Turf Hub Podcast
Agrovista Turf Hub Podcast takes a deeper look into the key people within this wonderful industry.
Tapping into their knowledge, the latest technologies, progression within the industry, stresses that are faced as turf managers.
Latest Episode
Building knowledge for the future: Inside the sportsturf academy with Dr. Jonathan Knowles
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.
Previous Episodes (5-7)
Disease Series - Dollar spot
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
Understanding nematodes
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 sports turf 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 recognise 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.
Disease series - Microdochium Patch
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.