This week we look at part three of USGA agronomist, Pat Gross’ December 2010 report on the greens at the Villages. This week Pat discusses disease and pest susceptibility. Disease and pest susceptibility: Although Poa annua is susceptible to various fungal diseases, the maintenance staff has done a good job of making preventive fungicide applications to sustain healthy turf growth throughout the year. Of particular concern is the susceptibility of the greens to rapid blight disease, which has caused significant turf loss at the Villages in previous years. This disease is most damaging in late summer when soluble salt levels are relatively high in the greens and the turf is under high temperature and moisture stress. Preventive management programs are essential for controlling this disease and practices should include:
- Deep watering of the greens at regular intervals to dilute and flush salts away from sensitive turf roots.
- Suspending abrasive turf management practices in the fall, such as aeration, vertical mowing, and sand topdressing.
- Applying preventive fungicides at recommended label rates.
As you can see, the practices necessary to prevent and control rapid blight disease are likely to contribute to softer surface conditions late in the year.
- Deep watering of the greens at regular intervals to dilute and flush salts away from sensitive turf roots.
- Suspending abrasive turf management practices in the fall, such as aeration, vertical mowing, and sand topdressing.
- Applying preventive fungicides at recommended label rates.
As you can see, the practices necessary to prevent and control rapid blight disease are likely to contribute to softer surface conditions late in the year.
