Envu Solutions – Take-all Patch
Take-all patch is an important root disease of all bentgrasses. It is caused by the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var avenae. The disease can appear in wet, cold conditions or in warm-hot conditions when plants are experiencing stress. Above-ground injury to bentgrass is due to root infection below ground because the fungus disrupts vascular tissue within the root cortex. Take-all survives on previously infected roots and it can be a recurring problem on infected plants.
Cultural practices that are successful in reducing take-all patch rely on maintaining soil pH between 5.5–6.0 and using ammonium sulfate in spring and fall. Liming and use of nitrate forms of nitrogen should be minimized as both can enhance disease. Take-all patch severity can be reduced by applications of manganese sulfate (2.2 kg per ha in the spring). Fungicides are often used in conjunction with cultural strategies because soils deficient in manganese or high in pH can be difficult to correct.
DMI and QoI fungicides are most effective against take-all. Best control of take-all patch occurs when fungicides are applied preventatively in the fall (Sept.-Nov.) when soil temperatures are 10–18 °C at a 5 cm depth. In situations of chronic take-all, fungicides should be reapplied preventatively in the spring when soil temperatures reach >12 °C for five days at a 5 cm depth with two to three applications every 21 to 28 days required. Fungicides must target infected roots so apply at high label rates with flat fan nozzles in 8–20 L of water per 100 m2 (or use 0.6–1.3 cm of irrigation immediately after application) to ensure fungicide contact with the root zone.
Mirage® Stressgard®contains a DMI fungicide that is labelled in other regions such as the United States for take-all patch. Mirage Stressgard also contains Stressgard® Formulation Technology that will help reduce summer stress on cool-season turfgrass, and this can improve recovery potential following damage. Signature® XTRA Stressgard® tank-mixes promote plant health and reduce the effects of summer decline as well as wilt stress associated with certain diseases such as take-all patch.
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 Take-all patch, download the solution sheet or contact your local Territory Sales Manager for Take-all patch control strategies specific to your needs.
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