Industry Update: Turfgrass with Drs. Shimat Joseph, Patrick McCullough, Alfredo Martinez, and Clint Waltz


Dr. Patrick McCullough discussed impending EPA restrictions on the herbicide Ronstar, which could significantly affect its use on golf courses, sod farms, and athletic fields. The restrictions raise the need for alternative weed management strategies. Dr. Shamat Joseph provided insights into managing pests like Fall Armyworm and Bermuda Grass Mite, emphasizing timely identification and cultural management. Dr. Alfredo Martínez highlighted the importance of fall for preventive turfgrass disease management, particularly for diseases like Dollar Spot and Rhizoctonia Large Patch. Dr. Clint Waltz rounded out the discussion with best practices for turfgrass maintenance, focusing on proper mowing techniques, fertilization timing, and the benefits of robotic mowers for maintaining healthy turf.


00:00 Introduction and Speaker Introduction
00:23 Updates on Ronstar Herbicide Restrictions
05:27 Alternative Herbicides and New Restrictions
09:15 Fall Weed Management Strategies
14:44 Entomology: Polonium and Bermuda Grass Mites
26:13 Introduction to Turfgrass Diseases
31:42 Advanced Fungicide Products
32:17 Bipolaris Leaf Spot on Bermuda Grass
33:05 Potassium Levels and Disease Management
34:57 Crown and Sheath Diseases
39:21 Mowing Practices for Turf Health
44:34 Robotic Mowers: The Future of Lawn Care
47:53 Fertilization Strategies for Different Seasons
52:57 Soil Chemistry and pH Management
56:38 Q&A Session