TechNotes Tips - 08.16.01

Summer patch is present throughout the transition zone where Kentucky bluegrass is being grown. This disease can be quite devastating to the turf and control is often expensive. Generally, this disease is most severe on thatchy turfs growing on compacted soils. Management practices of reducing thatch and soil compaction can over time reduce the severity of this disease. For more information regarding summer patch see:

http://www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com/to/guides/

http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/plantdisease/g970.htm

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/entml2/sections/s20_a.pdf

In areas where moisture levels are low or drought conditions exist, turf growth has slowed. Cool season turfgrasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are susceptible to rust infection. Once soil moisture levels become adequate, nitrogen applications should promote growth discouraging this disease.

Over the next few weeks keep checking turf areas for grub damage.