Developing Best Management Practices for the Control of Anthracnose on Greens www.turf.rutgers.edu/ John Inguagiato, Joseph Roberts, James Murphy, Jo Anne Crouch and Bruce B. Clarke, Rutgers University
Over the Past Decade - Increase in the Prevalence of Anthracnose Disease on Putting Green Turf ٠ Many have suggested that current Management Practices have contributed to abiotic stress, thus predisposing turf to anthracnose ٠ In many cases, Fungicides alone has not provided acceptable control ٠ Fungicide resistance to certain chemical classes have made control difficult ٠ Currently, Anthracnose is one of the most troublesome disease on golf course greens in the US
Anthracnose Disease of Turfgrass Causal Agent Colletotrichum cereale (Formerly known as Colletotrichum graminicola) Symptoms Poa - yellow, irregular patches (1 to 2 in) Bent - red to bronze patches (size varies) Appearance Usually on greens Spring to Mid-summer (variable)
Photo: W. Uddin Foliar blighting and thinning of Poa annua caused by Colletotrichum cereale (formerly Colletotrichum graminicola)
Acervuli structures and setae on Poa annua leaf from C. cereale (formerly C. graminicola, the causal agent of anthracnose disease (photo from Univ. of Guelph)
Anthracnose Symptomology Chlorotic Leaves Acervuli on Infected Poa annua Tillers Photo: Landschoot, APS Press
So What Does This All Mean to You? We embarked on a major Anthracnose Project at Rutgers in 2002 to: ٠ Determine which management practices influence the incidence and severity of anthracnose ٠ Formulate a comprehensive set of best management practices for control of this disease
Key Factors ٠Plant Species - annual bluegrass ٠Fertilization rate, frequency, granular vs foliar ٠Mowing Practices ٠Topdressing and Incorporation Method? ٠Traffic Stress? ٠Cultivation (Verticutting)? ٠Soil Moisture / Irrigation Practices ٠Herbicides ٠Plant Growth Regulators?
Plant Health and Temperature Root Activity >>>> Cool Season Grass Species J F M A M J J A S O N D Agnew 2002
Nitrogen Fertilization Major nutrient controlling plant vigor Influences many turfgrass diseases: Dollar spot (Markland et al., 1969) Red thread (Cahill et al., 1983) Brown Patch (Burpee, 1995; Fidanza et al., 1996) Frequently applied at very low levels
Summer Nitrogen Effect on Anthracnose Low rate, soluble N (0.1 lb N 1000 ft -2 ) 28-day Interval 0.1 lb 1000 ft -2 month -1 7-day Interval 0.4 lb 1000 ft -2 month -1
Effect of Nitrogen on Anthracnose on a Poa annua green Rutgers Univ. 60 50 40 Low N 0.1 lb/m /month High N 0.1 lb/m /week % Disease 30 20 10 0 11-Jun 7-Jul 2004
N Effect on Anthracnose of Poa annua Low N High N 2004
Mowing and Rolling Practices Mowing heights have been reduced over past decade but, this decreases photosynthesis and plant vigor Mowing frequency have also increased to obtain greater ball roll distances but this may enhance mowing stress and increase wounding? Lightweight rolling has been used to smooth putting surface, but may increase compaction However, until recently the impact of these factors on anthracnose was unknown
Impact of Mowing Practices on Mowing Height 0.110 in. 0.125 in. 0.141 in. Anthracnose: 2005-2006 Mowing Frequency Single cut each day (7x / wk) Double cut each day (14x / wk) John Deere 220B Grooved Front Roller
2004 Mowing Height Effect on Anthracnose Rutgers University 100 90 0.110-inch 0.125-inch 0.141-inch 80 70 % Disease 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 30-Jul 13-Aug 27-Aug 10-Sep 24-Sep 8-Oct
31 August 2005 0.141-inch 0.110-inch
Mowing Frequency Effect on Anthracnose 2004 100 14 / wk 7 / wk 80 % Disease 60 40 20 0 30-Jul 13-Aug 27-Aug 10-Sep 24-Sep 8-Oct
Lightweight Rolling Practices Effecting Rolled every other day Anthracnose No rolling TRUE-SURFACE TM vibratory rollers
Lightweight Rolling Effect on Anthracnose Rutgers University 100 90 80 70 Roll No Roll % Disease 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 30-Jul 13-Aug 27-Aug 10-Sep 24-Sep 8-Oct 2004
Materials & Methods Surface Treatment Vibratory Roller Sidewinder Roller No Rolling Location Center Periphery
Lightweight Roller Study: Disease Data 2007 80 Sidewinder Roller Vibratory Roller None 70 60 % Disease % Disease 50 40 30 20 10 0 28-May 7-Jun 17-Jun 27-Jun 7-Jul 17-Jul 27-Jul 6-Aug Date
July 11, 2007 No Roll Vibratory Rolling Sidewinder Rolling
Conclusions The Take-Home message is that you can significantly reduce anthracnose and still maintain desired ball roll distances by: (1) increasing heights of cut and either (2) increasing mowing frequency, and/or (3) initiating frequent lightweight rolling
Sand Topdressing Routine light sand topdressing: ٠ Dilutes organic matter ٠ Improves infiltration rate ٠ Smoothes putting surface However, does it enhance infection through wounding?
