Alec Kowalewski

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D

Associate Professor, Turf Specialist (Giustina Endowed)
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Office: 541-737-5449
Fax: 541-737-3479

Turf Program Overview

The primary goal of my extension and outreach program, which is funded by the Giustina Turf Endowment, is improving the environmental and economic sustainability of turfgrass management. Topics of interest related to this include, utilization of sustainable turfgrass varieties and cultivars, improving fertility and irrigation efficiency, and the use of pesticide alternatives. I will be involved with the development and implementation of integrated pest management programs designed to reduce pesticide use.

Giustina Turf Endowment Report (2020)

2020, 2021 and 2022 Publications

Braun, R.C., E.T. Braithwaite, A.R. Kowalewski, E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, and A.J. Patton. 2022. Nitrogen Fertilizer and Clover Inclusion Effects on the Establishment of Fine Fescue Taxa. Crop Science. 2022;1–11. https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/csc2.20704
Kowalewski, A., A. Cain, E. Braithwaite, B. McDonald, and C. Schmid. 2022. Nitrogen Fertility Rates Affecting Weed Population Dynamics in a Perennial Ryegrass Stand in Western Oregon. International Turfgrass Research Journal. 2022; 1-6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/its2.106
Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, J.A. Murphy, B.S. Park, A.R. Kowalewski, and E.T. Braithwaite. 2021. Optimal Fine Fescue Mixture Seeding Dates in the Northern United States. Agronomy Journal. 2021; 1-16. http://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20859
Braithwaite, E., B. McDonald, C. Schmid and A. Kowalewski. 2021. Evaluation of selected fungicides for preventative control of Rhizoctonia cerealis on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2020. Plant Disease Management Report. Report No. 15:T036. Retrieved September 9, 2021. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume15/abstracts/t036.asp
Braithwaite, E., B. McDonald, C. Schmid and A. Kowalewski. 2021. Evaluation of single fungicide applications for curative control of Rhizoctonia cerealis on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2020. Plant Disease Management Report. Report No. 15:T035. Retrieved September 9, 2021. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume15/abstracts/t035.asp
McDonald, B., E. Braithwaite, C. Mattox, C. Schmid, R.Wang, and A. Kowalewski. 2021. Evaluation of selected fungicides for control of Microdochium patch on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2020-2021. Plant Disease Management Report. Report No. 15:T037. Retrieved September 9, 2021. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume15/abstracts/t037.asp
Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, J.A. Murphy, B.S. Park, A.R. Kowalewski, and E.T. Briathwaite. 2021. Optimal Fine Fescue Mixture Seeding Dates in the Northern United States. Agronomy Journal. Retrieved September 9, 2021. https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/agj2.20859
Cain, A., E. Braithwaite, B. McDonald, A. Kowalewski and M. Elmore. 2021. Irrigation Frequencies and Reference Evapotranspiration Replacement Effecting Annual Bluegrass Populations in Western Oregon. Int Turfgrass Soc Res J. https://doi.org/10.1002/its2.70
McDonald, B., A. Kowalewski, C. Mattox, E. Braithwaite, and C. Schmid. 2021. Effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Rates on Microdochium Patch. Int Turfgrass Soc Res J. 2021. http://doi.org/10.1002/its2.28
Braithwaite, E., T. Stock and A. Kowalewski. 2021. Integrated Pest Management Effects on Weed Populations Managed Without Herbicides in the Pacific Northwest. Int Turfgrass Soc Res J. 2021:https://doi.org/10.1002/its2.51
Soldat, D.J. J.T. Brosnan, A. Chandra, R.E. Gaussoin, A. Kowalewski, B. Leinauer, F.S Rossi, J.C. Stier and J.B. Unruh. 2020. Estimating Economic Minimums of Mowing, Fertilizing and Irrigating Turfgrass. Agricultural & Environmental Letters. DOI: 10.1002/ael2.20032
Brosnan, J.T, A. Chandra, R.E. Gaussoin, A. Kowalewski, B. Leinauer, F.S. Rossi, D.J. Soldat, J.C. Stier and J.B. Unruh. 2020. Justification for Continued Management of Turfgrass During Economic Contraction. Agricultural & Environmental Letters. DOI: 10.1002/ael2.20033
McDonald, B., E. Braithwaite, C. Schmid, and A. Kowalewski. 2020. Evaluation of fungicides and fertilizers for control of Colletotrichum cereale on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2019. Plant Disease Management Report. 14:T024.
Braithwaite, E., B. McDonald, C. Schmid, and A. Kowalewski. 2020. Evaluation of selected fungicides for control of Microdochium nivale on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2019-2020. 12:T022.
McDonald, B., E. Braithwaite, C. Schmid, and A. Kowalewski. 2020. Evaluation of selected fungicides for control of Colletotrichum cereale on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2019. Plant Disease Management Report. 14:T023.
Mattox, C. M. Dumelle, B. McDonald, M. Gould, C. Olsen, C. Schmid, R. Wang and A. Kowalewski. 2020. Comparing rates of mineral oil, sulfur, and phosphorous acid on Microdochium patch suppression and turfgrass quality. Agronomy Journal. DOI: 10.1002/agj2.20558
Mattox, C. M. Dumelle, B. McDonald, M. Gould, C. Olsen, E. Braithwaite and A. Kowalewski. 2020. Suppression of Microdochium patch using rotations of mineral oil, sulfur, and phosphorous acid. Agronomy Journal. DOI: 10.1002/agj2.20557
Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E.T. Braithwaite, and A.R. Kowalewski. 2020. Establishment of Low-Input Turfgrass from Seed Using Patch and Repair Mixtures: Mulch and Starter Fertilizer Effects. Crop Science. 2020:1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20266
Barnes, M.R., K.C. Nelson, A.R. Kowalewski, A.J. Patton, and E. Watkins. 2020. Public land manager discourses on barriers and opportunities for a transition to low-input turfgrass in urban areas. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. In Press, Journal Pre-Proof. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126745
Reicher, Z.J., M.D. Sousek, A.J. Patton, A. Van Dyke, W.C. Kreuser, J.C. Inguagiato, K.M. Miele, J. Brewer, S. D. Askew, A. Hathaway, T.A. Nikolai, A. Kowalewski, and B. McDonald. 2020. Adding a Late Fall Application of Proxy (Ethephon) Before Two Traditional Spring Applications Improves Seedhead Control of Annual Bluegrass. Crop Forage and Turfgrass Management. 2020:1-18. DOI:10.1002/cft2.20031.
Blankenship, T., J. Lambrinos, L. Brilman, A. Kowalewski, R. Golembiewski, B. McDonald, C. Mattox and M. Dumelle. 2020. Water Requirements Influenced by Turfgrass Species and Mowing Height in Western Oregon. Crop Forage and Turfgrass Management. 2020:1-9. 2020:DOI:10.1002/cft2.20020
Mattox, C., A. Kowalewski and B. McDonald. 2020. Frequent soil surfactant applications influence anthracnose on an annual bluegrass research green. Agronomy Journal. 2020: 2020:1-27. DOI:10.1002/agj2.20222
Mattox, C., A. Kowalewski, B. McDonald, J.G. Lambrinos and J. Pscheidt. 2020. Combinations of rolling, mineral oil, sulfur, and phosphorous acid affect Microdochium patch severity. Agronomy Journal. 112:3383-3395. DOI:10.1002/agj2.20191
Mattox, C., A. Kowalewski and B. McDonald. 2020. The effects of iron sulfate heptahydrate water carrier volumes on Microdochium patch suppression and turfgrass quality. Agronomy Journal. 2020:1-8. DOI: 10.1002/agj2.20133

