Turfgrass Science and Nematology

Research Interests:

One of the chief dilemmas for turfgrass managers is maintaining high quality turf without using excessive amounts of chemicals. The primary role of my research program is to evaluate and develop management methods aimed at reducing inputs into turfgrass systems. Specifically, I am interested in evaluating different low maintenance turfgrass species and cultivars and developing integrated pest management systems with the ultimate goal of achieving a high quality end product while combating pests including diseases, insects and weeds. I am also interested in studying plant-parasitic nematodes on golf course turf and on other affected crops throughout Ontario

Teaching Responsibilities:

DTM*3300: Turf Insects & Weeds
DTM*4000: Turfgrass Management III
HORT*3050: Management of Turfgrass Insects, Pests & Weeds
HORT*4450: Advanced Turfgrass Science
ENVB*4070: Biological & Cultural Control of Plant Diseases

Service Responsibilities:

My primary service commitment is to oversee the turfgrass disease diagnostic clinic housed at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. The lab diagnoses samples from turfgrass professionals on golf courses, athletic fields and sod farms while recommending practical management schemes specific to each location.

For more information, visit our link on the GTI website: http://www.guelphturfgrass.ca/

Selected Publications:

Jordan, K.S. and N.A. Mitkowski. (2006). Population dynamics of plant-parasitic nematodes on golf course greens turf in southern New England. Plant Disease 90: (Accepted).

Mitkowski, N.A., M. Browning, K.S. Jordan, C. Basu and N. Jackson. (2004). Pathogenicity of Xanthomonas translucens pv. poae from annual bluegrass on golf course putting greens. Plant Disease 89:469-473.

Uddin, W., K.S. Jordan and G. Viji. (2003). A temperature and leaf wetness duration-based model for prediction of gray leaf spot of perennial ryegrass turf. Phytopathology 93: 336-343.