Monday, June 05, 2017

Take All Patch

 
On fairways, we have a few spots of stubborn, Take-All Patch, a fungal disease.  This disease is common on new turf that is less than 2 years old.  However, at Highlands CC, I've seen it on older turf as well.  We've treated with 2 fungicides during the past month and we are making another fairway application tomorrow that will contain 2 different fungicides with 2 different modes of action.  I am confidant this will deliver the knockout punch.  You may have noticed areas on 3, 5, 6 and 9 fairway.  This is one aspect of the business that reminds us Mother Nature will always have the upper hand.  You won't see this on greens because we have a much more aggressive fungicide program that targets a broad spectrum of fungus.  On fairways however, treating 25 acres of turf isn't the most economical.  Therefore, while we treat preventatively, it usually revolves around focusing on the turf diseases that are likely based on weather conditions at the time.  It's an effective program but certainly not bulletproof like we try to create around our greens fungicide program.  Take All patch isn't and every year problem.  Once the fungus is eradicated, the turf will recover quickly in a fairway.