In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I break down the peer-reviewed Crop Science article “Mowing Strategies and Dew Removal to Minimize Dollar Spot on Creeping Bentgrass” by Ellram, Horgan, and Hulke (2007).

This study evaluates how mowing time, dew removal frequency, blade sharpness, and leaf wetness duration (LWD) influence dollar spot severity on creeping bentgrass fairways. I explain why mowing at 4:00 AM consistently reduced dollar spot compared to 10:00 AM, why daily dew removal outperformed alternate-day removal, and why dull mower blades did not increase disease despite common belief. The controlled-environment data also show lesion size increased dramatically as leaf wetness duration extended from 6 to 18 hours.

If you manage creeping bentgrass, battle dollar spot, or want to better understand the role of irrigation timing, dew removal, and cultural disease control, this video connects classic research to modern integrated pest management strategies.

Subscribe for more turfgrass disease management, dollar spot research, and evidence-based golf course agronomy discussions focused on how we know what we know. Become a member of Turfgrass Epistemology and support turfgrass research: www.youtube.com/@TurfgrassEpistemology/join

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Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I discuss the Purdue Extension publication “Common Diseases on Cool-Season Lawns” (BP-218-W), a practical guide to identifying and managing diseases on Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue.

This publication outlines major lawn diseases including dollar spot, brown patch, Pythium blight, red thread, rust, summer patch, gray leaf spot, and leaf spot/melting out, while also emphasizing the critical distinction between biotic diseases and abiotic disorders such as compaction, drought, and nutrient stress. I explain why accurate diagnosis requires understanding host species, environmental conditions, and disease spread patterns—not just visual symptoms.

If you manage cool-season lawns, advise homeowners, or work in turfgrass disease management, this video breaks down key takeaways from this guide and connects them to evidence-based lawn care practices.

Subscribe for more turfgrass disease management, lawn care science, and evidence-based turfgrass education focused on how we know what we know. Subscribe for more turfgrass science, irrigation research, and evidence-based golf course management discussions focused on how we know what we know.

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Voicemail: 859-444-4234

Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379

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Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

Diagnostic Criteria for Turfgrass Bullshit Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I discuss the peer-reviewed article “Dollar Spot Resistance among Blends of Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars” by Abernathy et al. (2001), published in Crop Science.

This study evaluates whether blending creeping bentgrass cultivars can reduce dollar spot severity compared to monostands on golf course putting greens. I explain how highly susceptible cultivars like Crenshaw increased disease pressure in blends, how resistant cultivars like L-93 suppressed dollar spot, and why overall disease levels in blends often reflected a compromise between the resistance levels of the individual components.

The key takeaway: blending resistant and susceptible cultivars can significantly reduce dollar spot compared to planting a susceptible cultivar alone—but blends do not automatically create superior resistance across the board.

If you manage creeping bentgrass putting greens or make decisions about cultivar selection, genetic diversity, and dollar spot management, this video breaks down what the data actually show and how blending fits into an evidence-based disease management strategy.

Subscribe for more turfgrass science, cultivar performance research, and evidence-based golf course management discussions.

Become a member of Turfgrass Epistemology and support turfgrass research: www.youtube.com/@TurfgrassEpistemology/join

Voicemail: 859-444-4234

Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379

Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI

iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/

Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/

Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox

Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox

Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com

Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf