Trevor Ng
Fusarium patch, also known as pink snow mould or Microdochium patch, is a common disease that affects golf greens. It is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale, which thrives in damp and cool conditions with excess nitrogen levels. The disease is of particular concern for golf courses due to the highly managed nature of the turfgrass and the value placed on its aesthetic appeal and playability. Environmental, management and biological factors contribute to the susceptibility of golf greens to turf diseases like fusarium. These factors include high nitrogen fertilisation, climate and environmental conditions, pesticide resistance, irrigation practices, and heavy foot traffic. Effective treatments for fusarium exist, but they must be applied proactively when conditions favour the development of the disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Fusarium Patch |
| Scientific name | Microdochium Patch |
| Appearance | White-pinkish cotton look |
| Cause | Fungus Microdochium nivale |
| Conditions | Mild, wet, cool, and with excess nitrogen levels |
| Grass types | Annual meadow grass (Poa annua), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) |
| Season | Autumn and winter, but can occur at any time of the year |
| Treatment | Chemicals, ferrous sulphate, Ascernity, Instrata Elite, Medallion TL |
| Prevention | Reduce nitrogen levels, improve drainage, raise mowing height, manage moisture |
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What You'll Learn
Wet and mild weather conditions
The pathogen that causes Fusarium patch requires moisture to thrive, so it is important to manage the amount of water available to the turf. Overwatering should be avoided, especially during conditions that are conducive to infection. However, it is crucial to provide enough water for the normal function of the plant, as starving the turf of moisture can also increase its susceptibility to infection.
Wet weather, combined with poor drainage, can create standing water on golf greens, providing the perfect environment for the fungus to proliferate. Additionally, wet conditions can cause dew to remain on the grass for extended periods, further contributing to the moisture levels that favour Fusarium patch development. Removing dew with a flat rake can help the lawn dry quicker and reduce the risk of disease.
The microenvironment of a golf green, including temperature, humidity, and air circulation, also plays a role in disease development. Poor air circulation, often caused by surrounding trees and structures, can trap moisture and create conditions favourable for Fusarium patch. Mild temperatures, as well as warm and humid conditions, provide an ideal climate for the growth and spread of this disease.
To combat the spread of Fusarium patch during wet and mild weather, preventative measures are key. This includes proper turf management practices such as managing water and nitrogen levels, improving air circulation, and raking away dew. Additionally, during late summer, applying products like Ascernity or Heritage at full rate can help when a medium-high disease risk is predicted. During winter, when conditions are more favourable for the disease, long-lasting contact activities like Instrata Elite or Medallion TL should be applied monthly to control its spread.
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High nitrogen fertilisation
Nitrogen is an essential building block for sustaining healthy grass. While high nitrogen fertilisation is necessary for maintaining lush, green grass on golf courses, excessive nitrogen can promote the rapid growth of tender, succulent tissue that is more prone to disease. This is particularly true for young greens in full sun with high traffic, which require higher amounts of nitrogen.
To optimise nitrogen fertilisation and minimise the risk of Fusarium, golf course managers should consider the following practices:
- Soil testing and nutrient management: Well-established soil testing methods can help determine the appropriate fertiliser and soil amendment requirements for the specific soil conditions.
- Slow-release fertilisers: Applying slow-release fertilisers at higher rates can provide a more controlled release of nitrogen, reducing the risk of excessive nitrogen applications.
- 'Spoonfeeding': This practice involves applying low rates of nitrogen frequently to maintain active growth, optimise nutrient use efficiency, and reduce environmental loss.
- Alternative nutrients: Iron applications to turf grass can increase chlorophyll content, enhance rooting, and reduce nitrogen requirements. Late fall applications of iron with nitrogen on cool-season grasses have produced earlier spring green-up.
- Environmental considerations: The microenvironment of a golf green, including temperature, humidity, and air circulation, can impact disease development. Managing these factors through proper cultural practices and judicious use of fungicides can help prevent favourable conditions for Fusarium and other turf diseases.
By implementing these nitrogen management strategies and adapting to the specific needs of their golf greens, course managers can maintain healthy turf while minimising the risk of Fusarium and other diseases associated with high nitrogen fertilisation.
