MARYLAND TURFGRASS DISEASE CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS
Agronomy Mimeo 80
Revised
April, 2000
MARYLAND TURFGRASS DISEASE CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS
Agronomy Mimeo 80Revised
April, 2000
INTRODUCTION
Diseases can seriously damage
turfgrass plants and impair the appearance of turf. Promoting
vigorous growth through sound cultural practices greatly aids in
minimizing disease injury. Frequently, however, environmental stress,
traffic, or poor management weakens plants, predisposing them to
invasion by fungal pathogens. When disease symptoms appear, turfgrass
managers must make a rapid and accurate diagnosis of the disorder.
The prudent manager also attempts to determine those cultural factors
which may have contributed to disease severity. The most common
cultural abuses that aggravate turf diseases include: close mowing,
poor drainage, excessive thatch, light and frequent irrigation,
inadequate or excessive nitrogen fertility, shade and traffic. A good
case in point is summer patch, which is particularly damaging when
turf is mown too closely, given light and frequent irrigations, and
fertilized with excessive amounts of nitrogen.
Despite hard work and good management, disease frequently becomes a serious problem. This normally occurs when environmental conditions favor disease development, but not plant growth and vigor. For example, snow molds, Pythium blight, and brown patch are damaging when unfavorable temperatures stress plants and impair their growth and recuperative capacity. In these situations, fungicides are generally recommended in conjunction with cultural practices that promote turf vigor.
Fungicides may be applied prior to disease outbreak in a preventive program or after disease symptoms appear as a curative treatment. Because of increasing costs of pesticides and their application, it is an economic necessity that fungicides be chosen wisely. In selecting a fungicide, consider its effectiveness, spectrum of activity, shelf-life, ease of application, availability, cost, and safety to the user, environment and plants. Ultimately, use of disease resistant cultivars and sound cultural practices will provide the most efficient means of discouraging disease. See Agronomy Mimeo 77 for, "Cultivar Recommendations for Maryland".
The fungicides that are recommended for turfgrass disease control are listed on the following pages. Fungicides should be applied in at least 2.0 gallons of water per 1000ft2. Consult the label for more information on spray frequency, tank-mixing and other important facts. See Agronomy Mimeo 84 for Diagnosis of Common Lawn Diseases. References to trade or brand names does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee or warranty by the University of Maryland. No discrimination is intended against products not mentioned.
This web page was created by Karen Mathias for the Institute of Applied Agriculture, University of Maryland, College Park. For technical assistance direct inquiries to . For content call (301)405-4692.