Impact of Topdressing Rate and Frequency on Anthracnose: 2006-2007 Interval (days) 7 14 28 Rate (ft 3 1000 ft -2 ) No sand 1.0 v All plots brushed uniformly 2.0 2.0 ft 3 1000 ft -2 1.0 ft 3 1000 ft -2
Effect of Topdressing Rate on Anthracnose of Annual Bluegrass Putting Green Turf - 2006 0 1 2 sand ft 3 /1,000ft 2 80.0 70.0 60.0 a a b a b a a % Disease 50.0 40.0 30.0 b b b b b C b 20.0 a c 10.0 ab b 0.0 12-Jun 22-Jun 2-Jul 12-Jul 22-Jul 1-Aug 11-Aug 21-Aug 31-Aug 10-Sep
No Sand Sand 1 ft3/1,000ft2
Impact of Topdressing Frequency on Anthracnose of Annual Bluegrass Putting Green Turf - 2006 28 14 7 days 80.0 % Disease 70.0 60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 a a b a a b a a b a b c 20.0 10.0 0.0 12-Jun 22-Jun 2-Jul 12-Jul 22-Jul 1-Aug 11-Aug 21-Aug 31-Aug 10-Sep
No Sand 1.0 ft 3 1000 ft -2 2.0 ft 3 1000 ft -2 Topdressing improves surface characteristics Firmer surface raises effective height of cut Deeper tillering reduces stress
What About Sand Type and Incorporation Method? Incorporation None Vibratory roller Soft-bristled broom Stiff-bristled broom Sand Type Round Sub-angular
Sand Particle Shape Effect on Anthracnose Severity 2007 80 70 60 None Round Sub-angular ft3 1000 ft - 2 Disease (%) 50 40 30 20 10 0 17-Jun 7-Jul 27-Jul 16-Aug 5-Sep 25-Sep
Incorporation Method - brush (soft) - vibratory roller - none - brush (stiff) - water
Incorporation Method Influence on Anthracnose Severity 2007 80 70 60 None Roll Soft Stiff ft3 1000 ft - 2 Disease (%) 50 40 30 20 10 0 17-Jun 7-Jul 27-Jul 16-Aug 5-Sep 25-Sep
What about foot traffic? Does foot traffic influence the ability of sand topdressing to reduce anthracnose?!
What about foot traffic? Does foot traffic influence the ability of sand topdressing to reduce anthracnose? Traffic does not appear to increase anthracnose in the presence of sand topdressing!
Materials and Methods - Traffic applied 5 days wk -1 at rate of 200 rounds day -1 - Sanded plots are topdressed weekly with 1 ft 3 /1000 ft 2 - Foot traffic applied over plots with and without sand topdressing
No Traffic Traffic No Traffic 19 July 2007
Irrigation Some of the first observations on the influence of cultural practices on anthracnose were related to poor irrigation and soil conditions (Sprague and Evaul, 1928) So we decided to: evaluate the effects of irrigation quantity on anthracnose
Effects of Irrigation Quantity 100% replacement of ET o Excessive Irrigation 80% replacement of ET o Moderate Irrigation 60% replacement of ET o Slight Stress, plus syringing 40% replacement of ET o Severe Stress, extensive syringing
Irrigation Practices Influence on Anthracnose 2007 80 70 100% ET 80% ET 60% ET 40% ET 60 Disease (%) 50 40 30 20 10 0 7-Jun 21-Jun 5-Jul 19-Jul 2-Aug 16-Aug
Disease Data 2008 % Disease 100% ET 80% ET 60% ET 40% ET 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 17-Jun 1-Jul 15-Jul 29-Jul 12-Aug - Treatments initiated 30-May, 2008
July 11, 2007 40 % ET 60 % ET 80 % ET 100 % ET
Influence of Plant Growth Regulators on Anthracnose Basal Rot of Poa Greens
Plant Growth Regulators: Modes of Action ٠ Class A: Late GA Synthesis Blockers ٠ Primo MAXX (trinexapac-ethyl) ٠ Class B: Early GA Synthesis Blockers ٠ Trimmit (paclobutrazol), Cutless (flurprimidol) ٠ Class C: Mitotic Inhibitors ٠ Slo-Gro (maleic hydrazide), ٠ Embark (Mefluidide), Limit (amidochlor) ٠ Class D: Herbicidal Mode ٠ Oust (sulfometuron-methyl) Roundup Pro (glyphosate) ٠ Telar (chlorsulfuron) Prograss (ethofumesate) ٠ Class E: Ethylene Production Enhancement ٠ Proxy (ethephon) Agnew 2002
