Sharandeep Singh Chahal, an Indian American doctoral student at the University of Arkansas is investigating turfgrass diseases that threaten lawns, athletic fields and landscapes across the transition zone of the United States.
Chahal, a student in the department of horticulture, is studying the characterization and management of Yellow Tuft — also known as Downy Mildew — caused by Sclerophthora macrospora, and Large Patch, caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-2. These diseases are especially damaging to zoysiagrass, according to a university release.
Zoysiagrass is widely used on home lawns, athletic fields and golf courses due to its heat and drought tolerance and relatively low maintenance needs. But Chahal’s work highlights a growing concern.
“Disease outbreaks — particularly Yellow Tuft and Large Patch — can severely reduce turf quality, aesthetic value and playability, leading to significant economic losses,” Chahal said.
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His research explores the epidemiology of these diseases, the environmental factors that trigger outbreaks and management strategies that range from fungicide testing to cultural practices. His work is designed to reduce chemical dependency and promote more environmentally responsible turf care.
Chahal’s passion for plant health began during his childhood in Punjab, India, where he grew up in a farming family. “That early exposure to agriculture sparked my interest in plant sciences,” he said.
That passion evolved as he learned about turfgrass systems and became fascinated by how turfgrass combines biology, environmental science and engineering. Chahal earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Punjab Agricultural University and completed his master’s degree in plant ecology at Texas Tech University.
Now, at the U of A, Chahal is applying a hands-on approach to his doctoral work.
“Professionally, I’ve been involved in research across a range of settings — including field trials, greenhouse experiments and laboratory-based studies,” he said. “I work closely with golf course superintendents and turf industry professionals, which has given me valuable real-world insight.”
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Chahal said his experience in the U of A’s horticulture graduate program has refined both his research and communication skills. “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of plant-pathogen interactions, research methodology and data interpretation,” he said. “I’ve also learned how to communicate technical information to diverse audiences—from academics to turf managers—which is a crucial skill in this field.”
Looking ahead, Chahal hopes to continue contributing to sustainable turfgrass management. “My short-term goal is to complete my graduate work and publish my findings,” he said. “Long-term, I hope to work in turfgrass pathology, possibly through extension, research or industry roles.”
His main goal is to develop integrated disease management strategies and help bridge the gap between research and field application.