You Are Here: Management Updates 1999 Archive July 30, 1999

Date: July 30, 1999
Category: Diseases
Subject: Gray Leaf Spot, Pythium, Bacterial Wilt

GRAY LEAF SPOT was confirmed on ryegrass seedlings in NJ on 7/22. No confirmed reports yet from established turf, but turf managers with perennial ryegrass should have preventive fungicide protection out as soon as possible.

PYTHIUM BLIGHT is again a significant threat this weekend, especially if a late day or evening thunderstorm comes through. BACTERIAL WILT may be contributing to the decline of some Poa annua. Some superintendents are using copper sprays, but keep in mind that these products will not cure infected plants. It is also important to consider the unrelenting stress for the past two months. Even the bentgrass is showing the stress at this point. Most turf plants have very short and limited root systems that are exposed to high temperatures every day. By this time in the summer, most soil is very compacted from heavy play. Once again we are facing the hottest and most stressful weather on the weekend when play is the greatest.

The only GOOD NEWS to offer is that this is the last turf message for July and a break in the weather is promised for Monday.

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann