Envu Solutions – Anthracnose
Anthracnose can be a severe disease of intensely managed annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass surfaces. The disease is most common on putting greens undergoing stressful growing conditions/management regimes and occurs predominately in mid-summer under hot/humid conditions or in the fall-spring months under cold wet conditions.
There are two different phases of anthracnose: basal rot and foliar blight. Anthracnose basal rot affects the stem base of the plant and can be very destructive if not controlled. Annual bluegrass putting greens are especially susceptible to anthracnose basal rot and infection can occur at any time of the year. Anthracnose foliar blight can affect annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass leaves and occurs during periods abiotic stress, typically late summer.
Anthracnose is a stress disease that is best managed by promoting plant health, such as following sound agronomic practices and timely use of preventive fungicide programs. More than a decade of concerted research has gone into developing best management practices reducing anthracnose. Key cultural controls include:
- Adequate spring and summer nitrogen (N) with 49 to 73 g N/100 m2 applied weekly in the summer months
- Frequent sand topdressing
- Maintaining adequate moisture, alleviating drought stress
- Keeping mowing height above 3 mm and using rolling and double mowing to maintain green speeds
Fungicide resistance is a problem for anthracnose; QoI and benzimidazole fungicides may not provide adequate control due to resistance, but other fungicide classes remain effective for anthracnose control. Preventive fungicides should be applied prior to periods of plant stress. Application of fungicides prior to extended cool, wet weather in the fall, winter and spring can help reduce the incidence of basal rot.
A strong fungicide program that alternates various classes of fungicides is critical in managing anthracnose during summer stress. Key Envu solutions for anthracnose management include rotations of Signature® XTRA. Tank mixing with Stressgard® and Mirage® a contact fungicide such as chlorothalonil will aid in controlling anthracnose. If QoI resistance is not suspected,the inclusion of Exteris® Stressgard or Compass® 50WG can be a valuable supplement to round out your anthracnose management program. Additionally, products that include Stressgard Formulation Technology can improve plant health to reduce the effects of stress conditions that promote anthracnose.No matter what kind of turf problems you’re up against, Envu has a full range of solutions to help you take control and maintain it.
For more information about Anthracnose, download the solution sheet or contact your local Territory Sales Manager for Anthracnose control strategies specific to your needs.
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