Faculty
Dr. Aaron Patton
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Assistant Professor and Extension Horticulture Specialist - Turfgrass Department of Horticulture316 Plant Science Bldg. University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 Voice: (479) 575-2612 |
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Education:
- Ph.D. Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN
- M.S. Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN
- B.S. Iowa State University, Ames, IA
General areas of interest:
General turfgrass science and cultivar selection of warm-season grasses. Additionally, I enjoy the opportunity to work with undergraduate and graduate students on research projects, and include them on extension site-visits.
Extension:
Dr. Patton has a 75% extension appointment. His long-term extension goal is to help turfgrass professionals and homeowners manage quality turf while also communicating the benefits of turfgrass. I am working to further the knowledge and understanding of turf management and turfgrass systems in Arkansas by helping to disseminate extension information using a broad spectrum of technologies.
Research:
My research focuses on the development of management techniques that reduce inputs to the environment without compromising turf quality. Primary areas of research interest include the effects of management practices on the performance of creeping bentgrass putting greens, cold tolerance of warm-season turfgrasses, and the establishment of warm-season turfgrasses. Prior and current research focuses heavily on the establishment of turfgrass species for the transition zone. This research provided necessary information for golf course superintendents in the transition zone to convert their existing cool-season turf to warm-season turf resulting in an annual reduction of their chemical budget by half while also reducing inputs to the environment.
Major Accomplishments:
Determined the best establishment procedures for seeded zoysiagrass. Discovered how carbohydrates, proline and dehydrin proteins influence the winter hardiness of zoysiagrasses.