As grass plants have
experienced extreme droughts this summer greenkeepers are reminded to act now
before disease onset this autumn.
Dr Colin Mumford, Bayer technical manager, explains that stressed turf is more likely to be
affected by diseases such as Anthracnose, foliar blight and Anthracnose basal
rot.
“Grass swards are
struggling to recover following this summer’s extreme weather conditions,
making them more susceptible to disease. If weather conditions are cool and
damp going forward you’ll be more likely to see disease outbreaks,” he says.
“Anthracnose is known
as a low nitrogen disease so it’s essential to monitor plant nutrition
regularly to keep your grass plant in the best condition. You can do this by
looking at grass clippings when mowing greens or taking soil or tissue samples
and applying correct nutrients if required.
“However, if conducive
weather conditions prevail, I’d advise greenkeepers to treat turf
preventatively to stop disease from establishing, using a dual action fungicide
such as Dedicate (tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin).
“As well as helping to
reduce the impact of scarring, treating turf preventatively will minimise the
effect of Anthracnose, in turn leaving you with a healthier grass plant that’s
able to withstand other disease stresses like Microdochium Patch,” says Colin.
Following the loss of
iprodione, Colin recommends that greenkeepers use an integrated approach to
combat disease. This should include both cultural and biological controls as
well as fungicides if required.
For further
information about preventative fungicides please visit www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk
