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the playing surfaces’ reaction to certain environmental conditions.
“If it’s left until the disease takes hold of the turf, an eradicative treatment will be necessary. This is more likely to lead to scarring which, during the winter and early spring months, will take longer to grow out.”
Colin adds that the industry is now reviewing and assessing weather data more effectively, enabling individuals to make a more informed decision. “With all the technical advances today, there is a greater awareness of risk factors. This, combined with knowledge of the playing surfaces and coupled with a planned approach, managers are in a strong position for effective and efficient integrated disease control this season.”
As stated previously, the two key diseases greenkeepers need to look out for are Microdochium patch and Grey Snow Mould.
Microdochium patch is first noticed when the turf manager sees small brown and yellow patches, and the turf looks greasy or watery, and feels slimy to the touch. These small patches enlarge rapidly, joining up, and large areas of grass die back. After snow cover, it has a pink tinge and is referred to as Pink Snow Mould.
“Sward composition is important here, if you have predominantly annual meadow-grass, the chances are you will be seeing more die back. With a fescue or bent mix, there may not be quite the same issue.”
“What is important to remember is that members want 100% grass cover that looks nice and plays well. More importantly, any disease can cause a dip in the canopy due to the turf dying back which, on a green, can mean a poorer putting surface and can affect the roll of the ball. The majority of golf courses, for example, are heavily dependent on green fees, so attracting and keeping players, who appreciate the good surface, is vital.”
Grey Snow Mould can be caused by a covering on the turf, of either snow or leaves, which creates a cold and wet environment. Once the snow has thawed, or the area has been cleared, grey, circular patches will be visible on the turf.
“My advice is to keep an eye on the long-range weather forecast and act accordingly,” says Colin. “Turf managers can’t afford not to pay this attention - the weather forecast dictates so many things and is an essential tool in any maintenance routine.”
He urges managers to keep
High on Power Low on Co2
surfaces as dry as possible this spring, understanding that disease thrives in damp and wet conditions. Remove the dew from the grass leaves, daily or even several times a day if the weather is misty or foggy.
Turf should be examined every day for any sign of disease, and action taken straight away if anything is spotted. “Early control is key,” he says. “The sooner a threat is spotted, and action taken, the less likelihood of scarring on the surface."
Bayer’s Interface® is designed to be a turf manager’s core rotational product. “The beauty of this fungicide is that it can be used to address almost any eventuality. It has label recommendations for the control of six different turf diseases, so its flexibility is tremendous.
“The combination of the two active ingredients - iprodione and trifloxystrobin - cover two different fungicide chemical classes and, therefore, offer control at any stage of the disease’s development.”
Interface® with StressGard™ Formulation Technology has been developed over fifteen years to fine tune and upgrade product performance. The technology enhances the ability of the
...
They are extremely lightweight with low noise and vibration levels.
“ Seeing is believing
The Ultra Lithium Battery provides constant power and an operating range display, which indicates the remaining power level in real time. This provides between half a day and a full day of work depending on the type of tool used.
Greenway House • Sugarswell Business Park • Shenington • Oxon OX15 6HW Tel: 01295 680120 • email:
sales@etesia.co.uk
www.etesia.co.uk Etesia UK @EtesiaUK EtesiaUK
fungicide to deliver turf health benefits by augmenting plant physiology so turf fights stress and performs better.
According to Colin, Interface® offers a new standard in turf protection and is proving to be an exciting addition to Bayer’s turf fungicide portfolio. Colin adds, “The majority of fungicides only have one mode of action, whilst Interface® is a dual action fungicide - this also means that it can reduce the potential for disease resistance to occur.”
Turf manager checklist:
- Look at turf daily and be ready to take immediate action as soon as any disease threat is spotted
- Use the long range weather forecast as a key management tool
- Use prevention rather than cure when you plan your integrated disease management programme
- Keep turf on playing surfaces as dry as possible - especially during misty and foggy periods
Dr Colin Mumford
Pellenc ticks all of our boxes. Peter Anderson, Machinery Maintenance Engineer at RHS Wisley
” PC APRIL/MAY 2015 I 11
Pellenc Tools now available with a
Warranty 3Year
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