Understanding patch diseases

Both warm and cool season patch diseases cover a wide range of symptoms. Jason Fausey, field development manager at Valent, shows how to prepare for patches, regardless of what shows up on the turf.

 

What are you seeing as the most effective treatment of the various patch diseases?

The feedback has been really good with Tourney. On the research side, it’s something we’ve looked at for years. It has looked really strong in research trials over the last five or six years. Nice to see it working in the field, as well.

What region of the country are we seeing the most patch disease?

There are various patch diseases that get lumped together - both cool and warm season. Cool season is where you’ll find a lot of common patch diseases.

Will the warmer winter much of the country experienced influence this season’s patch diseases?

The early spring has initiated some of these earlier than in past years - summer patch and take-all patch. It started a little earlier, but may persist a little longer. Tricky timing your last application [to cover persisting symptoms].

Where, on the course, are patch diseases most common?

We see some patch diseases on fairways - often depending on the course’s budget - but they’re very unsightly on greens and tees.

Understanding that not all patch diseases are the same, what’s the best way to treat the majority?

Make an application when the fungus is most vulnerable - early on. Making preventive applications is key - before you visually see the disease. It is very difficult to spot treat.

How many applications throughout the season?

Two in the spring and two in the fall. If not, you’re really going to be battling the disease. It’ll not only damage the turf this year, but you’ll be battling it the next year, too. For a course with a tight budget, four applications can seem expensive, but in the long run, it’s really a cost saver.

Any tips for superintendents facing patch diseases?

Don’t let it get out of hand. Proper identification is important and using a good contact fungicide to minimize the damage as soon as possible. Keep the damage to a minimum. There’s still some merit to trying to stay preventive. Keep on a program. Apply in a timely manner and keep on that.