In this episode, Josh talks with Dr. John Dempsey an independent turfgrass researcher with years of experience both as a greenkeeper and a superintendent who has dedicated his career to understanding phosphite’s role in turfgrass health. He delves into how phosphite enhances plant defence mechanisms, suppresses common turf diseases, and can be integrated into an existing IPM or fertility program. Dr. Dempsey shares best practices and surprising insights from his research, empowering turf managers to keep their playing surfaces in optimal condition.

In this episode of The Turf Hub Podcast, Joshua Thomason is joined by Dr. Jonathan Knowles, Head of the Sportsturf Academy at Leicester City Football Club. Together, they explore how the Academy is shaping the future of the sports turf industry through innovative training and education. Jonathan discusses the Academy’s comprehensive approach to supporting turf professionals from delivering industry-recognised qualifications such as BASIS and FACTS, to providing practical learning opportunities through their upcoming courses. The conversation also highlights the Academy’s dedicated disease diagnosis service, which offers vital support for turf managers in diagnosing turfgrass diseases.

Courses can be found www.lcfc.com/pages/en/sta-courses

In this episode of The Turf Hub Podcast, host Josh Thomason speaks with Dr. Richard Binks from Koppert to explore how nematodes can provide an effective, sustainable approach to controlling leatherjackets and chafer grubs. The conversation centers on two key products: Sportnem T (Steinernema carpocapsae) and Sportnem H (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora). Dr. Binks shares best practices for application timing, soil preparation, and monitoring, along with insights into future innovations in biological pest management.

Join us for an insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity TurfHub Podcast (Disease Series) as we delve into Grey Leaf Spot (GLS) a prevalent and increasingly challenging disease affecting sports turf, particularly within football stadium environments.

Host Joshua Thomason is joined by Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist with deep expertise in turf disease management. Deborah shares practical strategies for identifying and diagnosing Grey Leaf Spot, providing valuable insights into its biology and behaviour.

Josh also speaks with Head Groundsmen Gareth Abernethy Fulham FC (Craven Cottage) and James Williams London Stadium, who share their first-hand experience managing the disease in elite stadiums. Together, they discuss cultural practices that can help reduce disease pressure, as well as both fungicidal and non-fungicidal control options available to turf managers.

Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Dollar Spot, a prevalent disease impacting sportsturf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specialising in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and treating Dollar Spot. Additionally, Dan Kendle, has been working in the industry for over 25 years and is Head Greenkeeper at Newquay Golf Club, he sits down with Joshua and shares the best management practices he uses to keep Dollar Spot under control throughout the season

CPD points reference code: CP/148463/2425/k

In this episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast, host Josh Thomason sits down with molecular biologist Dr. Deborah Cox to unravel one of the most under-discussed yet significant aspects of sportsturf management: nematodes. Although these microscopic roundworms typically go unnoticed, their influence on turf health is profound some species can enhance soil quality and nutrient cycling, while parasitic varieties can undermine even the most diligently maintained grass surfaces.Together, Josh and Debs explore how to recognize common parasitic nematodes, the differences between endo- and ecto-parasitic types, and the importance of proper soil testing. You’ll learn about the typical symptoms of a nematode infestation, practical turf management strategies, and how factors like climate and venue type (stadium vs. golf course) can shape nematode populations.

CPD point ref code: CP/148461/2425/k

Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Microdochium Patch, a prevalent disease impacting sports turf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specializing in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and identifying this turfgrass disease. Josh discusses the cultural practices that can be implemented to reduce the virulence of the disease, along with the non-fungicidal and fungicidal options that can be used.

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In this episode , Matt, a life long Swindon Town fan and now head groundsman talks us through the summers renovations at The County Ground. We discuss how he got into the industry, his career highs so far and find out more about his approach to maintaining top class playing surfaces in a stadium environment.

Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Anthracnose, a prevalent disease impacting sportsturf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specialising in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and treating Anthracnose. Additionally, James Braithwaite, has been working in the industry for over 30 years and is Golf Course Manager at Long Ashton Golf Club, he sits down with Joshua and shares the best management practices he uses to keep Anthracnose under control throughout the season. With a bonus insight from Richard Ponsford, Course Manager at Clevedon Golf Course; Richard gives his invaluable first hand experience in dealing with Anthracnose.

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Inspiring the future generation - The GMA's NextGen is a group of talented young grounds professionals representing the grounds management industry as ambassadors for the GMA with the aim of inspiring young people to join the sector.

In this episode, ambassadors Jack Langley (Bristol City) Beth Gibbs (Wellington School) and Louise Saunders (Premier Sports Surfaces) talk to us about their aims and objectives to promote the next generation of grounds professionals.

Workforce development has become increasingly important over recent years, with research revealing that 20% of grounds staff could potentially leave the sector over coming years due to an ageing workforce, with two in five grounds professionals being over the age of 50.

The GMA's NextGen ambassador group are on a mission to change this trend by targeting young people, including those still at school and those at the start of their careers, and introducing them to the world of careers that can be found in grounds management.

CPD points reference: CP/139251/2425/K