F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m at i o n
P a g e 11
Monocot madness sponsored by Question: These symptoms are characterized by darker green rings or circles in various sizes that develop in the spring or early summer. Rings may be sunken and have a distinct border. They can occur on both warm and cool season grasses This question was sent to our superintendent members Aug. 30th. The winner was to be the first correct answer to come into the office which was Scott Hill, pictured at right, from Lincoln Hills Golf Course. Scott will receive a $50 gift card for his quick and accurate response. Answer: These pictures show symptoms of fairy ring. Fairy ring is different from other turf diseases in that the fungus does not infect the plant. These symptoms are caused by fungal growth altering physical and chemical properties in the soil. The first picture shows Type II symptoms, greener rings or circles caused by fungi mineralizing organic matter releasing nitrogen and other nutrients. The dead and declining turf in the 2nd picture is characteristic of Type I symptoms. Expanding microbial growth in the soil can expand size of the rings creating zones of hydrophobicity and release of toxic compounds. Control: Best way to control fairy ring is on a preventive basis with properly timed fungicide applications. Begin applications in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55-60F and repeat on a 28-day interval. Curative applications require a different strategy. More frequent fungicide applications are initially required to halt fungal growth along with a soil wetting agent to move fungicides into hydrophobic zones. Cultural practices such as aeration, spiking, additional soil wetting agents, hand-watering may be required to enhance turf recovery. There are several thatch and soil dwelling basidiomycetes that cause fairy ring symptoms in turf. Fungicides in the DMI, QoI and SDHI chemical classes of fungicides have activity against fairy ring fungi. Syngenta trials have demonstrated excellent control of fairy ring with Briskway®, Velista® and Posterity® fungicides. Sign up for fairy ring soil temperature alerts at GreenCastOnline.com/agronomicalerts Visit Greencastonline.com for more information on fairy ring including control recommendations, a GCSAA webinar and more. All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. © 2021 Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Briskway®, GreenCast®, Posterity®, Velista®, the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
Thank you to Joe Balmer from Syngenta for sponsoring this issues Monocot Madness. If you are interested in doing the same for our next issue please contact Kim or Irene at the association office 559-298-6262. Questions can include technical , mechanical , or plant science. Help us make this a regular for our newsletter.