Rising temperatures and increased turf stress increase the risk of the disease, according to Syngenta technical manager Dr Simon Watson. He has advised turf managers to alleviate stress to prevent anthracnose build up.

Anthracnose foliar blight typically breaks out when weather conditions consistently reach above 18°C, especially if turf comes under any drought stress. If conditions turn cool and wet the foliar infection can then develop into basal rot.

Close inspection of diseased turf will reveal black fungal growth where the stem base breaks away from the soil, which can lead to significant loss of turf cover.

GreenCast advice for an integrated turf management (ITM) approach includes alleviating compaction and maintaining airflow through the turf.

It also highlights the need to ensure turf has sufficient nitrogen fertility during the rapid growing period to avoid any nutrient-deficiency-induced stress.

 

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