Leatherjackets uncovered: saving your lawn from crane fly larvae

This episode explains plant growth regulators (PGRs): what they are, how they work, and why turf managers use them to reduce mowing, increase sward density and wear tolerance, and suppress unwanted species like Poa annua. It also covers the risks—hazardous chemistry, residual activity in soil and effects on reseeding—and discusses alternatives such as potassium silicate, ABA analogs and alkalinising treatments. The host advises caution: avoid PGRs for domestic lawns and use them sparingly and selectively in professional sports turf situations. Dr Russell Sharp, Founder or Eutrema Ltd, November 2026  

Check out: IVY PRE-SPRAY Dr. Russell Sharp dives into the problems English ivy causes for trees, buildings, and ecosystems, and explains why standard herbicides often fail due to ivy's waxy leaves. He outlines mechanical removal, timing, and introduces Ivy Pre-Spray — a product that degrades leaf waxes so herbicides like glyphosate can be absorbed, improving control effectiveness even into autumn. The episode covers safety, alternative management options, and practical tips for treating stumps, when to spray, and how to prevent regrowth.

This episode explains what algae on turf is, how it differs from moss, and why it appears: persistent wetness from compaction or poor drainage, heavy shade, overwatering, excess thatch and scalping. It covers how algae forms slimy black crusts, reproduces by spores and fragments, and why treating only the algae without fixing the causes makes it return. Practical solutions are discussed, including improving drainage (aeration, hollow tining, Liquid Gypsum), removing thatch, reducing shade, reseeding/scarifying, and cautious chemical options for professionals. The episode also highlights related organisms (liverworts, lichens, oomycetes) and notes algae can be a slippery hazard on sports turf.

Host Dr. Russell Sharp explains what leatherjackets are (crane fly larvae), how they damage turf by severing roots, and why damp, thatchy soils encourage infestations. The episode covers life cycle timing, signs of damage, cultural and physical controls (drainage, thatch removal, tarpaulin monitoring), biological options like nematodes, soil pH management, and when chemical options may be considered. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/lime-sulphur/

Dr. Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema Limited, explains the company’s grower-first approach and commitment to unique, science-driven fertilisers and biostimulants focused on sustainability and soil biology. Eutrema offers transparent formulations, direct access to inventors and manufacturers, fast expert support, and innovative products like fully soluble liquid gypsum and concentrated salicylic acid designed to solve real grower problems. https://eutrema.co.uk/

Dr. Russell Sharp outlines six major threats to fertiliser and pesticide prices in the UK; energy and geopolitical risks, sulphur and phosphate shortages, the UK carbon border adjustment, crop yields and commodity feedbacks, potential sanctions, and regulatory harmonisation. He explains how these forces could affect arable farming, horticulture, sports turf and hydroponics, and why small innovators may be squeezed while large suppliers gain advantage by 2027. https://eutrema.co.uk/

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains earthworm biology and why castings surge after wet weather, how they can help or harm lawns and sports turf, and the role of predators and invasive species. He outlines practical castings control options; wetting agents, saponins, sulphur-based treatments, salicylic acid, and pH adjustment. Russell shares Eutrema product recommendations, timing for treatments, and where to get more information. For more tips, see the blog on the topic: https://eutrema.co.uk/controlling-worms-on-golf-courses/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains Eutrema’s Periodic Table of Turf Health, walking through macronutrients, secondary nutrients, micronutrients, non‑mineral and non‑essential elements, common deficiency symptoms, and practical fertilizer guidance for lawns and sports turf. He also outlines how to get the poster and free swag from Eutrema, shares product recommendations and timing notes, and invites listeners to request further advice or samples. https://eutrema.co.uk/turf-health-periodic-table-poster/

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains what hydroseeding is, how it works, and where it’s most useful. He covers the essential materials (seed, gums like xanthan or guar, fibres, liquid feeds and dyes), the machinery involved, common problems such as clumping and pump blockages, and the importance of proper ground preparation and water quality. Dr. Sharp also discusses cost comparisons with turf, environmental benefits, business opportunities, and how Eutrema can help source better, more reliable materials to improve results. Dr Russell Sharp, Founder of Eutrema Ltd. October 2026

Dr. Russell Sharp shares practical autumn care for cricket pitches: aeration and slitting (his "tickler"), treating fairy rings with wetting agents, and boosting resilience with silicon, iron and targeted nitrogen applications. He also covers product selection, tank-mixing tips, worm castings, compaction, and simple sprayer and maintenance advice for volunteer groundsmen and clubs. https://eutrema.co.uk/lawn-care/