Helmo-Complex

HELMINTHOSPORIUM COMPLEX

Bipolaris spp., Dreschlera spp., and Exserohilum spp.

Cool season turfgrasses

Helminthosporium symptoms can vary.
Initial symptoms are small lesions on leaf blades.
Leaf tissues turn yellow around these lesions.
Severely infected leaves may die and appear light tan to straw-coloured.
In Couch, Helminthosporium causes dark brown or white "net" blotches on the leaves.
Young seedlings may be killed by the disease, but mature plants will usually overcome the damage during vourable growing periods.

Helminthosporium Complex - Aus

Helminthosporium is able to develop at temperatures between 3 C and 30 C.
Leaf moisture is necessary for infection to occur.
More than 10 hours a day of leaf wetness for several consecutive days.
Poor air movement (high humidity in the micro-climate)
Excessive nitrogen fertiliser.
Any stress situation such as drought, herbicide injury or heavy traffic can increase the severity of the disease.

Helminthosporium is a complex of diseases previously known as Helminthosporium leaf, crown and root disease.

Found in all states of Australia

Maintain healthy turf through proper fertilisation. Pay particular attention to potassium and nitrogen levels.
Irrigate infrequently and deeply.
Avoid late afternoon or evening irrigations.
Do not allow the turf to become extremely dry during warm weather.
Increase air movement and improve turf drainage.
Avoid herbicide applications during critical periods of disease activity.
Disperse traffic in high traffic areas.
Mow turf at recommended height for turfgrass species.

The following products have label recommendation for the Helmo-complex control in Australia:

Parameter	Heritage MAXX
Mode of action	Systemic
Optimum timing	When conditions favour disease development
Dose rate	6 l/ha
Water volume	350-600 l/ha

Refer to label for full details.