Phillip F. Colbaugh Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Associate Professor of Plant Pathology p-colbaugh@tamu.edu Ph.D. Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside M.S. Plant Pathology, Ohio State University B.S. Horticulture, Oklahoma State University Plant Pathology - Research

Highlighted Projects:

Presence of disease-suppressive bacteria during turfgrass clipping decomposition: The multibillion-dollar lawn care industry is presently facing environmental issues that affect millions of American urban dwellers. Residential lawns are generating millions of tons of grass clippings, overburdening municipal landfills. Municipal turfgrass clipping recycling efforts have become mandatory in most large U.S. metropolitan areas. Our current investigations with mulching lawnmowers have characterized disease suppressive bacteria involved in clipping decomposition. These studies indicate bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp. produce chemical inhibitors that naturally suppress the growth of many types of pathogenic fungi. The idea of turfgrass clipping recycling is now being extended to include other forms of easily shredded yard waste in a broader concept called thin layer composting.

Identification of new turfgrass cultivars and native plants with genetic resistance to damaging disease problems: Mounting social pressures against pesticide use have increased demands to develop alternatives to chemicals for disease control. Cooperative research is in progress to identify new turfgrass cultivars and native plants with genetic resistance to damaging disease problems. Many of the germplasm lines maintained at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center at Dallas are indigenous species of Texas and the arid Southwest. Assessments of a number of the collections have provided opportunities to develop disease resistance in new plants that thrive in dry climates.

Presence of allergenic mold spores on turfgrass and other landscape materials: Home landscaping practices now favor both the limited use of chemicals and the increased use of recycled plant materials. I am beginning a study to examine the relationship among modern landscaping choices and practices, seasonal weather conditions, and the homeowner's exposure to allergenic mold spore populations in the home landscape. These studies will involve decomposing plant materials from turfgrasses, as well as flowering plants, woody ornamentals, trees and herbs.

Experience:

Associate Professor of Plant Pathology, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, 1975 to present. Adjunct Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 1986; International Science Fair Judge, 1986, 1998; Instructor, Pro Golf Association Schools, 1986-1989, Ohio Florist Association Fellow 1966-68; National E.P.A. Assessment Team, Captan, Folpet, Captafol, 1982. Associate Editor, Plant Disease 1981-83. A.P.S. Committee Chair, Turfgrass and Ornamentals Disease, 1978-79; Public Relations 1989.

List of Publications:

Posters (available as an Adobe Acrobat .PDF file): Summer Environmental Laboratory 1999-2003 Peatmoss Topdressing Control of Take-all Root Rot of St. Augustinegrass Responses of Rose Cultivars to Black Spot, Powdery Mildew, and Alternaria Petal Blight in North-Central Texas, 2000 A Regional Turfgrass Disease ID Program Through An Industry - University - Private Consultant Partnership Articles (available as an Adobe Acrobat .PDF file): Algae - crusty foes for golf greens

Summer Environmental Laboratory 2004

Colbaugh Ranch

Copyright © 2004 Texas A&M University / Sean Pease. All rights reserved.
Revised: Tuesday, May 17, 2005.