TOOLS & GUIDANCE
W E AT H E R
OCTOBER TOP TIPS •B e aware of Microdochium Patch risk • Keep turf surfaces dry • Manage nutrition to avoid lush growth • Apply fungicides proactively
Mild weather and dew add to disease risk
DEW POINTS TO DISEASE RISK
A
s we move into autumn, increased temperature differentials and moist air flows from the west create dewy mornings with wet turf surfaces that are slow to dry. Combined with the milder conditions seen in recent years, this has led to early outbreaks of foliar diseases. With slowing grass growth and the high-risk conditions, problems with Microdochium Patch (Fusarium) outbreaks have already been reported. With limited opportunities for recovery, any damage
that affects playing surface quality now is set to last right through to the spring.
HIGHS’N’LOWS
•O ctober temperatures have been above average in six of the past seven seasons • Rainfall last year was significantly below average for the whole of the UK, but especially dry in the north of England, Wales and Scotland, with up to 70 per cent below the norm. The east of England was relatively wet, with near average rainfall • Rain events in October have typically
HISTORIC DISEASE RISK FOR OCTOBER
Historic disease risk
Furasrium Patch High Risk
3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 26 Sep 2016
29 Sep 2016
02 Oct 2016
05 Oct 2016
08 Oct 2016
11 Oct 2016
14 Oct 2016
17 Oct 2016
20 Oct 2016
23 Oct 2016
26 Oct 2016
29 Oct 2016
increased in recent years, even when overall rainfall may be less • October typically sees the onset of frosty nights across the UK, with an average of one frost in the south, but up to four nights in Scotland A review of recent weather patterns shows that seasonal autumn temperatures have typically risen up to two degrees over the past four decades. The trend is clearly now for warmer conditions continuing through the autumn and early winter. GreenCast historic disease and weather records show that half of October days will see significant rain (more than 1mm), with heavy dew on over 80 per cent of mornings, creating increased risk of Microdochium Patch outbreak during the month. Poa annua dominant swards will be especially susceptible, along with areas of lush growth that remain wet for extended periods – particularly if air flow is restricted.
DISEASE STOP
Initial reports this season are that the Microdochium Nivale pathogen is active after the relatively wet and cool late summer conditions. In high risk situations, outbreaks have already been triggered by the onset of misty autumnal mornings and increased stress during maintenance activities. It is an early warning of the potential risk this winter. During extended warm autumn growing conditions, Banner Maxx or Instrata Elite will provide further protection. Results of new trials at the STRI have highlighted the value of proactive early treatments, along with the potential for fludioxonil to reduce disease inoculum prior to periods of risk – giving long-lasting protection through weather conducive to disease.