Current Grants

Winter Turf: A Holistic Approach to Understanding the Mechanisms and Mitigating the Effects of Winter Stress on Turfgrass in Northern Climates (USDA-NIFA)
Low-input Turf (United States Department of Agriculture - Specialty Crop Research Initiative)
Annual Bluegrass Herbicide Resistance (United States Department of Agriculture - Specialty Crop Research Initiative)
Integrated Microdochium Patch Management (United States Golf Association)
Annual Bluegrass Management and Beneficial Endophytes (Northwest Turf Association)
Effects of Topdressing and Cultivation on Annual Bluegrass Greens (Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, OGCSA and GCSANC)
Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue and Low Input Cool-Season Turf Trials (National Turfgrass Evaluation Program)
Fungicide Alternatives for Microdochium Patch (Western Canada Turfgrass Association)
Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in Turfgrass (USDA-SCBGP, Western Canada Turf Association and Northwest Turf Association)
Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) Effects on Aerification Recovery (GCSAA, USGA and NTA)
Pacific Northwest European Chafer Migration

Current Graduate Students

Past Graduate Students

Clint Mattox, M.S. and PhD. 2020. Managing Microdochium Patch Using Non-Traditional Fungicides on Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens
Alyssa Cain, M.S. 2020. Non-Chemical Approaches to Managing Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.)
Micah Gould, M.S. 2017. Low Maintenance Strategies and Challenges within Oregon School Landscapes
Conner Olsen, M.S. 2017. Investigating Alternative Irrigation Strategies and Sources for the Cool-Humid Willamette Valley
Brian Daviscourt, M.S. 2017. Life-Cycle and Playability Analysis of Natural Turfgrass and Synthetic Infill Playing Surfaces Under Field Conditions

