FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Diya TV) — Turfgrass is under attack in the United States, and a young researcher from India is leading the fight. Sharandeep Singh Chahal, a Ph.D. student at the University of Arkansas, is digging into the root of turfgrass diseases that damage lawns, athletic fields, and landscapes across the transition zone.
Chahal, who studies in the university’s Department of Horticulture, focuses on two major turfgrass diseases: Yellow Tuft and Large Patch. These diseases are especially harmful to zoysiagrass, a warm-season turf commonly used in home lawns, golf courses, and sports fields.
The transition zone of the United States stretches from the Midwest through parts of the South. The region experiences both hot summers and cold winters, making it a tough climate for many grass species. Zoysiagrass thrives in this area, but turfgrass diseases threaten its health and appearance.
Chahal’s research targets two key diseases. Yellow Tuft, also called Downy Mildew, is caused by the water mold Sclerophthora macrospora. This disease creates yellow, tufted patches on the grass and weakens its root system. The other disease, Large Patch, is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-2. It forms large, circular patches of dead grass and can spread quickly in cool, wet conditions.
“These diseases make lawns look unhealthy and patchy,” Chahal said. “They also affect playability on sports fields and appearance on golf courses.”
Chahal’s work aims to understand better how these diseases spread and survive. He wants to help turfgrass managers, landscapers, and homeowners find effective, long-term solutions. His research looks at weather patterns, soil conditions, and cultural practices that may contribute to disease outbreaks.
He is also testing different disease management techniques. These include proper irrigation timing, mowing practices, and the use of resistant grass varieties. Chahal hopes his findings will help reduce the need for chemical treatments.
“Prevention is the best tool we have,” he said. “If we know what causes these diseases, we can take steps to stop them before they spread.”
Turfgrass covers millions of acres across the United States. It plays a vital role in public parks, residential neighborhoods, and recreational spaces. Healthy turfgrass helps prevent soil erosion, improves water quality, and enhances outdoor experiences.
The turfgrass industry supports thousands of jobs in lawn care, landscaping, and sports field management. Diseases like Yellow Tuft and Large Patch cause serious problems for this industry. They increase maintenance costs and reduce the quality of outdoor spaces.
By studying these turf diseases, Chahal contributes to a growing body of research that supports a healthier, more sustainable green industry.
Chahal’s journey from India to Arkansas highlights the global importance of agricultural research. With a background in horticulture, he brings international insight to American turfgrass science. His work is supported by faculty mentors and research programs at the University of Arkansas.
“Sharandeep is deeply committed to helping people care for their lawns and landscapes,” said a faculty advisor. “His research will benefit homeowners, groundskeepers, and turf managers throughout the transition zone.”
As weather patterns shift and disease pressure grows, turfgrass health will remain a challenge in many parts of the country. Chahal’s research aims to offer practical advice for turf managers and help preserve the look and function of green spaces.
“We all enjoy walking on healthy, green grass,” Chahal said. “My goal is to keep it that way for years to come.”
His efforts are a reminder that even the grass beneath our feet needs science, care, and attention. And thanks to researchers like Chahal, the future of turfgrass is in good hands.
