Pests & Diseases


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The defining features of acrocarpous mosses are that they are unbranched with an erect growth habit


Bryum argenteum - an erect habit!


Sphagnidae: more widely recognised as sphagnum mosses. There are over 100 species found worldwide Andreaeidae: generally found in alpine


situations Bryidae: comprises over 10,000 mosses, and therefore is fairly common within the UK As the Bryidae sub-class is so broad, it is normally broken down into the acrocarpous or pleurocarpous sub-groups. The easiest way of distinguishing between these two is that acrocarps are normally tufted mosses, whereas pleurocarps are sprawling. The defining features of acrocarpous mosses are that they are unbranched with an erect growth habit. Pleurocarps form mats of growth through freely branched, often fern- like, branches.


How do we control moss growth in a turf environment?


The traditional method of moss control typically utilised the use of lawn sand and other cultural practices. Whilst there are


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many instances where these processes could still be advised, there has been a slight improvement in the technical ability to beat the problem at the present time, at least for pleurocarpous mosses. In a professional setting, many advisers


would recommend treating the area with soluble iron sulphate, which would cause the moss to die off, allowing easier physical removal of the organism. This would have the added benefit of ‘greening up’ the sward without causing excess growth. The growth habit of an acrocarpous moss is


a contributing factor to why they are more difficult to control in general than their pleurocarpous counterparts. Essentially, with a tufted, more vertical growth habit, scarification/verticutting often does not have the desired effect. Many golf and bowls greenkeepers will be


familiar with the invasion of a moss known as silver thread moss (Bryum argenteum). This sub-species is of particular nuisance due to its rapid colonisation of weak areas and an


ability to withstand some chemical control. As moss is an advantageous species, the


important thing is to try and ensure a competitive growth habit by the individual grass plants. Ground coverage, especially heading into the winter, is therefore essential.


What else can be done to reduce the risk of moss invasion/establishment?


Ensure adequate irrigation without over- watering. Many sports complexes around the country utilise an automatic irrigation system. In periods of stress, it would be advisable to water thoroughly, but to requirement. Over- watering can lead to other unwanted problems. Find a balance in mowing height.


Particularly in golf and bowls, mowing height plays a significant part in how the ball reacts with the surface. Ensuring you can find a balanced mowing height to allow good coverage without affecting playing quality is important in all sports in terms of moss reduction.


Ensuring you can find a balanced mowing height to allow good coverage without affecting playing quality is important in all sports in terms of moss reduction


Trees around greens should be thinned out to reduce shade


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