Down to the core

GCI sits down with Dr. Zac Reicher, green solutions specialist at Bayer Environmental Science, who weighs in on Signature XTRA Stressgard, a true systemic fungicide that enhances plant health and turf quality, while minimizing stress from both abiotic and biotic sources.

Dr. Reicher also provices some perspective on disease pressure and planning for anthracnose control strategies for 2016.


Given drought and other climatic factors this year, what did you observe about anthracnose in 2015 that influenced your recommendations for control strategies?
In my area where anthracnose is common (IN, IL, MI, MO, KS, IA, NE), we experienced very wet May, June and/or July depending on the state. Luckily, the wet weather was usually accompanied by cool temperatures, so rooting was not severely compromised. Anthracnose did not start to threaten until drier and warmer conditions hit in August, but temperatures were still relatively mild and overall conditions were not favorable for severe anthracnose outbreaks in 2016 in my states.

How do you see supers (in your area or generally) adjusting their strategy for 2016?
On greens with annual bluegrass, anthracnose is a disease that must be controlled with proper cultural strategies and preventative fungicides. Rolling, frequent light topdressing, and growth regulators are replacing low and/or multiple mowings. Regular applications of tank mixes including Signature for plant health are critical. Superintendents are also switching more frequently to Mirage Stressgard to prevent anthracnose as well as summer patch, fairy ring, and a number of other diseases in Poa annua.

When and why should they consider Signature XTRA as part of that program?
Since anthracnose is considered one of the stress diseases, anything that can be done to improved plant health is critical. Signature Xtra Stressgard works very well applied at 4 oz/1000 sq ft on 14-day intervals throughout the summer, but excels for pythium control and to maximize plant health when applied at 2 oz/1000 on 7-day intervals when temperatures and humidity climb in July and August. The 7-day interval is new for Signature Extra Stressgard is relatively uncommon on fungicide labels.