Plant Growth Regulators The widespread use of PGRs on putting green turf over the past decade has coincided with increased incidence of anthracnose Trinexapac-ethyl (Primo MAXX) is used to reduce vegetative growth (increased density & vigor) Mefluidide (Embark) suppresses seedheads - Resulting in increase carbohydrates and deeper rooting (Cooper et al., 1988 and Cooper et al., 1987)
Plant Growth Regulators Trinexapac-ethyl (Primo MAXX) ٠None ٠0.125 fl oz. 1000 ft -2 every 14-d late-march to August Mefluidide (Embark 0.2L) ٠None ٠30 fl oz 1000 ft -2 applied twice late-march to early-april Trinexapac-ethyl and Mefluidide
Trinexapac-ethyl Effect on Anthracnose in Absence of Mefluidide 60 50 40 -TE +TE % Disease 30 20 10 0 11-Jun 7-Jul 5-Aug 30-Aug 2004
60 50 Mefluidide Effect on Anthracnose in Absence of Trinexapac-ethyl -ME +ME % Disease 40 30 20 10 0 11-Jun 7-Jul 5-Aug 30-Aug 2004
Interaction of Trinexapac-ethyl and Mefluidide on Anthracnose 60 50 +ME +TE ME*TE 40 % Disease 30 20 10 0 11-Jun 7-Jul 5-Aug 30-Aug 2004
Trinexapac-ethyl and Mefluidide Effect on Anthracnose of a Poa annua green 2004 ME TE ME*TE 14-Sept-2004 2004
Growth Regulation Recommendations Use to PGRs to produce a quality playing surface 1) Embark or Proxy at label rates during Mar/Apr 2) Follow-up with subsequent apps of Primo - every 7 to 14 days @ 0.1 to 0.125 fl oz / 1000 ft 2 Will not increase anthracnose, and may actually reduce it, particularly when using seedhead suppressants and Primo together on putting greens
Controlling Anthracnose Basal Rot with a Sound Fungicide Program
Chemical Control of Anthracnose I. Demethylation Inhibitors (Sterol Inhibitors) n Banner, Bayleton, Eagle, Trinity, Tourney, Triton II. Strobilurins n Heritage, Compass Insignia, Disarm III. Benzimidazoles n Fungo, Cleary 3336, Systec 1998 IV. Nitriles n Daconil, ChloroStar, Echo, Concorde V. Combinations (III + IV) n ConSyst, Spectro, Headway, Tartan
Sites reporting reduced QoI performance Frank Wong
Benzimidazole Resistance Frank Wong
Excellent Control of ABR : Single Products ٠Nitrile chlorothalonil Daconil Ultrex 82.5SDG (3.2 oz) ٠DMI - propiconazole Banner MAXX 1.3MC (1.0 fl oz) - tebuconazole Lynx 45W (1.11 oz) - triticonazole Trinity 1.67SC (1.0 fl oz) ٠Antibiotic polyoxin-d Endorse 2.5W (4.0 oz) 14 d interval
Excellent Control of ABR : Bent/ Poa Green - Rutgers
Evaluation of Fungicides for the Control of Anthracnose on an Annual Bluegrass Green - PSU Rated on 25 Aug Uddin & Soika (2001) F & N Tests 56:T17
ABR: Banner vs. UTC vs. Daconil Banner Untreated check Daconil Ultrex Aug 2, 02
Good Control of ABR until Late August ٠Phosphonate fosetyl-al Chipco Signature 80WG (4.0 oz) ٠DMI myclobutanil Eagle 40W (1.0 oz) ٠Dicarboximide iprodione Chipco 26GT 2SC (4 fl oz) ٠Phenylpyrrole - fludioxonil Medallion 50W (0.25 oz) 14 d interval
Good Control of ABR until Late August % Disease 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Signature 4 oz Eagle 1 oz Chipco 26GT 4 fl oz Medallion 0.25 oz Untreated check 8-Jul 18-Jul 2-Aug 14-Aug 26-Aug 10-Sep Rating Date
Evaluating Tank Mixtures for the Control of Anthracnose
Excellent Control of ABR : Tank-Mixture #1 80 % Disease 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 Nitrile (N) - Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz Phenylpyrrole (PP) - Medallion 0.25 oz N + PP Untreated check 0 8-Jul 18-Jul 2-Aug 14-Aug 26-Aug 10-Sep 14 d interval Rating Date Rutgers University
Curative Control of Anthracnose Basal Rot on an Annual Bluegrass Green Univ. Riverside, CA Rated on 24 July Applied every 14 days from 15 Jun 1 Sept Wong et al (2002) Plant Dis Mgm t Rpt 1:T06
What Impact does Water Volume have on Fungicide Efficacy for the Control of Anthracnose?
