The turfgrass pest management research program combines elements of basic and applied research in order to develop sound, biologically based, and sustainable insect management strategies for lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, parks, and commercial establishments.
Fundamental research efforts employ a systems-oriented approach aimed at understanding the biology and ecology of turfgrass ecosystems. This part of the turfgrass research program focuses on interactions between host-plant resistance, biological controls and cultural practices, and how these different management tools can be employed to tip the competitive balance in favor of turfgrass plants. The fundamental research program also aims to address questions relating to the evolution of acquired chemical defenses in cool-season grasses and how the evolution of these defenses influence plant competition and interactions between organisms representing different trophic levels.
Applied research focuses mainly on the biology of common turfgrass pests to determine their economic injury threshold in an effort to maximize control with reduced pesticide inputs. The goal is to develop IPM strategies to create a more cost effective and environmentally sound turfgrass insect management program. New technologies and alternative control methods are also being evaluated.
Websites
Turfgrass Entomology and Applied Ecology Laboratory
Research in Dr. Richmonds’ laboratory focuses on trophic interactions and their consequences/implications for turfgrass systems at ecological scales ranging from the population to the community. We are examining how soil fertility and other management practices influence the expression of endophyte mediated resistance and interactions between insect pests and their natural enemies.Author: Doug Richmond
Purdue Turfgrass Program
Explore the Purdue Turfgrass Programs. Find resources on turgrass management, research reports, and programs for professionalsAuthor:
Turf Tips Newsletter
The Turf Tips Newsletter provides up-to-date information on pests (insect and mites, weeds, plant diseases, nematodes, and vertebrates) and their impact on turf grass throughout the state.Author: Zac Reicher
Mosquito Tool
Mosquitoes can breed in many different sites in a community. Purdue Extension has developed an interactive web-based tool to help you understand the diversity of mosquito breeding sites.Authors: Dr. Catherine Hill, Dr. John MacDonald
Indiana's "Most Unwanted" Invasive Plant Pests - CAPS
The "Most Unwanted" Invasive Plant Pest List is compiled yearly by the Indiana Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) State Survey Committee (SSC). The list identifies exotic species, invasive species, and pests regulated by state or federal laws.Author: Larry Bledsoe
IPM Technical Resource Center
IPM is a process for achieving long term, environmentally sound pest suppression through the use of a wide variety of technological and management practices. Control strategies in an IPM program extend beyond the application of pesticides to include structural and procedural modifications that reduce the food, water, living space and access used by pests.Author:
Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory
The Purdue University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory is a central facility for receiving both physical samples and digital images submitted for identification of insects, plants and plant diseases or diagnosis of plant and pest problems. This service is provided for the specialists and county extension educators of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and Purdue University's research faculty, staff, and students as well as for private businesses and citizens of Indiana.Author:
Nematology
The Purdue Nematology Laboratory is located on the main campus of Purdue University in the Department of Entomology. The mission of the Nematology Laboratory is to identify and provide suitable management strategies for plant parasitic nematodes in Indiana. The laboratory is equipped with tools and expertise to process soil and plant materials to extract plant parasitic nematodes in a timely fashion.Authors: Virginia Ferris, Jamal Faghihi
Urban Entomology at Purdue
The Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management was established in the Entomology Department at Purdue University to address the various needs of the pest control industry. As such, it provides additional training, educational resources, and research on pest biology, behavior, and management.Author: Gary Bennett
Landscape Entomology Laboratory
Our goal is to promote the design of indoor and outdoor landscapes that can be maintained with a minimum of pesticide use. Research, extension and teaching efforts promote the biological and natural control of pests in forests, urban landscapes, nurseries, greenhouses and Christmas trees.Author: Dr. Cliff Sadof
Turfgrass Publications
Staff
Dr. Tim Gibb
Office Phone: 494-4570Office Number: SMTH 105C
Email: gibb@purdue.edu
Biographical Information
Dr. Doug Richmond
Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Entomology and Applied EcologyOffice Phone: 494-0399
Office Number: SMTH 105C
Lab Number: SMTH B80
Office Phone: 494-0868
Fax: 494-0535
Email: drichmond@purdue.edu
Biographical Information