Turf algae are becoming more abundant on coral reefs worldwide, but their effects on other benthic organisms remain poorly described. To describe the general characteristics of competitive interactions between corals and turf algae, we determined the occurrence and outcomes of coral-turf algal interactions among different coral growth forms (branching, upright, massive, encrusting, plating, and...

As restrictions on water use, fertilization, and pesticide applications continue to increase, golf course superintendents will need to use grass species that require reduced inputs. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternative turfgrass species under lowinput fairways conditions. In 2005, 17 species were established on native soil in St. Paul, MN. Each species was evaluated at three ...

Turf algae are multispecies communities of small marine macrophytes that are becoming a dominant component of coral reef communities around the world. To assess the impact of turf algae on corals, we investigated the effects of increased nutrients (eutrophication) on the interaction between the Caribbean coral Montastraea annularis and turf algae at their growth boundary. We also assessed wheth...

Microplastic content was analyzed in road dust, soils alongside roads and stormwater run-offs Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi. Apart from tire wear material, fibers degradation products of meso- macroplastics such as plastic bags bottle tops were found to be the most dominant microparticles. Speed bumps artificial turf/lawns also evaluated potential sources microplastics on roads. It that arid regions A...

Drought stress encumbers the growth of turfgrass principally by disrupting the plant-water relations and physiological functions. The present study was carried out to appraise the role of silicon (Si) in improving the drought tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Drought stress and four levels (0, 200, 400, and 800 mg L(-1)) of Si (Na2SiO3·9H2O) were imposed after 2 months old pla...

Artificial surfaces are now an established alternative to grass (natural) surfaces in rugby union. Little is known, however, about their potential to reduce injury. This study characterises the spinal kinematics of rugby union hookers during scrummaging on third-generation synthetic (3G) and natural pitches. The spine was sectioned into five segments, with inertial sensors providing three-dimen...

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the risk of acute injuries among youth male and female footballers playing on third-generation artificial turf compared with grass. Over 60,000 players 13-19 years of age were followed in four consecutive Norway Cup tournaments from 2005 to 2008. Injuries were recorded prospectively by the team coaches throughout each tournament. The o...

Anthracnose is a destructive disease of weakened or senescent turf caused by the fungus Colletotrichum cereale. The disease occurs throughout the world on almost all turfgrass species but is particularly severe on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). It has been suggested that management practices commonly employed on golf courses may be enhancing abiotic stress and thus predisposing turf to anthra...