Turf Disease Detection II: Spring dead spot

Spring dead spot is the most important disease for Cynodon dactylon and its hybirids, like for Bermuda 4-19.

Spring dead spot outbreaks happens to sport surfaces with high maintenance requirements. High nitrogen dosages at the end of the summer time seems to increase their outbreaks. Symptoms are circular white patches in the begining of spring. The sizes could reach up to 1 meter and are prone to happen each year in the same areas. The center of those patches might be filled with weeds and could also be like rings or arcs.

The different fungi species which cause this disease are Gaeumannomyces graminis (var. graminis) and other species of Ophiospharella: O. narmari; O. korrae; O. herpotricha. All of them easy to identify through our phytAlert Turf and its qPCR technics. High fungi infections can also usually be seen on their roots inspections.

Aeration processes as well as high value-added amendments that keep organic matter content in check will also be vital for its control.

Roots and stolons are necrotic, being their recovery slow due to a toxin produced by the fungi in the soil. The fungi grows actively in autumn, while weather is cold and wet, usually within a 12 -14ºC temperature range, far from the 35ºC optimum for Bermuda. Today we can diagnose this disease and its incidence “in situ” through our kit Phytfieldlab or just asking us to pick up your samples and take to our Labs for the analysis procedure.

To limit the appearance of this disease, it is advisable to control nitrogen supply, apply fungicides such as Tebuconazole, azoxystrobin + propiconazole, azoxystrobin + difenoconazole, fluoxastrobin and fenarimol (30 days prior to dormancy, as they are not very effective in autumn and spring), increase cutting height (also prior to dormancy). Algae-based biostimulants are an important way to manage our maintenance.

It is also highly recommended the application of acidifying fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, organic forms, applications of potassium, iron, manganese and other micronutrients. Therefore it is very necessary to monitor and maintain acid pH in the soil, so you should not renounce to measuring tools for its follow-up.

Know exactly if you suffer from Spring dead spot through its correct identification with qPCR analysis. Contact us at info@tiloom.com and we will collect the necessary samples ourselves. Make a preventive management to avoid reaching extreme situations.