South Africa Turf Disease Guide - Large Patch (Kikuyu Patch)

Causal Agent:

Rhizoctonia solani

Susceptible Turfgrass:

Kikuyu

Large patch is a widely spread disease on Kikuyu fairways, Kikuyu sports fields & Kikuyu lawns in South Africa. This disease infects the roots and slowly works its way up the plant. It can take months before symptoms are visible on the playing surface. This disease is spread by dead or alive plant material so best to apply a systemic fungicide like Headway Maxx prior to any cultural practices.

Application Timing:

• Autumn with a follow up application 21 days later
• Headway Maxx at 2-3 litres/ha is very effective
• A spring application of Headway Maxx is also recommended

Integrated Turf Management Tips:

• Treat in Autumn and Spring 2-3 litres/ha Headway Maxx
• Do a follow up application 21 days later in Autumn
• Best to spike prior to applying Headway Maxx and water in immediately for a few minutes • It is not how much water, but how quickly you water in that is important
• Preventative rate: 2-3 litres/ha Headway Maxx
• Curative rate: 3-9 litres/ha

Just tap the links below to read about other turf diseases. Or download the full free guide at the bottom.

1. Anthracnose
2. Brown Patch 
3. Brown Ring Patch (Waitea Patch) 
4. Dollar Spot 
5. Fairy Ring 
6. Superficial Fairy Ring 
7. Grey Leaf Spot 
8. Large Patch 
9. Microdochium Patch 
10. Powdery Mildew 
11. Pythium Blight 
12. Pythium Root Rot (Root Dysfunction) 
13. Red Thread 
14. Rhizoctonia Zeae (Rhizoctonia leaf and sheath spot) 
15. Rusts: Crown, Leaf and Stem 
16. Spring Dead Spot 
17. Summer Patch 
18. Take-all Patch  and
19. Take-all Root Rot 

If you would like to have a complete copy with all the turf diseases, you can download it on the link below.