The Low Down: Spring Dead Spot
Join Green Solutions Team member Jesse Benelli as he discusses the dreaded Spring Dead Spot with leading turf pathologist and “Root Doc” Professor Wendell Hutchens from the University of Arkansas.
Learn about the two most common culprits, Ophiosphaerella korrae and O. herpotricha, 4 important tips for controlling Spring Dead Spot, and effect of soil temps and more. As Jesse says, “If you ever want to know what to do to get rid of a disease, ask a turf pathologist what they do to encourage it.”
Highlights
Spring Dead Spot Challenges in Turf Management
Spring Dead Spot fungicide application timing
4 important tips for controlling Spring Dead Spot
Best timing and conditions for Spring Dead Spot fungicide applications
Post-fungicide application irrigation recommendations
Take-All Root Rot & Bermudagrass Decline
In this episode of Root Docs, Green Solutions Team member Jesse Benelli interviews a pioneer in the study of Bermudagrass Decline/Take All Root Rot (TARR), Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson. Learn how it’s hard to chase down TARR from a curative standpoint, and about the multiple pathogens that cause this devasting disease, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Gaeumannomyces sp., Magnaporthiopsis cynodontis, Candidacolonium cynodontis. (Plus, as an added bonus, hear how tenacious a researcher must be to identify a new disease, like Ink Spot.)
Highlights
TARR and Bermudagrass Decline – what’s the difference?
Do multiple pathogens cause TARR?
It’s hard to chase down TARR from a curative perspective
A brief detour: The discovery of Inkspot.
Fairy ring
Fairy Ring is perhaps the best-known and earliest identified turf disease on the planet. Join Green Solutions Team Member Jesse Benelli as he discusses this frustrating disease with Dr. Mike Fidanza, one of the original creators of #FriskyFairyRingFriday. Watch or listen and learn about the multiple pathogens that cause Fairy Ring, the importance of using fungicides with wetting agents, and much more about all the lore connected to this legendary mushroom-spawning nuisance.
Highlights
Frisky Fairy Ring – a disease everyone can relate to
What soil temps cause Fairy Ring to thrive, and what temps cause it to subside?
Insights from the mushroom side of the house on wet-dry cycles
Consider using fungicides in combination with wetting agents/soil surfactants
Nematodes
Join Green Solutions Team member Jesse Benelli as he delves deep into pathogenic nematodes with the foremost authority on the subject, Dr. Billy Crow. Learn about tips on managing nematodes, what types of root zones encourage nematode populations and yes, even get advice on the right way to pronounce, “Nematode.”
Highlights
Do nematodes prefer a sand or soil-based root zone? What is the effect of topdressing?
Counts are only part of the story…the health of the grass is what matters
How often are nematodes present when there are other root pathogens?
Rates and frequency of applications – Root and Sting Nematodes
