Tech Notes Issue 7

Looking at a Few Late -  Autumn / Winter Diseases

With cool wet weather slowly beginning to move into some areas, it is a good time to look forward to some of the common diseases that can be expected to occur.

The first disease is Microdochium patch, also known as Winter Fusarium, which is common in cool temperate regions. This disease is becomes active under cool wet conditions and can also occur under snow, which is not common for most of you. However, the pictures here were taken a few weeks ago in northern Germany. This area normally does not receive snow, but this year considerable snow fall occurred. The symptoms are classic (Fig 1 & 2).

The second disease is cool temperature brown patch or Yellow Patch. Again it occurs during cool wet weather often on slow growing creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). Symptoms most often appear in late winter (Fig 3). 

And finally not to slight those of you on warm season turfgrasses, the pathogens that can cause spring dead spot are active on couchgrass roots during this time of the year. Symptoms will often  appear in late winter to spring (Fig 4).

Depending on the location these diseases may be considered minor problems. However, given the unpredictability of weather you never what may happen.
 
Culturally, try to minimize any lush growth going into the winter. Lush growth can promote these diseases. Maintain adequate potassium levels, especially on warm season turfgrasses to promote the winter hardening process.

If one of these diseases is a chronic problem fungicide treatments may be warranted. 

Depending on the location these diseases may be considered minor problems. However, given the unpredictability of weather you never what may happen.
 
Culturally, try to minimize any lush growth going into the winter. Lush growth can promote these diseases. Maintain adequate potassium levels, especially on warm season turfgrasses to promote the winter hardening process.

If one of these diseases is a chronic problem fungicide treatments may be warranted.                                 

Fig 1	Fig 2	Fig 3	Fig 4