Whippany, New Jersey, United States: The Turf and Ornamentals business of Bayer has selected veteran turfgrass expert Dr Jesse Benelli as the newest member of the US Green Solutions Team.

He is responsible for providing scientific support and technical expertise to superintendents and lawn care operators across the southern region of the United States.

Benelli brings more than 15 years of experience in the turfgrass industry to this role.

“A long-time turfgrass expert, Dr Benelli is an excellent addition to our Green Solutions team,” said Dr Mike Ruizzo, Southern Region Manager for US Turf and Ornamentals at Bayer, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“He has a life-long passion for this industry and will bring best-in-class technical expertise to golf course superintendents and lawn care operators across the southern region,” added Ruizzo.

Benelli will provide technical support for superintendents and lawn care operators across Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Todd Lowe remains the designated Green Solutions Team member for Florida.

Most recently, Benelli served as a technical expert for the Bayer T&O organisation in Canada. Prior to joining Bayer, he was the Director of Turfgrass Programmes for the Chicago District Golf Association. Additionally, he worked at several golf courses in Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

Dr Benelli earned his Masters and PhD in turfgrass and plant pathology from the University of Tennessee. He will be moving back to the Southeast with his wife and two sons.

“I have admired the Bayer Green Solutions Team and the expertise they bring to customers,” Benelli said. “I am thrilled to join this industry-leading team and look forward to helping superintendents and lawn care operators achieve success.”