TurPh.Dudes Podcast

In episode #50, the TurPh.Dudes are joined by Dr. Rebecca Williams-Wagner and Dr. Phil Dwyer to discuss biologicals in the turfgrass industry, and an exciting new microbial product called Azo Root. We discuss the history of biological products in the turfgrass industry, pitfalls and shortcomings that have led to poor performance as well as new advancements in packaging technology from 3bar Biologics that help to optimize the performance of these living organisms. The discussion dives further into the mode of action of Azospirillum and the research that has shown how it helps in growing healthier roots in both cool and warm season turfgrass.

In Episode #49 The TurPhDudes are joined by Dr. Jim Kerns. Dr. Kerns focuses on etiology, epidemiology and the management of diseases of both warm- and cool-season grasses. His research program focuses on understanding the biology of ultradwarf bermudagrass diseases, large patch of zoysiagrass, plant parasitic nematodes in turf, and diseases of creeping bentgrass. The mission of the program is to provide efficacious and cost-effective management strategies to turfgrass managers in NC and beyond.

In Episode #48 the TurPh.Dudes are joined by Dr. Ming-Yi Chou, Rutgers University. Dr. Chou focuses on evaluating and developing efficient cool season turfgrass disease management measures, including cultural practices, disease prediction models, synthetic fungicides, and biorational agents targeting diseases important to the Northeast. A few of which are dollar spot, brown patch, anthracnose, and summer patch. His research efforts are centered on plant-soil-microbiome interactions in turfgrass, with an emphasis on how these interactions and coevolution collectively contribute to disease suppression.

In Episode #47 The TurPh.Dudes are joined by Brian Laurent, the founder and CEO of Propel Solutions, LLC and the Superintendent Network. Brian’s work is focused on supporting golf course superintendents as an association executive director, marketing director, communication specialist, and more. In this episode we hit on Brian’s experience documenting events at some of golf’s biggest stages and tips for superintendents to enhance communication between the agronomy team, the paying customer, and other facility personnel.

In Episode #44 the TurPhDudes are joined by Steve McDonald, Chief Plot Sprayer of Turfgrass Disease Solutions, a private turfgrass research and consulting firm based outside of Philadelphia, PA. In this episode, the guys discuss ongoing annual bluegrass weevil management trends.

In Episode #44 The TurPhDudes are joined by Stephen Ohlson, Vice President of GreenSight. In this episode the guys discuss a new digital tool for turfgrass management, GreenSight's TurfCloud. TurfCloud empowers the Golf Course Superintendent with next-generation tools to proactively monitor and manager their turf and their teams through the integration of robotics, A.I. drive automated data analysis, and cloud based planning tools.

In Episode #44 The TurPhDudes are joined by Dr. Mike Fidanza, Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences at Penn State. In this episode the guys discuss fairy ring management, Dr. Fidanza’s ancestral roots as a mushroom farmer, and “The Raymond,” a renowned breakfast dish in Lakeland, FL.

In Episode #43 The TurPhDudes are joined by Dr. Aaron Palmateer as a new member of the Harrell’s Agronomy Team. Dr. Palmateer is a respected agronomist in the ornamental production industry and brings a depth of ornamental knowledge and experience that is unique to the team. In this episode the guys are also joined by a special guest, Jack Harrell III.

In Episode #42 The TurPhDudes are joined by Dr. Jim Brosnan, Professor, University of Tennessee and Josh Cook, Superintendent of Pensacola Country Club. In this episode the guys discuss the current state of Poa annua herbicide resistance, effective management techniques, and communication strategies for club members and other stakeholders.

In Episode #41 The TurPhDudes are joined by Dr. Florence Sessoms, Turfgrass Researcher at University of Minnesota. In this interview Dr. Sessoms discusses her research into interactions of turfgrass with soil microbial communities and mycorrhizal associations.

In Episode #40 The TurPhDudes are joined by Dr. Lee Miller, Assistant Professor & Extension Turfgrass Pathologist at Purdue University. In this interview Dr. Miller discusses his recent move to Purdue, turf disease diagnostics, fairy ring management, nitrogen source effect on disease, and the influence of Pythium spp. populations in irrigation water on Pythium turf epidemics.

In Episode #39 Dr. Jeff Atkinson is joined by Brian Haga, Owner of Scientific Plant Service of Baltimore, Maryland. In this interview Mr. Haga discusses Scientific Plant Service’s unique business model, the variety of services they provide, and how an efficient agronomic program contributes to their success during a tight labor market.

In Episode #38 the TurPhDudes are joined by Jim Moon, Harrell’s Director of Procurement and Compliance, and a recipient of Harrell’s 2021 Sales Support Professional of the Year award. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss the fertilizer supply chain, particularly how Harrell’s is working to navigate uncharted supply chain waters. We also take a break mid-show for Jim to extinguish a house fire.

In Episode #37 the TurPhDudes are joined by the Dr. Billy Crow, University of Florida Professor of Nematology. In this episode we discuss lance nematode management, why nematode assay numbers may be misleading, and how disease, environmental stress, and nematodes can all be related.

In Episode #36 the TurPhDudes are joined by the AgDude, Dr. Tom Reed, Harrell’s Specialty Agriculture Director of Agronomy. In this episode we introduce Dr. Tom Reed and discuss how fertilizer technology is changing the way we grow crops.

In Episode #34 the TurPhDudes are joined by Dr. Paul Koch, Professor in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant Pathology and all-around expert on all things snow mold. In this episode we discuss fungicide selection, application timing, and a bonus, do fungicides impact soil microbial communities?

In Episode #35 the TurPh.Dudes are joined by Crystal Rose-Fricker, President of Pure Seed. In this episode we discuss the dynamics influencing the unprecedented seed market, seed variety development, and the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance.

In Episode #33 we have the privilege to introduce the newest member of the TurPh.Dudes team, Paul Giordano. As a trained plant pathologist, Paul is a valuable asset to the team. In this episode we discuss Paul’s background, his research into bacterial etiolation and decline, and his experience so far working with the Harrell’s team.

In Episode #32 the TurPh.Dudes are joined by Mountain View Seeds Division Manager Aaron Kuenzi and Director of Agronomy Dr. Gregg Munshaw for a wide-ranging discussion on bentgrass seed variety research and development, quality control, and current seed market dynamics.

Episode #31 is the second of a two-part series on zoysiagrass management. In this episode we sit down with Golf Course Superintendent Don Garrett of The Walker Course at Clemson University. During Don’s tenure the Walker Course has transformed from a bentgrass course in the south to one of the handful of courses utilizing zoysiagrass as a putting surface. When considering a switch from bentgrass, ultradwarf bermudagrass was not an option because of limited sunlight on many of the Walker Course’s putting surfaces and limitations on tree removal. In this episode we ask Don about his experience making the switch from bentgrass to zoysiagrass and tips for managing a high-quality zoysiagrass putting surface.