Dollar Spot, Poa & Happy Easter

Well what do these 2 issues have in common? Not a huge amount when it comes to this article however from an agronomic point of view poa will get dollar spot disease so be on the look out.
I have been seeing alot of dollar spot in NSW lately and have been hearing about some in Victoria and QLD (with this cooler weather.) At Campbell’s we have many options for dollar spot control and a greater spectrum of FRAC (fungicide groups) than anyone else. Here is a quick look at the options we have with FRAC next to it (click on each product for label & SDS link):

Just a side note on Emerald. Emerald was launched 2 years ago and has been a great tool in dealing not just with dollar spot but other diseases. With dollar spot other diseases may be prevalent mainly helmo and late season anthracnose diseases. Emerald will clear them up. With the rate if you are applying early curative or preventative look at the 1L rate as well as this will save you costs but also work well to give you up to 14 days coverage. As well being a contact fungicide Emerald is not prone to resistance issues. There is alot of resistance issues with Group 3 Group 11 and we are already seeing documented cases of Group 7 mode of action issues in the US.

The group 7 is an interesting group as there are many actives within the group. Some actives are broad in control others aren’t. However just know with 5 actives already available and these have been used extensively this summer that it may not be best to spray more of them as it will lead to resistance issues a;lot quicker. Remember changing actives is not rotating you need to change groups.

Dacgreen formulation trials

We recently conducted some formulation testing against various chlorothalonil products and the differences we stark to say the least. The tests simulated 2 years of normal storage conditions

Cultural Controls Play a Part

Also if you can utilise cultural controls as well your turf will be  much better off. here are some tips to use over the next few months:

  • Remove dew daily (also before spraying contact fungicides especially)
  • Avoid drought stress
  • Maintain adequate nutrition especially N. Low N program increases dollar spot severity
  • Reduce shade and improve air circulation by either eliminating trees or cutting back branches
  • Dust greens on regular basis
  • Roll greens (start this process before onset of disease)
  • If seeding choose a cultivar that is less prone to dollar spot. Many new varieties have been developed over the past 10 years.
  • Clean equipment after use

POA WORKING GROUP- Extract from resistpoa.org

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a troublesome weed in turfgrass and other landscapes. Its invasive biology and acquired herbicide resistance challenges turfgrass managers by increasing costs and compromising expected outcomes.

A team of 16 university scientists have embarked on a $5.6 million project to limit the impact of annual bluegrass in athletic, golf, lawn, and sod farm turfgrass. The team’s multifaceted approach, funded by USDA-NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI), has the following objectives:

  • Characterize the nationwide distribution of herbicide-resistant Poa annua populations
  • Seek weaknesses in the weed’s biology and growth characteristics in order develop non-chemical control strategies
  • Identify socio-economic constraints that may affect control strategies and stewardship of herbicide technologies
  • Develop and deliver best management practices (BMPs) through Cooperative Extension and education.

So if interested in what is happening with poa work in the US I strongly recommend you look at the Resist Poa page and watch their webinars. More information will be available as time goes on.

Have a Happy Easter everyone Stay Safe.