Landscape Report

Menu

New Turf Pathologist

Dr. Lee Miller began as an assistant professor of turfgrass pathology in January 2022. Lee previously served in a similar position at the University of Missouri from 2010 – 2021. Lee’s responsibilities include providing disease diagnosis and control recommendations for the lawn, golf, sports turf, and sod industries in Indiana and the surrounding region. In this context, Lee works closely with the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab with submitted turfgrass samples. Although home lawn samples are submitted frequently, samples from golf putting greens are often the most difficult to diagnose, since greens are mowed very low and are therefore prone to many diseases and stresses.

Lee Miller spreading inoculum

Spreading pathogen inoculum to even out inoculum loads across the plot area and reduce spatial variability of disease occurrence.

Lee’s past research projects are varied, with studies involving fungicide resistance detection in dollar spot populations, fairy ring biology and prevention with spring fungicide applications, spring dead spot management and cultural control, the effects of fertility and fungicide application methodologies on large patch control, and detection of Pythium spp. in golf course irrigation water. At Purdue, Lee directs a large field research program with Matt Carpenter, his new research associate, serving as lead. They work with various industry cooperators to test new controls for important turfgrass diseases such as anthracnose, brown patch, dollar spot, and gray leaf spot. Lee’s current research involves investigation of plant parasitic nematode dynamics in golf putting greens, black layer etiology and development, and interseeding tactics for incorporating host resistant turfgrass cultivars.

This was taken from the ANR Newsletter.  To see the entire story and other articles concerning Agriculture and Natural Resources please check out the ANR Newsletter.

To submit a turf sample go to the PPDL website and download the form to send in with your sample.

Share This Article
Leave a comment
It is the policy of the Purdue University that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue is an Affirmative Action Institution. This material may be available in alternative formats. 1-888-EXT-INFO Disclaimer: Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.

Sign-up to receive email news and alerts from Purdue Landscape Working Group: