TURF TIPS
Cultural Tips to Control Fungal Diseases in Turf By Liz Nutter, Managing Editor, Leading Edge Communications
No
matter where their turf is — whether on a golf course, athletic field, sod farm or a private home lawn — turf managers must remain constantly vigilant to anticipate and prevent potential challenges to the grasses under their care. Such a pro-active approach is particularly important to thwart fungal diseases — such as dollar spot, brown patch, Helminthosporium leaf spot, Pythium blight and spring dead spot — which can spread rapidly once established. Fortunately, careful attention
to management practices can often head off fungal diseases before they can become a major problem.
Rationale for cultural controls Disease pathogens are always present in turf, but they require the right temperature — and, more importantly, the right moisture levels — to cause actual disease. “Turfgrass fungi require free moisture in order to cause disease,” says Dr. Lane Tredway, plant pathologist at North Carolina State University. “As a
result, most diseases are encouraged by excessive irrigation, poor soil drainage, soil compaction or anything else that increases the amount of water on top of the turf.” Cultural controls are very effective for management of turfgrass diseases, says Tredway. “Overall, management practices that create a healthy, vigorous turf will also reduce disease development. Plants use a complex system, somewhat similar to a human’s immune system, to defend themselves from disease. When the turf is stressed due to improper management practices, the defense system breaks down and the plant becomes more susceptible to disease. In many situations, proper cultural practices can eliminate the need for fungicides.”
Fungus-fighting tactics Agro Distribution, LLC d/b/a ProSource One
Cal Hill – West Tennessee Sales 5387 Pleasant View Rd. Memphis, TN 38134 P: 901/383-2524 F: 901/388-0892 M: 901/412-0121 E: chill@prosourceone.com
Mike P. Swindle – West Tennessee Sales 5387 Pleasant View Rd. Memphis, TN 38134 P: 901/383-2524 F: 901/388-0892 M: 901/849-0403 E: mswindle@prosourceone.com
Joe Hill – East Tennessee Sales P.O. Box 119 Springfield, TN 37172 P: 800/535-4552 F: 615/384-3364 M: 865/567-4210 E: kjhill@prosourceone.com
Jeff Easley – Mid-Tennessee Sales P.O. Box 119 Springfield, TN 37172 P: 800/535-4552 F: 615/384-3364 M: 615/207-3952, Nextel ID# 148*22459*1 E: jeasley@prosourceone.com
The cultural-management tips listed (on the following page) can help you greatly reduce — perhaps even eliminate — the need for costly fungicide applications. • Always avoid prolonged leaf wetness.