TN Turf Tuesdays

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 [email protected].

“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.