Curriculum Vitae:

ciriculum_vitae_kowalewski_july_2019.docx

Profile Field Tabs

At OSU

Affiliated with:

Horticulture

Career Links:

Department of Horticulture

BeaverTurf

Major Professor:

Cole Stover

Zachary Hamilton

Do you accept grad students?:

I accept graduate students for Horticulture

Courses Taught:

I am also responsible for teaching and advising the Turfgrass Management undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Horticulture. I am also the advisor for the OSU undergraduate Turf Club. This club is a very active group that regularly meets with industry members, participates in student competition on a national level, and frequently represents the OSU turf program as exhibitors at various industry related meetings and shows.

Turf Management Curriculum

On Campus

Online

New Professional Education and Continuing Education (PACE) Courses

Introduction to Turfgrass Mangement

Introduction to Golf Course Management

Pesticide Applicator Education and Safety

OSU Turf Program Faculty and Staff

Headquarters:

OSU Main Campus

Professional Accomplishments

Employment:

2012 to present

Associate Professor, Turfgrass Specialist: Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University.

2010 to 2012

Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Management: Department of Environmental Horticulture, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

2010 to 2012

Research Scientist: Crop and Soil Science Department, University of Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Stations.

Education:

May 2006 to May 2010

Doctorate of Philosophy: Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University
Dissertation: The built-up sand-capped athletic field system

Aug. 2003 to May 2006

Master of Science: Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University
Dissertation: Organically derived weed control methods

Aug. 1998 to Aug. 2003

Bachelor of Art: Studio Art (Honors), Michigan State University
Cognate: Landscape Design

Outreach and Extension

Extension Publications

Mattox, C., B. McDonald and A. Kowalewski. 2021. Managing Microdochium Patch in Pacific Northwest Turfgrass. EM 9321. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9321
Cain, A., A. Kowalewski, B. McDonld and C. Mattox. 2021. Irrigation Rates and Frequencies for Western and Eastern Oregon Turfgrass. EM 9311 https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9311
Kowalewski, A., B. Edmunds, B. McDonald and E. Braithwaite. 2020. Managing Crane Fly in Lawns. OSU Extension Services. EM 9296https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9296/html
Voderberg, D. and A. Kowalewski. 2017. El mantenimiento práctico del césped en el oeste de Oregon. OSU Extension Services. EM 9167-S. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9167s
Edmonds, B. and A. Kowalewski. 2017. Controlling Moss in Lawns. OSU Extension Services. EM9175. Retrieved December 7, 2017. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9175
Kowalewski, A. and G. Stahnke. 2017. Chapter 9: Lawns. Master Gardener Manual. Washington State University Extension Service. EC001. Submitted May 3, 2017.
Kowalewski, A. and C. Foss. 2015. Integrated Pest Management for Turfgrass. OSU Extension Services. EM9123. Retrieved July 29, 2015. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9123
Goatley, M., R. Maguire, A. Kowalewski and D. Linde. 2015. Utilizing Soil Tests in Nutrient Management for Sports Fields. The Safe Foundation. pg 1-8. Reviewed by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Extension and Outreach Committee.
Kowalewski, A. G. Stahnke, T. Cook and R. Goss. 2015. Best Management Practices for Maintaining Sand-based, Natural Grass Athletic Fields. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW676). pg 1-13. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw676
Kowalewski, A. G. Stahnke, T. Cook and R. Goss. 2015 Best Management Practices for Construction of Sand-based Natural Grass Athletic Fields. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW675). pg 1-13. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw675
Kowalewski, A. 2014. Developing an Integrated Pest Management Plan. 2014. Sports Turf Mangers Association: The Safe Foundation. pg 1-7. http://stma.org/sites/stma/files/EDigest/Developing_IPM-Plan%20FINAL.pdf
Baker, S. and A. Kowalewski. 2014. Retail Lawn Seed Mixtures for Western Oregon and Western Washington. OSU Extension Service. EC9100. http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/54019/em9100.pdf
Voderberg, D. and A. Kowalewski. 2014. Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon. OSU Extension Service. EC1521. http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/51127/ec1521.pdf

Department of Horticulture

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D

Primary tabs

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D

Turf Program Overview

2020, 2021 and 2022 Publications

Current Grants

Current Graduate Students

Past Graduate Students

Profile Field Tabs

Turf Management Curriculum

New Professional Education and Continuing Education (PACE) Courses

OSU Turf Program Faculty and Staff

Extension Publications

Contact Info