In this session we are joined by Dr. Jason Henderson and Victoria Wallace from the University of Connecticut. Since a pesticide ban was enacted in school grounds in 2010, Jason and Victoria have working to aid turfgrass managers in Connecticut navigate this issue. They will share lessons learned over the past decade regarding turfgrass managers’ response to this legislation.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Micah Woods. Through his work with the Asian Turfgrass Center and Pace Turf, Micah provides guidance to golf courses and sports fields across the globe regarding the effects of organic matter and fertilizer programs on turfgrass quality and performance. We discuss how modern measurements such as clipping volume and minimum levels for sustainable nutrition (MLSN) can facilitate growth such that pest incidence is lowered.

In this episode we are joined by Chris Hurley with Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. As a sports field manager at Gillette Stadium, Chris is responsible for preparing high quality surfaces for both the National Football League and Major League Soccer. We’ll discuss the process of optimizing turfgrass quality and minimizing pest invasion at the professional level, balancing non-sporting events (e.g., concerts) with turfgrass maintenance practices, and more.

In this episode we are joined by Brad Jean from Crossroads Sod in Belvidere, TN. Brad shares his experiences working in sod production over the past two decades and speaks to the growth of the industry across the state. Additionally, we delve into new turfgrass cultivars being produced that offer reduced pest management inputs.

In this episode we are joined by Mitchell Mote, from UT Extension – Rutherford County. Mitchell has over 30+ years of turfgrass management experience in Tennessee. We’ll discuss changes in pest management that have occurred over his distinguished career in Extension, particularly those pertaining to lawn care.

The 23nd FIFA World Cup will be coming to North America in 2026 and UT researchers are actively working behind the scenes to prepare fields for play. In this episode we are joined by Drs. John Sorochan, Kyley Dickson, and Rhys Fielder to learn more about on-going research in advance for the 2026 World Cup. They’ll discuss agronomic and pest management challenges associated with growing sod on plastic, maintaining turfgrasses in reduced light conditions and more.

The world of golf visited Valhalla Golf Club for the PGA Championship in May and UT alumnus, John Ballard was at the center of the action. John is the Course Superintendent at Valhalla Golf Club and lead the facility through a multi-year renovation project in advance of the PGA Championship. In this episode, he’ll discuss the agronomic practices and pest management interventions deployed in advance of the event to produce surfaces for the highest level of competition.

In this episode we are joined by UT alumnus, Andy Perry. In recent years some of the largest golf course properties in the region have undertaken major re-sodding projects and Andy has played a key role in getting zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and more from the farm to the field. He’ll discuss the agronomic and pest management practices that surround these re-sodding decisions and also provide an update on the “Vols in Turf” alumni association.

Originally designed by C.B. McDonald, The Lido Golf Club opened in 1914 off the coast of New York but was demolished during World War II. In 2023, the course was rebuilt at Sand Valley Resort in Neekosha, WI and is currently being maintained by UT alumnus, Jimmy Humston. In this episode, we will discuss the environmental hurdles faced during construction as well as the agronomic and pest management challenges associated with managing fine fescue surfaces on sand dunes.

In this episode we are joined by two of the newest turfgrass scientists in the southeastern region, Dr. Wendell Hutchens and Dr. Hannah Wright-Smith with the University of Arkansas. Researchers actively working in the fields of turfgrass pathology and weed science, they’ll share updates on their current programs relevant for those managing cool- and warm-season turfgrass. Additionally, we will touch on the effect the Endangered Species Act may have on pesticide registration in the future.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Frank Rossi of Cornell University. A pioneer in using podcasts to share turfgrass research findings, Dr. Rossi will discuss his latest work on sustainable turfgrass management, particularly practices that reduce nutrient use and pesticide inputs. Learn about how Dr. Rossi’s research practices have helped golf courses, cemeteries, and everything in between.

In this episode we are joined by Eddie Harbaugh, CSFM. Eddie is a Sport Field Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles. A leader in the sports field industry, Eddie will discuss his use of alternative grasses at Lincoln Financial Field and how integrating optimal agronomic practices on his fields has affected pest management strategies. We touch on a number of topics in this session. Eddie can be reached with additional questions at EHarbaugh@eagles.nfl.com.  

“The incredible, edible egg….” “Meat, it’s what’s for dinner….” These slogans were born in part from checkoff programs within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Casey Reynolds from Turfgrass Producers International to discuss the turfgrass sod checkoff being discussed within the USDA, how it will affect pest management, turfgrass production, and more. Learn the details of this program and why it’s important to you.

Supply chain is a term that everyone in turfgrass has become familiar with since the pandemic. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jeff Marvin from PBI Gordon Corporation to discuss supply chain issues affecting pesticide products used for turfgrass management.

Diseases are a problem for everyone in turfgrass. Whether it’s brown patch on tall fescue lawns, anthracnose affecting Poa annua, or spring dead spot of bermudagrass, there are many pathogens to control. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jesse Benelli from Envu Environmental Sciences to discuss the latest fungicide technologies available for disease control in the transition zone.

We are joined by Dr. Becky Bowling, the newest addition to the UT Turfgrass Team. Dr. Becky Bowling will be taking over for the legendary Dr. Tom Samples who retired in 2022. In this episode, we will learn about Dr. Bowling’s background in the turfgrass industry and how she plans to engage with turfgrass managers on pest management issues in the future.

Dollar spot is a common pathogen of both warm- and cool-season turfgrasses worldwide. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Paul Koch for a discussion of all things dollar spot. Learn about the latest research regarding the relationship between nitrogen and dollar spot incidence, predictive modeling, new fungicides, and more.

The 22nd FIFA World Cup came to a captivating conclusion in the summer of 2022. In this episode, we are joined by agronomists to discuss pest management and agronomic challenges associated with playing surface setup in Qatar, as well as what is in store for the 23rd edition of this tournament heading to the Americas in 2026.

Pesticide products used for turfgrass management are regularly re-evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency using the latest information available. In this episode, we are joined by Chava McKeel, Director of Government Affairs for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. She’ll provide an update on the latest regulatory changes affecting active ingredients such as oxadiazon, PCNB, and more.

The growing season may be slowing down but there is still work to be done. Shoulder season weed and disease pests commonly invade warm-season turfgrasses during autumn and turfgrass managers need to prepare accordingly. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Dave McCall (Virginia Tech) and Jordan Booth (United States Golf Association) to discuss the latest strategies for controlling spring dead spot, as well as large patch, Poa annua, and more.