Greenkeeping Guide: Volume 2 Turfgrass Diseases and Pests

In an era defined by climate volatility, shifting pest ranges, and increasing pressure on turf systems, reactive treatments are no longer enough. Turf managers need a strategic, science-driven framework that integrates diagnostics, prevention, and long-term resilience. Greenkeeping Guide, Volume 2: Turfgrass Diseases and Pests delivers exactly that a comprehensive, field-tested system for identifying, managing, and future-proofing turfgrass landscapes under stress. Designed for golf course superintendents, municipal grounds teams, sports field managers, and turf professionals across all climates, this volume provides a deep, practical exploration of disease and pest dynamics in modern turf environments. It begins with a clear diagnostic framework that helps practitioners distinguish between biotic and abiotic stress, interpret early warning signs, and prioritize interventions based on risk, severity, and environmental conditions. Regionally responsive disease profiles outline the pathogens most likely to emerge under specific climate patterns, soil conditions, and seasonal pressures, giving managers the insight needed to anticipate outbreaks before they escalate. The guide then moves into low-impact, high-precision intervention strategies that balance performance expectations with environmental responsibility. Readers will learn how to integrate cultural practices, mechanical controls, biological agents, and targeted chemical applications into a cohesive management plan that reduces inputs while improving outcomes. Detailed sections on chemical stewardship, resistance management, and regulatory compliance ensure that every treatment aligns with modern sustainability standards and industry best practices. Beyond treatment, the book emphasizes the operational systems that support long-term turf health. You'll find practical guidance on infrastructure upgrades, drainage optimization, airflow improvement, and microclimate modification each presented with clear decision criteria and implementation steps. Seasonal SOPs provide structured workflows for scouting, monitoring, record-keeping, and crew coordination, while training protocols help teams build diagnostic confidence and operational consistency. A dedicated section on governance and biosecurity explores how organizational policies, communication systems, and cross-departmental alignment influence turf outcomes. From pesticide storage and handling to equipment sanitation and access control, the book outlines the safeguards needed to protect turf systems from preventable threats. Whether you manage elite championship fairways, community sports fields, university grounds, or high-traffic municipal parks, this volume equips you with the tools to act with precision, adapt with purpose, and build turf systems that endure. With its blend of scientific clarity, operational structure, and real-world applicability, Greenkeeping Guide, Volume 2 is an essential resource for any professional committed to resilient, high-performance turfgrass management.