Although rainfall here and there is welcomed during a particularly hot and dry period, this can also unfortunately bring about a spike in the risk of the foliar blight form of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale).
Anthracnose attacks grass plants (normally only Poa annua) when they are under stress. It is triggered by environmental stress, low nutrition and compaction which lead to reduced turf vigour. Once this disease reaches basal rot stage, fungicides are no longer effective for control but should be applied to prevent further damage. Time to make a plan of attack!
PRO TIPS from Aquatrols Europe
Short term strategy:
- Relieve turf stress by raising the height of cut.
- Alternating mowing with rolling has been seen to result in less damage.
- Ensure that the highest possible quality of cut is maintained.
- Aerate to relieve compaction and to improve oxygen levels.
- Nutrition availability is paramount. In particular, Nitrogen. Address this if considered to be required with applications of a Nitrogen product such as VerdeLNX Base N @ 20L/ha.
- Irrigate in the morning to minimise long periods of leaf wetness particularly overnight.
- Use a penetrant wetting agent to move water through the upper soil profile and to keep the surface dry. An application of Dispatch Sprayable @ 1.75L/ha will do the trick.
- Avoid mechanical cultivations such as verti-cutting and grooming as these can cause further stress to the grass plant.
- Applications of the VerdeLNX Tough Turf tank-mix may be beneficial at this time beneficial at this time to improve abiotic stress defences and cell wall strength while conditions persist – 10L Ferrosol Pro, 10L Base Ca and 10L Base K to treat one hectare.
- Use fungicides as part of an Integrated Turf Management Programme and be aware of causing resistance to one chemical group by its over-use.
- Applications of VerdeLNX Attain Max or VerdeLNX Liquid SW can be used to promote recovery once disease activity has abated.
Longer term strategy:
- Use an appropriate, phased-release, liquid Nitrogen fertilizer in combination with Humic and Amino acids later in the season to ensure that adequate nutrition is available in order to promote recovery of the sward and maintain healthy turf. Tank-mix applications of VerdeLNX Base N and VerdeLNX Sward, both @ 10L/ha would ideal.
- Reduce the percentage of Poa annua present in the sward.
- Implement a programmed approach to water management and plant health with the use of products such as Revolution, Zipline Pro or Primer Select depending upon your agronomic situation.
- Over-seed with suitable, less susceptible varieties.
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