Leaf Spot
THERE are a wide range of fungi that cause leaf spot disease on amenity turfgrasses and these individual fungi will cause damage to different grass types under different environmental conditions. Until quite recently, their effect on close-mown fine turfgrasses was generally considered to be a lesser problem compared with, for example, the damage seen on turf maintained for winter games pitches. However, with a steady increase in the occurrence and apparent severity of two particular diseases of close- mown turf, the following may help you to recognise the symptoms and manage them accordingly.
the best way to perpetuate these types of infections is to regularly re-wet a dry turf. Infrequent but deep irrigation will contribute to an effective management programme for this type of disease problem. A build-up of organic matter or thatch will encourage the development of this disease as it will provide a nutrient source to sustain the fungus whilst it is not causing disease. Nutrient stress will also encourage leaf spot infections but, if they develop, a little and often approach to applications should allow sufficient growth in the plant to aid recovery, without encouraging the weak susceptible plant tissue.
Drechslera: There are several species of Drechslera that are known to cause damage to cool-season turfgrass. Perhaps the most common and damaging is D. erythrospila, which causes the disease Red Leaf Spot of bentgrass. As the name implies, this disease is seen on bentgrasses and, in a mixed sward, the fescue and meadowgrass will remain unaffected giving a mottled appearance to the turf. Affected plants are tan to dark tan in colour and also appear dry as if droughted. Close inspection of the leaf may show distinct red spots on the leaf blade but these are not always present and cannot be used as the sole diagnostic characteristic. The fungus will be active at all times except during temperature extremes, but damage is most often seen during the late spring and autumn. The fungus produces spores on the infected plants and these spores have the potential to cause further infections when a water film is present on the leaf. On a dry sward the fungus remains inactive but, as soon as the sward becomes wet, the fungus rapidly produces spores and its cycle of infection begins again. Because of this,
Bipolaris: Although well known as a potential cause of cool- season turf disease, damage by Bipolaris species is not thought to be too common in the UK. However, occasional outbreaks are recorded each year and the turf samples that I have received from the UK and Ireland suggest that the damage is most likely to occur on annual meadowgrass swards. In contrast to the Drechslera infections, Bipolaris-infected turf seems to show a darker and more complete deterioration of the infected plants. The entire leaf tissues of infected plants appear to be affected and, once viewed under moderate magnification, the spore- producing structures and the spores themselves, are readily apparent. These fungi also require free water on the leaf to facilitate disease development. Bipolaris tends to infect turf under slightly higher temperatures compared with Drechslera but, otherwise, most aspects of disease development are very similar to those for Drechslera fungi.
Many of the fungicides that are currently available for use on managed amenity turf have shown efficacy against these types of turf diseases and, where necessary, can be used as part of an integrated management programme. Always ensure that the disease is correctly identified prior to the application of any plant protection product.
Dr. Kate Entwistle The Turf Disease Centre Tel: 01256 880246
... better than the Belfry!
during the summer months. Two of the older full time staff left so, in consultation with Peter, there was the chance to re-evaluate the working schedules. By changing the working days to a seasonal rota, winter (6.5 hrs) and summer (9.5 hrs), full time staffing was reduced to five whilst, at the same time, pay and conditions were improved.
Overtime is a thing of the past. A bonus scheme was also introduced which encourages and rewards loyalty - the club pays an annual percentage increase to staff who have worked for them for five years or more, starting at 5% after five years service and working up to 10% after ten years. The greenstaff also undertake a lot of work themselves which, previously, may have been put out to contractors. The difficulty, sometimes, for Peter and his team, however, is finding the time to do these jobs.
Ian and Peter meet on a monthly basis. Ian walks and, of course, plays the course regularly. He believes it is very important to support the greenstaff and listen to their views and concerns. Retaining staff and keeping them happy and motivated is the key to productivity. The role of Greens
Chairman, as Ian sees it, is to listen to the needs of both the members and Head Greenkeeper and, at the same time, act as a buffer between the two parties. It is part of his role to get the message across to members why certain jobs and tasks are being undertaken. Often they only see the small picture and do not appreciate or understand the longer terms aims and objectives of Peter and his team.
A long term issue which the
club needs to address is irrigation. The present system was installed in the 1970’s and is now on its last legs. The club is looking at investing in their own borehole to ensure they can be self sufficient, therefore they need to design any new system around this option, as well as increasing the capacity to water tees, greens and provide a wash down facility. The costs of this are expected to exceed £200k, a substantial amount of money to find for any club. Trying to find that level of money from present budget allocations is often difficult, it is all about prioritising needs. Ian, is quick to recognise that his working background as a surveyor and supplier of land surveying equipment has helped him with his relationship with Peter, in that he has an affinity with the role of the Head Greenkeeper and understands the principles and practices that are necessary to maintain the golf course. But, more importantly, Ian understands that the only way a club can prosper is when all parties move and work together, thus creating the appropriate golfing environment for all who play at the course. A golf club, in today’s world, has to be run as a highly organised business, which requires commitment and clear, effective communication through all parties.
At Shifnal the results speak for themselves with members reporting that the quality of the greens this year are exceptional, with some saying that they are currently better than those at the Belfry. From Ian and Peter’s point of view it is pleasing to know that all their hard work and efforts have been worthwhile.
... the past few years has been worthwhile
disease OF THE MONTH
Bipolaris
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