A variety of Pythium species are known to infect turfgrasses across the world. Some of these issues, like Pythium blight, can show up quickly overnight, while root Pythiums may lurk around unsuspected before quickly causing significant decline. The biology of Pythiums is very different from many of the fungal pathogens often targeted in traditional fungicide programming, meaning management can also require unique chemistries. In this 60-minute webinar, Joseph Roberts, Ph.D., will cover the array of Pythium diseases, how they infect both cool- and warm-season turfgrasses, and what management options are available for control. Multiple fungicides are available, both old and new, for preventing Pythium development and maintaining turfgrass health. You’ll gain an understanding of what new tools are available, how they compare to older chemistries, and what a proper program could look like across the 2023 growing season.
About the Instructor
Joseph Roberts, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and extension specialist in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University. Roberts earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry from North Carolina State University, a master’s in plant biology and pathology from Rutgers University, and his Ph.D. in plant pathology from NC State. Roberts’ research and extension program focuses on innovative methods to combat pathogens that impact both cool- and warm-season turfgrass species.