Getting to the Roots | Frankly Speaking with Wendell Hutchens

This episode features Dr. Wendell Hutchens, assistant professor of turfgrass science at the University of Arkansas, discussing his research on turfgrass disease management, particularly spring dead spot control. The conversation covers his educational background at NC State and Virginia Tech, where he worked on fungicide fate and movement in soil profiles. Dr. Hutchens explains that effective spring dead spot management requires immediate watering-in of fungicides within 30 minutes of application to move products into the root zone where pathogens are active. He details how GPS-guided sprayers combined with drone mapping can reduce fungicide usage by 40-65% while maintaining control efficacy by targeting only affected areas. The discussion also explores cultural management practices like thatch reduction, nutrition management with manganese and nitrogen sources, and the economic impact of the disease on golf courses. Additionally, they examine the USGA's GS3 ball technology for measuring putting green quality, including smoothness and trueness metrics, and how surface disruptions from aerification and foot traffic affect ball roll for extended periods.