April 25, 2008
The conditions in the field have remained relatively dry. Recent temperatures have been excellent for growing grass, but many are already in need of rain. In terms of disease samples in our lab, we have seen several cases of Pythium root dysfunction, anthracnose and cool temperature brown patch. Control of these disease varies and recommendations can be downloaded here.

Some changes have been instituted at the Turfgrass Disease Diagnostic Center for 2008. This year, samples will be shipped to our H&G Center. Please note the new phone number and address on the diagnostic form. Always call prior to sending the sample to ensure that the diagnostician will be available. While Dr. Kaminski will handle all of the diagnoses, reports and billing will be handled by the H&G Center staff. This added assistance will allow us to provide diagnostic reports with photos of the symptoms and signs of the pathogen in an effort to document why we made the diagnosis. Beginning in mid-May, samples will also be processed for pH and soluble salts.

April 8, 2008
Turfgrass samples are starting to arrive. Please note the change of address when sending samples to the diagnostic center. So far, we are seeing moderate levels of pink and gray snow mold in addition to a select case of cool-temperature brown patch. Many of the samples that we are receiving are not disease related, but are simply a discoloration of the plant tissues due to a build up of the pigment anthocyanin during the fluctuating temperatures (photo). This is common in the spring and although symptoms may appear to be patch-like, this is usually caused by segregation of turf clones that react differently to the temperature changes.

Now is also the time to consider two management factors that will effect the remainder of your season. For those of you ready to pull the trigger on your seedhead control applications, it is a good idea to monitor your growing degree days. Using a base 32 model beginning on March 1, Primo/Proxy applications should be made when accumulated GDD are between 300 to 400. Embark users should wait until accumulated GDD's reach 400 to 500. Check your weather history to predict when your applications should be made. Golf course superintendents in the Northeast should also consider the early-season application of a fungicide for the suppression of dollar spot. In general, it is recommended that applications be made after the second true mowing of fairways. Fungicide evaluations for early season dollar spot applications can be found in the 2006 Research Report at www.turf.uconn.edu/reports.shtml.

February 25, 2008
The first posting in 2008 comes during a period where many throughout the region have just experience a significant accumulation of snow. Although we are not out of the woods in terms of snow fall and accumulation, we are also not far from the start of the season. As the temperatures begin to increase, late season snow will not last long and spring green up will be upon us soon. Turfgrass managers should be on the look out for their first signs of disease as begin the season. Based on samples received in the UConn Disease Diagnostic Center, several diseases such as anthracnose and snow molds often begin to appear around this time.

For those of you who have had a constant blanket of snow, the potential for gray snow mold is high. While preventive applications last fall should have suppressed disease activity, it is not uncommon to see breakthrough in high pressure areas. If disease symptoms are observed, it is important to identify which snow mold you are dealing with. Remember, gray snow mold (Typhula spp) symptoms appearing in the spring will be inactive and no spread of the disease should occur. For this reason, spring fertilizer applications should be utilized to promote recovery of damaged turf. On the other hand, the Microdochium patch (aka, Pink snow mold or Fusarium patch) pathogen may continue to remain active as long as cool, wet conditions persist. Control of this disease on highly maintained turf will require proper cultural practices and chemical control measures to prevent loss of turf.

Be sure to check back with the Diagnostic Center in the upcoming months for recommendations on early season dollar spot control as well as potential ways to reduce severe cases of fairy ring which have been on the rise in recent years.

Past "In The Field" Updates
2007
2006