TAKE-ALL PATCH

Caused by: Gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) Arx & D. Olivier var. avenae (E. M. Turner) Dennis.

Plate 1: Early symptoms of Take-all Patch 

Description

Take-all patch symptoms begin as a slight reddening or bronzing of bentgrass usually in a ring during summer months (Plate 1). As the bentgrass dies resistant grass species or broad-leaved weeds invade the centre of the patch (Plate 2). Patches can measure from a few centimetres in diameter to over a metre. Symptoms may fade in late autumn and winter.

Plate 2: Symptoms of Take-all Patch

Where is take-all patch found?

• Swards dominant in bentgrass
• In most cases, take-all patch affects newly established areas (especially on sand or USGA specification constructions or areas that have been sterilised prior to establishment).
• Some golf courses have problems with take-all patch year after year. This is usually associated with alkaline irrigation water or rootzones with high alkaline buffering capacity.

When is take-all patch likely to attack turf?

Symptoms are most common during summer months and tend to fade out during winter months.

Effects of take-all

On greens, take-all patch can affect the playing quality as the patches become depressed affecting ball roll.

As bentgrass is affected Poa annua grass ingress may occur in the space created.

High risk situations

Newly constructed sand/USGA specification greens or following rootzone sterilisation

Alkaline rootzones

Alkaline irrigation water

Application of lime

Excessive thatch

Poor drainage

Inadequately balanced nutrition

Lack of manganese

 

IPM

Avoid using lime to increase soil pH. Similarly, alkaline irrigation water or the application of alkaline topdressing may also encourage the pathogen. Installation of a water-acidifying unit may be considered to reduce the pH of very alkaline irrigation water.

Using ammonium forms of nitrogen to fertilise, such as ammonium sulphate, are better for managing take-all rather than the nitrates.

The application of manganese sulphate has been shown to reduce the severity of take-all patch.

Thatch and poor drainage can increase the potential for take-all infections Therefore, minimising the thatch layer, ensuring good drainage and regular aeration are important in reducing the potential for take-all infection.

Regularly look at GreenCast® to identify periods of high risk

Fungicidal control

Heritage has a label recommendation for take-all patch control in the UK:

Parameter	Heritage
Mode of action	Systemic
Optimum timing	At first sign of disease
Dose rate	0.5 kg/ha
Water volume	900 l/ha
LERAP	n/a

Suggested Programme

Apply manganese sulphate in late spring before symptoms are observed.

Apply Heritage at full rate at the very first symptoms of take-all patch.

A second application may be required four weeks after the first.

Apply iron sulphate in autumn months to help reduce the pH of the upper rootzone.