Western Region

Frank Wong, Ph.D.


The focus of my research and extension program is the management of diseases of turf and landscape in
California. Both are multi-billion dollar industries in California. We dedicate much of the program on turfgrass diseases, especially those caused by new and invasive pathogens. We have also had a large emphasis on diseases of landscape ornamentals affected by the bacteria, Xylella fastidosa.

Current projects in the lab include:

* Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale) control on annual bluegrass
* Population structure of gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea) affecting ryegrass and kikuyugrass
* Biology of Waitea circinata var circinata (Rhizoctonia circinata), a new disease of annual bluegrass
* Fungicide resistance development for anthracnose and gray leaf spot
* Characterization of Xylella fastidosa populations causing disease in urban landscapes

More Information on our program can be found at www.turfpathology.ucr.edu

South Central Region

Megan Kennelly, Ph.D.
Megan Kennelly received her Ph.D. from Cornell University. Dr. Kennelly is currently an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University.

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.

Northeast Region

John Kaminski (aka Harry Potter) is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science at The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Kaminski received his B.S. in Turfgrass Science from Penn State and earned his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Prior to his arrival at Penn State, John worked as an assistant to Peter H. Dernoeden in the UMD Diagnostic lab and then as Director of the UConn Diagnostic Center. His research has involved an in depth look at the biology and epidemiology of turfgrass pathogens.  Currently, John's research efforts are directed towards identifying more effective cultural and chemical management strategies for fine turf on golf courses that are aimed at reducing pesticide use while maintaining or improving quality and playability.

Southeast Region

Lane Tredway, Ph.D.


Lane Tredway is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University. Dr. Tredway received his B.S. from Penn State, M.S. from Rutgers, and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.