You Are Here: Management Updates 2004 Archive June 17, 2004

Date: June 17, 2004
Category: Diseases
Subject: Summer Patch

Summer patch is active throughout New England. This root disease affects Poa annua and can be easily confused with anthracnose unless you have a microscope. Fungicides that are effective include the DMIs (e.g. Banner™, Bayleton™, Eagle™), thiophanate-methyl (e.g. Cleary's 3336™) and the strobilurins (e.g. Compass™, Heritage™, Insignia™). To improve delivery to the roots, water in the fungicide while it is still wet on the leaves. If you allow it to dry first, the only fungicide that might make it to the roots is the material that lands between the leaf blades. Cultural practices include raising mowing height, improving the root environment by relieving compaction, sufficient water and N for growth, and keeping the pH down (around 5.8).

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann