You Are Here: Management Updates 2002 Archive June 3, 2002

Date: June 3, 2002
Category: Diseases
Subject: Fusarium Patch, Take-All Patch

We have finally had a week of warm weather, so many turf problems will correct themselves. A number of people have noted the reddish cold injury and, in some areas, desiccation from high winds. When a problem is very uniform throughout a piece of turf, it is more likely to be caused by a physical or environmental factor rather than a disease. Fusarium patch (pink snow mold) will continue to become active in cool, wet weather well into June. A sample was submitted last week. In most New England areas, it is not likely to be active any more, but don't be fooled if the weather changes, and it pops up again. The fungus that causes this disease makes a lot of spores that are easily streaked to new areas.

Take-all patch was the disease of the week. Although it is most common on young bentgrass, it can become active in cool, wet weather where pH is high in soil, irrigation water, or top-dressing sand. Heritage seems to be the best fungicide for this disease, but it must be watered in while still wet on the leaves. It does not move down in the plant, so you must deliver it to the roots and crowns. Ammonium sulfate to reduce soil pH is also helpful. The disease is also favored by wet, poorly drained soils.

We are now moving into early summer weather, so expect a resurgence of anthracnose along with dollar spot in the coming week.

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann