Midwest Region

Jim Kerns, Ph.D.


I am the Extension Turfgrass Pathologist for the state of Wisconsin. The goal of the extension program is to help turfgrass managers incorporate the programs research results into sound management practices. My extension efforts focus on educating turfgrass managers on identifying disease problems, employing control measures that are efficacious, cost-effective, and environmentally sound, and managing fungicide resistance. This is done primarily through grower meetings and field days, but we also use a variety of multimedia approaches to accomplish our goals. My extension program is also responsible for diagnosis of turfgrass disease, which is facilitated through the Turfgrass Diagnostic Laboratory at the OJ Noer Turfgrass Research Facility. Finally I am also an instructor in the Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Training Program.