TOOLS & GUIDANCE
W E AT H E R
TOP TIPS
JULY WEATHER HOTS UP
• Manage summer soil moisture with Qualibra programmes • Watch for local weather and disease risk on the GreenCast turf management website
HISTORIC DISEASE RISK FOR GUILDFORD
Anthracnose foliar risk
3 2.5 2 1.5 1
0 1 Jul 2016
3 Jul 2016
5 Jul 2016
7 Jul 2016
9 Jul 2016
11 Jul 13 Jul 2016 2016
15 Jul 17 Jul 19 Jul 21 Jul 23 Jul 25 Jul 27 Jul 29 Jul 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016
HISTORIC DISEASE RISK FOR HEXHAM
Anthracnose foliar risk
Dollar Spot risk
Take-All Patch risk
4 3.5
Historic disease risk
1°C above the long-term average Southern and eastern counties well above average temperature and sunshine Scotland cooler and duller Overall rainfall was nearly 10 per cent above average, but 60 per cent drier in southern England Northern Scotland had rain on 22 days – 50 per cent more than normal Southern England was dry for 25 days, with just 24mm of rain. The GreenCast Historic Disease records also highlight the north/south divide. In Guildford, Surrey, Anthracnose and Dollar Spot pressure increased on 15 July, with severe risk of outbreaks without preventative measures. Take-All Patch risk was extremely high all month (top chart). However, the corresponding records for Hexham in Northumberland, show the
Take-All Patch risk
0.5
2016: KEY JULY WEATHER FACTS UK average of 15.3°C, which was close to
Dollar Spot risk
3.5
Historic disease risk
L
ast year’s July weather exemplified the north/south divide of fighting weather patterns. While much of the north of the UK has remained stubbornly dull and wet, the south has seen temperatures soaring to record levels. In recent years, July temperatures have hit over 28°C daily for more than 50 per cent of days. That can have severe effects on the UK’s cool-season grasses. Coupled to these prolonged dry periods, has been the increasing incidence of intense summer thunderstorms. July downpours have seen over 100 per cent of the month’s rain fall in just 48 hours every year for the past four seasons in some areas.
•B e aware of Dollar Spot and Anthracnose outbreaks during hot weather
3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 1 Jul 2016
3 Jul 2016
5 Jul 2016
7 Jul 2016
9 Jul 2016
11 Jul 13 Jul 2016 2016
inverse of lower Anthracnose or Dollar Spot pressure in the cooler temperatures, although Take-All Patch incidence was consistently mid to high range reflecting the differing conditions. For fungicide selection and timing, knowing what disease is to be expected and precisely when the risk occurs is crucial to
15 Jul 17 Jul 19 Jul 21 Jul 23 Jul 25 Jul 27 Jul 29 Jul 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016
pick the appropriate product and get the best possible levels of control, along with the longest protection. Following high rainfall July storms, nutrient leaching can compound the problem of nutrient imbalances that also increase stress on turf plants and the susceptibility to disease.