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Poor air circulation
Fusarium Patch, also known as pink snow mould or Microdochium Patch, is a significant problem for the turf grass industry. It is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale, which infects cool-season turf grass species. The disease thrives in mild, moist, and cool conditions, with high humidity and warm temperatures providing an ideal environment for its growth.
To prevent Fusarium Patch, it is important to manage the moisture available to the turfgrass plants. Overwatering should be avoided, especially during conditions that are conducive to infection. Removing dew with a flat rake can help the lawn dry quicker and improve air circulation.
In addition to moisture management, proper cultural practices and judicious use of fungicides are crucial. During late summer, when the risk of Microdochium Patch is predicted to be medium to high, products such as Ascernity or Heritage should be applied at full rate. During the winter months, when the disease is most common and damaging, turf managers should switch to long-lasting contact activities such as Instrata Elite or Medallion TL, applied monthly to every six weeks as needed.
It is worth noting that pesticide resistance can develop over time, as pathogens build resistance to commonly used fungicides. Therefore, careful management, including regular monitoring and proper cultural practices, is essential to maintaining healthy greens and preventing the spread of Fusarium Patch.
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Poor irrigation practices
Fusarium patch is a common disease that affects golf greens, especially during the damp winter months. It thrives in mild, wet, and cool conditions with excess nitrogen levels. While proper irrigation practices are crucial in managing this disease, poor irrigation practices can contribute to its occurrence and spread.
Inadequate irrigation management can also lead to water stagnation and poor drainage, which are known to exacerbate the problem. When turfgrass is consistently overwatered or drainage is inadequate, water tends to pool or remain on the surface for extended periods. This prolonged moisture provides the perfect environment for the fungus to grow and spread, causing significant damage to the turf.
Additionally, poor irrigation practices can indirectly contribute to the susceptibility of turfgrass to Fusarium patch by affecting the health and resilience of the grass. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, reducing oxygen availability to the grass roots. This, in turn, stresses the grass, weakening it and making it more vulnerable to diseases like Fusarium patch.
On the other hand, it is important to note that under-watering or starving the turf of moisture can also increase susceptibility to infection. Maintaining a balance between over-watering and under-watering is critical. Providing only enough water for normal plant function is the best strategy to reduce disease pressure. Proper irrigation practices help strengthen the turfgrass, making it more resistant to the disease and reducing the likelihood of a Fusarium patch outbreak.
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Low mowing heights
Maintaining golf greens requires keeping the grass at a low mowing height to provide a smooth playing surface. However, this practice can have negative consequences, as it puts stress on the grass, weakening the plants and making them more vulnerable to diseases like Fusarium.
Fusarium patch, or Microdochium patch, is a common disease in turf grass settings, including golf greens, tees, fairways, and bowling greens. It is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale, which infects cool-season turf grass species. The disease is characterised by white-pink mycelium on infected leaf blades and can cause significant injury to golf greens, reducing the putting surface quality.
To reduce the risk of Fusarium patch disease, it is recommended to raise the mowing height above 2.5 inches (64 mm). This simple practice can reduce stress on the turfgrass plant and make it less susceptible to disease. By optimising mowing heights and implementing proper cultural practices, golf course managers can help strengthen the grass plants, making them more resilient against pathogen attacks and reducing the incidence of diseases like Fusarium patch.
It is important to note that while adjusting mowing heights can help prevent Fusarium patch, it is not the only factor to consider. Other cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilisation management, also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy turfgrass. By combining various preventative measures, golf course managers can effectively reduce the risk of Fusarium and other diseases, promoting the overall health and playability of the turf.
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Frequently asked questions
Fusarium Patch is a disease caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale, which attacks turf grass settings. It is a common winter disease that thrives in mild, wet, and cool conditions with excess nitrogen levels.
Golf greens are particularly vulnerable to turf diseases due to environmental, management, and biological factors. These include high nitrogen fertilisation, climate and environmental conditions, monoculture, heavy foot traffic, and irrigation practices.
To reduce the incidence of Fusarium Patch, it is important to manage the mowing height, moisture levels, and nitrogen availability to the turfgrass plant. Preventative treatments and careful management of the golf greens are also crucial in reducing the risk of Fusarium Patch.
