor, Associate Professor Ian Godwin, approximately one-third of domestic water is applied to the garden, including lawns.

The project will involve developing an innovative turf-breeding program using native germplasm.

“We will use the unique diversity of Australian couch grasses to identify new turfs for domestic, sports ground and amenity lawns,” he said.

Managing Director of Jimboomba Turf Group, Lynn Davidson, said the project was “the most significant development undertaken for the Australian turf grass industry”.

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