M. C. Engelke

Texas Agricultural Experiment Station

Professor, Turfgrass Breeding, Genetics and Management

Ph.D. Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.S. Agronomy, University of Wisconsin - Madison
B.S. Agriculture, University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Turfgrass - Research

Primary Research Emphasis:

Breeding and development of turfgrasses for natural environmental conditions typical of the arid and semi-arid southwestern United States. Primary emphasis on the development of zoysiagrass, creeping bentgrass, and buffalograss. Major funding support through the United States Golf Association resulted in the release of six unique high quality heat-tolerant creeping bentgrasses (Crenshaw and Cato, 1993; Mariner, 1996; Century; and Imperial; 1997); and Backspin, 1998. Efforts continue in developing seeded and vegetative bentgrass cultivars with multiple physiological characters (MPCs) for the golf industry worldwide. USGA supported zoysiagrass research resulted in the 1996 release of four resource-efficient grasses: Cavalier, Crowne, Diamond and Palisades. Other species under genetic development include St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue and buffalograss with the release of Prairie buffalograss in 1989. The ultimate objective of the program is to develop resource-efficient cultivars biologically compatible with natural environmental conditions. In 1998, the program was redirected to concentrate on zoysiagrass breeding, with additional emphasis on bentgrass and zoysiagrass management systems. Particular attention is directed to developing cultural systems in support of sports turf research for low light conditions and recreational turf applications.

Experience:

Professor, Turfgrass Breeding, Genetics and Management 1994 - Present. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Breeding, Genetics and Management, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, 1980 - 1994. Turf and forage grass breeder, North American Plant Breeders, Ames, Iowa, 1979 - 1980. Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS, Grassland Research Center, Temple, Texas, 1976 - 1979. Post-doctoral Research Associate, Rockefeller Foundation, Oregon State University, 1974 -1976.

Honors and Awards:

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Distinguished Service Award, 1994.