Envu to host free webinar on turfgrass root diseases with expert insights from Jim Kerns Ph.D.

Envu is set to host a free, educational webinar designed to equip turfgrass managers with actionable strategies for combating root diseases. Scheduled for May 8, 2025, from 11 a.m.-noon EST, the webinar, titled “Management of Root Diseases in Turfgrass: An Adventure in Timing and Placement,” will feature insights from Jim Kerns, Ph.D., a plant pathologist and professor at North Carolina State University. Moderated by Jesse Benelli, Ph.D., an Envu Green Solutions Team specialist, the session will explore fungicide application timing, placement and best practices for effective disease control.

Kerns’ research focuses on understanding and managing diseases affecting both warm- and cool-season grasses, including ultradwarf bermudagrass and creeping bentgrass. His work at North Carolina State University’s Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab has provided valuable insights into disease etiology and management strategies, according to the company. During the webinar, he will share findings on fungicide movement through soil and offer practical recommendations for ensuring treatments reach their intended targets.

“Professor Kerns and his team have worked closely with the Envu Green Solutions Team on root disease research for many years,” Benelli said. He emphasized that proactive measures early in the season can help superintendents manage pathogen populations more effectively and reduce the need for costly curative interventions later.”

As turfgrass managers face increasing pressures from environmental factors and operational costs, educational events can provide essential instruction on sustainable practices, according to Envu. Registration for the free event is open online. Those interested can also explore additional plant health solutions at Envu’s website.

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