South Africa Turf Disease Guide - Take-all Patch

Disease and Insect Control

22.11.2021

South Africa Turf Disease Guide - Take-all Patch

Causal Agent:

Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae

Susceptible Turfgrass:

Colonial Bentgrass, Creeping Bentgrass, Ultra-Dwarf Bermudagrass

Symptoms:

Take-all Patch symptoms initially appear as small, circular reddish-brown spot patches. Symptoms will progress to wilted, circular patches that are brown or bronze-coloured and can measure up to several feet in diameter. Symptoms are most evident during periods of stress induced by hot, dry weather. Infected plants have dark-brown roots.

Conditions Favouring Disease:

Take-all Patch is most common on newly established turf and severity decreases as the turf stand matures. It will occur on sites that have light textured soils, low organic matter content, manganese deficiency, and pH above 6.5. Take-all Patch occurs when soil temperatures reach between 4°C – 15°C. Take-all Patch typically occurs in cool, wet conditions and in areas with a high soil pH – most severe at pH 6.5 or above. This disease is more severe on less fertile and sandy soil.

Integrated Turf Management Tips:

Use acidifying fertilizers
Apply moderate to high levels of phosphorus, potash, and minor elements where these nutrients are depleted from the soil
Improve the drainage of the turf
Reduce thatch
Improve drainage
Apply penetrant fungicides in the early Spring after the first mowing and in the late Summer or Autumn.

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