Agrovista Amenity | Turf Hub Podcast

Agrovista Amenity
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Agrovista Amenity's Turf Hub Podcast takes a deeper look into the key people within this wonderful industry. Tapping into their knowledge, the latest technologies, progression within the industry, stresses that are faced as turf managers while adding a human element and insight into the people behind what everyone sees on TV. The passion, the stories, the work ethic, the laughs and the tears; gaining and spreading positivity throughout the industry and beyond.

  1. S2 Ep11: From Greenkeeper to Researcher: Dr John Dempsey on Phosphite and Turf Disease Management

    10/02/2025

    S2 Ep11: From Greenkeeper to Researcher: Dr John Dempsey on Phosphite and Turf Disease Management

    In this episode, Josh talks with Dr. John Dempsey an independent turfgrass researcher with years of experience both as a greenkeeper and a superintendent who has dedicated his career to understanding phosphite’s role in turfgrass health. He delves into how phosphite enhances plant defence mechanisms, suppresses common turf diseases, and can be integrated into an existing IPM or fertility program. Dr. Dempsey shares best practices and surprising insights from his research, empowering turf managers to keep their playing surfaces in optimal condition.

    50 min
  2. S2 Ep10: Building Knowledge for the Future: Inside the Sportsturf Academy with Dr. Jonathan Knowles

    08/30/2025

    S2 Ep10: Building Knowledge for the Future: Inside the Sportsturf Academy with Dr. Jonathan Knowles

    In this episode of The Turf Hub Podcast, Joshua Thomason is joined by Dr. Jonathan Knowles, Head of the Sportsturf Academy at Leicester City Football Club. Together, they explore how the Academy is shaping the future of the sports turf industry through innovative training and education. Jonathan discusses the Academy’s comprehensive approach to supporting turf professionals from delivering industry-recognised qualifications such as BASIS and FACTS, to providing practical learning opportunities through their upcoming courses. The conversation also highlights the Academy’s dedicated disease diagnosis service, which offers vital support for turf managers in diagnosing turfgrass diseases. Courses can be found www.lcfc.com/pages/en/sta-courses

    33 min
  3. S2 Ep9: Disease Series 'Nematodes as a Sustainable Solution for Leatherjackets & Chafer Grubs'

    07/15/2025

    S2 Ep9: Disease Series 'Nematodes as a Sustainable Solution for Leatherjackets & Chafer Grubs'

    In this episode of The Turf Hub Podcast, host Josh Thomason speaks with Dr. Richard Binks from Koppert to explore how nematodes can provide an effective, sustainable approach to controlling leatherjackets and chafer grubs. The conversation centers on two key products: Sportnem T (Steinernema carpocapsae) and Sportnem H (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora). Dr. Binks shares best practices for application timing, soil preparation, and monitoring, along with insights into future innovations in biological pest management.

    40 min
  4. S2 Ep8: Disease Series 'Grey Leaf Spot'

    06/11/2025

    S2 Ep8: Disease Series 'Grey Leaf Spot'

    Join us for an insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity TurfHub Podcast (Disease Series) as we delve into Grey Leaf Spot (GLS) a prevalent and increasingly challenging disease affecting sports turf, particularly within football stadium environments. Host Joshua Thomason is joined by Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist with deep expertise in turf disease management. Deborah shares practical strategies for identifying and diagnosing Grey Leaf Spot, providing valuable insights into its biology and behaviour. Josh also speaks with Head Groundsmen Gareth Abernethy Fulham FC (Craven Cottage) and James Williams London Stadium, who share their first-hand experience managing the disease in elite stadiums. Together, they discuss cultural practices that can help reduce disease pressure, as well as both fungicidal and non-fungicidal control options available to turf managers.

    49 min
  5. S2 Ep7: Disease Series 'Dollar Spot'

    05/08/2025

    S2 Ep7: Disease Series 'Dollar Spot'

    Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Dollar Spot, a prevalent disease impacting sportsturf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specialising in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and treating Dollar Spot. Additionally, Dan Kendle, has been working in the industry for over 25 years and is Head Greenkeeper at Newquay Golf Club, he sits down with Joshua and shares the best management practices he uses to keep Dollar Spot under control throughout the season CPD points reference code: CP/148463/2425/k

    28 min
  6. S2 Ep6: Understanding Nematodes

    04/30/2025

    S2 Ep6: Understanding Nematodes

    In this episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast, host Josh Thomason sits down with molecular biologist Dr. Deborah Cox to unravel one of the most under-discussed yet significant aspects of sportsturf management: nematodes. Although these microscopic roundworms typically go unnoticed, their influence on turf health is profound some species can enhance soil quality and nutrient cycling, while parasitic varieties can undermine even the most diligently maintained grass surfaces.Together, Josh and Debs explore how to recognize common parasitic nematodes, the differences between endo- and ecto-parasitic types, and the importance of proper soil testing. You’ll learn about the typical symptoms of a nematode infestation, practical turf management strategies, and how factors like climate and venue type (stadium vs. golf course) can shape nematode populations. CPD point ref code: CP/148461/2425/k

    38 min
  7. S2 Ep5: Disease Series 'Microdochium Patch'

    10/17/2024

    S2 Ep5: Disease Series 'Microdochium Patch'

    Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Microdochium Patch, a prevalent disease impacting sports turf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specializing in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and identifying this turfgrass disease. Josh discusses the cultural practices that can be implemented to reduce the virulence of the disease, along with the non-fungicidal and fungicidal options that can be used. CPD Points: CP/140743/2425/k

    25 min
  8. S2 Ep4: 'One man went to mow' with Matt Povey, Head Groundsman Swindon Town Football Club

    09/06/2024

    S2 Ep4: 'One man went to mow' with Matt Povey, Head Groundsman Swindon Town Football Club

    In this episode , Matt, a life long Swindon Town fan and now head groundsman talks us through the summers renovations at The County Ground. We discuss how he got into the industry, his career highs so far and find out more about his approach to maintaining top class playing surfaces in a stadium environment. CPD code  CP/139437/2425/k

    28 min
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About

Agrovista Amenity's Turf Hub Podcast takes a deeper look into the key people within this wonderful industry. Tapping into their knowledge, the latest technologies, progression within the industry, stresses that are faced as turf managers while adding a human element and insight into the people behind what everyone sees on TV. The passion, the stories, the work ethic, the laughs and the tears; gaining and spreading positivity throughout the industry and beyond.

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