Impact of Spray Volume on Anthracnose with Medallion 50W (0.25 oz/m)- 2006 Anthracnose (% Plot Area/Turf Injury) 50 40 30 20 10 0 b cd 1 and 2 Gal Water / M bc d bcd TJ AI TT XR Untr. d Nozzle Type bcd d a a Phoenixville CC (Bent Green), 2006 Fidanza 1 gal; 8.7.06 2 gal; 8.7.06
A Programmatic Approach to Controlling Anthracnose Basal Rot
Excellent Control of ABR: Programs (Alt/R) ٠USGA ٠Heritage 0.4 oz + Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz Alternated with ٠Chipco Signature 4 oz + Fore 8 oz or ٠Chipco Signature 4 oz + Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz ٠Syngenta ٠Cleary 3336 4 oz + Daconil Ultrex 1.8 oz ٠Heritage 0.4 oz + Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz ٠Heritage 0.4 oz + Banner MAXX 1 fl oz ٠Subdue 0.5 fl oz + Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz ٠Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz 14 d interval
Excellent Control of ABR: Programs (Alt/R) ٠Rutgers Alternation Program ٠Banner MAXX 1 fl oz/ 1000 ft 2 ٠Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz/ 1000 ft 2 ٠Chipco Signature 4 fl oz + Daconil Ult. 2.4 oz/ 1000 ft 2 ٠Chipco 26GT 4 fl oz/ 1000 ft 2 ٠Medallion 0.18 oz + Banner MAXX 0.75 oz/ 1000 ft 2 ٠Chipco Signature 4 fl oz+ Daconil Ultrex 2.4 oz/1000 ft 2 ٠Endorse 3.0 oz + Banner MAXX 0.75 oz/ 1000 ft 2 ٠Chipco Signature 4 fl oz+ Daconil Ultrex 2.4 oz/1000 ft 2 14 d interval
Basal Rot Anthracnose Trial Paramus, NJ Percent Anthracnose 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 a Heritage 0.2 oz b USGA Program b Syngenta Program b Bayer Program b Rutgers Program a Untreated Alternation August 26, 2002 Rutgers University
Tank Mixes and Rotation Programs typically provide the Best Control Summary : Rutgers Anthracnose Fungicide Studies Preventive better than Curative Control Nitrogen (0.1-0.25 lb @ 7-14 day intervals) will reduce anthracnose severity & improve fungicide efficacy DMI, Nitrile, Polyoxin-D = Excellent Control (Daconil) (Endorse) ; (DMI s variable) Benzimidazole (3336) and QoI s (Insignia) provide excellent control as long as resistant strains are not present Phosphonate, Dicarboximide, Phenylpyrrole = Good (Signature) (Chipco 26GT) (Medallion) Control
Current Chemical Control of Anthracnose I. Excellent 1. DMIs s Banner, Bayleton, Eagle s Trinity, Tourney, Triton 2. Nitriles (chlorothalonil) s Daconil, Chlorostar Echo, Concorde 3. Antibiotics (polyoxin-d) s Endorse 4. QoIs (e.g., Strobilurins)? s Heritage, Compass s Insignia, Disarm 5. Benzimidazoles? s Cleary 3336, Fungo 6. Combinations (2 + 5) s Spectro, ConSyst, Headway, Tartan
Current Control of Anthracnose II. Good to excellent 1. Phosphonate (fosetyl-al) s Chipco Signature 2. Phenylpyrrole (fludioxonil) s Medallion 3. Dicarboximide s Chipco 26GT
Nitrogen Development of BMPs ٠ Apply to maintain turf vigor without over-fertilizing ٠ Light-frequent applications during Summer ٠ Avoid excessive Spring fertilization? ٠ Late season fertilization? Mowing and Rolling ٠ Avoid mowing below 0.125-inches ٠ Increase mowing frequency and/or roll
Plant Growth Regulators Development of BMPs ٠ Okay to combine Spring seedhead control (i.e., Embark or Proxy) with Primo throughout summer Sand Topdressing ٠ Light-frequent to match the rate of turfgrass growth ٠ 1 ft 3 1000 ft -2 every 7-d ٠ 2 ft 3 1000 ft -2 every 14-d
Development of BMPs Irrigation ٠ Avoid irrigation that induces wilt stress ٠ Avoid excessive irrigation as well ٠ 80% ET o to minimize anthracnose