Symptoms | Slight bronzing of the grass will appear initially. This will usually appear in the form of s ring. When the affected grass starts to die, the resistant grass species and broad leaved weeds will start to invade the centre of the patch. In the Autumn and Winter, the symptoms may start to fade away. |
Susceptible grass species | The most susceptible is bentgrass, but annual meadow-grass can also be affected. |
When does it appear? | The Take-all patch pathogen is usually active earlier in the season but the symptoms usually appear in July and August. |
Climate conditions | The conditions have to be warm and the soil has to be moist. |
Turf condition | The presence of susceptible grass species. Newly constructed sand areas low in antagonists, an alkaline rootzone, use of alkaline top dressing or irrigation water, poor drainage and lack of maganese. |
Causes
Take-All Patch is most commonly found on newly constructed sand based greens/lawns (normally 2-8 years old).
Soils with low CEC, poor nitrogen fertility and with a high pH (>6.5) are suitable conditions for Take-All Patch to take hold.
Take-All Patch primarily attacks Bent (Agrostis) grasses.
Circular patches/rings are created where the Bent has been killed off allowing invasion of weeds grasses, normally Annual Meadow Grass (poa Annua)
Cultural Control
Ensure good availability of nutrients in poor nutrient holding soils.
Try to reduce pH of soil so that conditions are less favourable to pathogen.
Increase biological activity in the new sand environment so that there are more natural antagonists to the pathogen.
Manganese (Mn) has be shown to be effective as part of an integrated approach. Apply Step Hi-Mag as a good source of manganese.
Check water quality for pH and nutrient levels.
Use acidifying feeds such as ammonium sulphate based fertilisers.
Avoid organic fertilizer, which tend to increase ph.
Avoid potassium nitrate, which increases soil surface pH.
Check topdressing ph.
Chemical Control
Use plant protection safely. Always read the label and product information before use
