Antracnose! Now what?

      In the last few days we have identified the disease anthracnose on 8 of the putting greens at Sycamore Ridge.  I believe that we caught it relatively early in the developmental stage, and have already applied a fungicide to help prevent further spreading.  We will continue to treat with fungicide every week to ten days to to keep the disease in check.  It will take time and cooler temperatures before the disease symptoms will completely disappear.
      Anthracnose is relatively common on greens in this area,  we have had it before.  This disease may have played a role in some of the turf loss we experienced in 2016.  However, we have identified the problem sooner and will rapidly be making changes in our maintenance practices to mitigate the effects of the disease.  The work that was completed during the winter months, including clearing of trees and brush around the course was intended to help the greens survive the summer months better. The occurrence of this disease may indicate that additional work needs to be done to help reduce environmental stress on the greens.
      I chose this topic for my blog this month not only because it is painfully timely, but I want our customers to know about the changes to our maintenance practices and why we are doing them.  The greens with anthracnose are holes 1-8.  Environmentally speaking these greens have less air movement when compared to the rest.  As a result, we will be running the fans more often to keep the putting surface cooler and drier.  These greens will be rolled more often and mowed less often.  This practice will allow the plants to have more leaf surface area to help with overall plant health.  In combination with the additional fungicide applications, we will be providing the greens with small amounts of fertilizer on a regular basis, to ensure continued growth and recuperation.  Topdressing practices will need to be modified to reduce the stress caused to the turf by the sand and brush. Periodic venting of the greens will continue, to ensure that the green has adequate air exchange.

      Overall, I am hopeful that these changes will not make a noticeable difference in playing condition for our customers.  I believe that our changes in maintenance practices will help to keep the greens healthy for the rest of the summer stress period.  If you have any questions or comments, please look for me at the course.  I would love to hear from you.

For more detailed information about anthracnose, please click this link.