Dollar Spot Activity Observed in Eastern and Central North Carolina

Dollar spot disease already got a head start in North Carolina turf this year, according to Lane Tredway, extension specialist, turfgrass pathology, North Carolina State University.

"As predicted, dollar spot has become active in creeping bentgrass putting greens over the eastern and central portions of North Carolina in the second week of March," Tredway says. "Cases of the disease have been observed in the Wilmington, Raleigh and Sandhills regions."

The dollar spot pathogen typically becomes active in the spring when night temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for several consecutive days, Tredway explains, adding that wet soils, heavy dews or high humidity also encourage activity. "While cooler temperatures were forecasted for some of the region, conditions will likely remain favorable for continued disease activity," he says.

Lawn care operators and golf course superintendents in the affected areas who have severe problems with dollar spot should initiate a preventive program as soon as possible, Tredway urges. "Early preventive applications have a long-lasting effect on dollar spot development and reduce the number of applications needed throughout the season," he says. "A systemic or penetrant fungicide is recommended for these early preventive applications."