Indian-origin Ph.D. student probes turfgrass diseases impacting US landscapes

 

Indian-origin horticulture researcher Sharandeep Singh Chahal is on a mission to combat turfgrass diseases that are wreaking havoc on lawns, athletic fields, and landscapes across the transition zone of the United States. A Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas, Chahal is focusing his research on two significant turfgrass diseases: Yellow Tuft and Large Patch.

Yellow Tuft, also known as Downy Mildew, is caused by the pathogen Sclerophthora macrospora, while Large Patch is driven by Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-2. Both diseases pose a serious threat to zoysiagrass, a widely used warm-season turfgrass valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal in home lawns, golf courses, and sports complexes.

Through his work, Chahal aims to better understand the biology, environmental triggers, and management strategies for these pathogens. His findings could lead to more sustainable and effective control methods, reducing the need for chemical fungicides while preserving turf quality and playability.

“Zoysiagrass is critical to many American landscapes,” Chahal noted. “But it's highly susceptible to these diseases, especially in humid transition zones. Our goal is to develop integrated management approaches that can protect turf health and reduce long-term maintenance costs.”

New India Abroad highlights Chahal’s research as a testament to the growing impact of Indian-origin scholars in American academia. His work not only benefits the turfgrass industry but also contributes to broader efforts in sustainable horticulture and plant pathology.

As turf managers and homeowners across the U.S. grapple with costly disease outbreaks, Chahal’s research offers promising solutions rooted in science, sustainability, and global expertise.