Ming-Yi Chou, extension specialist in turfgrass pathology in the Department of Plant Biology. Photo credit: Elise Yu.
Ming-Yi Chou, turfgrass pathologist in the Department of Plant Biology, has won the 2024–2025 Merle V. Adams Award, which is presented to an assistant extension specialist faculty for excellence in extension and research. His extension program focuses on evaluating and developing efficient cool season turfgrass disease management measures.
Since it was first presented in 1987, the Merle V. Adams Award has been given each year in honor of the long-term chair of the Agricultural and Resource Management Department and his dedication to the specialists and faculty he served.
Chou, whose tenure began in April 2023, is continuing to build Rutgers impactful turfgrass pathology program established by his predecessor, retired extension specialist Bruce Clarke, and working in collaboration with internal partners, such as the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, Center for Turfgrass Science and the Department of Plant Biology, and external stakeholders in the Northeast and beyond. He currently directs the largest turfgrass disease control product evaluation program of its kind in the U.S.
Since April 2023, Chou has authored 17 articles, including seven refereed research articles (four as first or corresponding author), eight refereed extension articles (seven as corresponding authors), and two trade journal articles. The research and extension articles incurred more than 2,772 downloads.
Chou has conducted a number of outreach activities, which include on-site consultation in 22 events, resulting in immediate resolution of disease issues on six occasions. He reached more than 3,686 turfgrass managers through 22 in-person extension presentations and more than 600 audiences through three online presentations, disseminating critical information on disease management.
Survey data indicates that approximately 80% of respondents (based on an average 5-10% response rate) intend to change their management practices, specifically with respect to precision fungicide application. This translates to a significant potential economic impact.
Chou has collaborated with 15 industry partners in the last two years, evaluating a total of 965 turfgrass disease control product entries and providing guidance on their proper usage. In addition, he has secured $173,249 from external grants from major stakeholder groups, including New Jersey Department of agriculture, Gold Course Superintendent Association of America and its New Jersey Chapter, New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation and PBI Gordon.
