Feature TURF DISEASES

Course disease alert!

Dr Kate Entwistle offers details of two new diseases which have been identified on UK golf courses

Rapid Blight Brown Ring Patch

Two newly emerging turf loss of Poa annua and Agrostis spp Symptoms can develop when 4), but lack of recovery prompted an ABOVE: Fig. 5. General diseases have recently been from the sward. temperatures rise above 15C analysis that eventually identified symptoms of Brown Ring confirmed in samples received Analysis of the turf identified the and salinity levels are >2.0dS/m the real problem. Patch (Waitea Patch) in the UK, 2011 (photograph courtesy T from golf courses in the UK presence of a non-fungal organism (although Labyrinthula has been Due to the way in which Kvedaras, ITS Ltd) and Ireland and it is suspected called Labyrinthula within the isolated from turf growing in much Labyrinthula affects the plant, the that they are more prevalent plant tissues and a disease known lower salinity conditions). sward initially becomes yellow, Further in areas of fine turf than are as Rapid Blight was recorded for Because the causal organism is then becomes red in colour before information currently recorded. the first time in Europe. Subse- not a fungus, most fungicides will the tissues eventually ‘rot’ and the Douhan, G. W., Olsen, M. During 2012, The Turf Disease quent collaboration between The have no effect either on the organ- sward thins. The symptoms can W., Herrell, A., Winder, C., Centre will be collating information Turf Disease Centre and Dr Mary ism or on the development of symp- appear very much like Anthrac- Wong, F., and Entwistle, K. 2009. Genetic diversity on turf samples received for analy- Olsen at the University of Arizona, toms. However, research completed nose (or Take-all Patch disease in of Labyrinthula terrestris, sis that are positively identified with confirmed the identity of the organ- by Dr Olsen and others researchers Agrostis-dominated turf) but there a newly emergent plant pathogen, and the discovery either of these two diseases and a ism as L. terrestris, a new species across the USA has shown that the will be no distinct blackening of the of new Labyrinthulid summary will be published later of Labyrinthulid that Mary had active ingredients pyraclostrobin, crown tissues, symptoms that are organisms. Mycological Research 113: 1192-1199 this year to show their recorded initially identified in 2002 as the trifloxystrobin and mancozeb, can typical of Anthracnose Basal Rot. cause of this increasingly impor- provide effective control but that Rapid Blight is considered to be Stowell, et al. 2005. Rapid regional occurrence. Blight: A New Plant Disease The most important step in effec- tant turfgrass disease. results are much better if products a unique example of an emergent http://www.apsnet.org/ publications/apsnetfeatures/ tive turf disease management is the Over the past three years, The are applied prior to or at the onset of plant disease potentially induced Documents/2005/RapidBlight. identification of the cause and with Turf Disease Centre has received disease, rather than curatively. by human activity (Douhan et al, pdf the apparent emergence of these a small number of turf samples In order for the correct product to 2009) and I am sure that in the MAIN ABOVE: Rapid Blight on that is present but also ambient Toda, T., Mushika, T., new disease problems, this fact has affected by Rapid Blight that have creeping bentgrass in Spain be applied effectively, the presence future it will be confirmed on more Hayakawa, T., Tanaka, A., temperature and the level of salinity Tani, T., and Hyakumachi, M. never been more important. originated from Ireland, Spain and of this Labyrinthula sp. must be amenity areas where water with 2005. Brown ring patch: A new INSET ABOVE: Fig. 2. Fairway in the rootzone or applied irriga- Portugal but it is believed that the accurately identified but because high salt content is used for irriga- disease on bentgrass caused damage caused by Rapid Blight tion. Poa species are very heavily by Waitea circinata var. Rapid Blight - A non-fungal incidence of this disease is much in Spain it is not a fungus, L. terrestris can’t tion. circinata. Plant Dis. 89:536-542 affected by this pathogen, as too http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/ disease higher than has currently been are Lolium perenne and Agrostis be cultured in the laboratory in the Now that we have learned how to doi/pdf/10.1094/PD-89-0536 recorded. same way that fungi can. identify this disease, sample analy- spp. Warm-season turfgrasses can Wong, FP & Kaminski, JE. In 2004, turf samples were In Spain, the disease showed harbour Labyrinthula within the During 2011, turf samples in sis can confirm its presence and 2007. A new Rhizoctonia received from a golf course in the dramatic development of symp- which Labyrinthula was again potentially save significant manage- disease of Bluegrass putting plant tissues but they don’t show greens. GCM Sept, 98-103 UK where the greens were showing toms on creeping bentgrass greens evidence of any disease. detected, were received from golf ment time and costs by allowing http://www2.gcsaa.org/ a progressive decline in turf quality. (with patches up to 2m diameter) courses in Ireland and the UK. implementation of effective control GCM/2007/sept/pdfs/ If these grasses are over-sown rhizoctonia.pdf Patches of affected turf up to 30cm and extensive discolouration and In the UK, the symptoms on the options. Detailed information on Fig. 3(TOP) and 4 (SECOND with cool-season turf, the young TOP) . Rapid Blight in the UK, Kate Entwistle, The Turf across were becoming red/brown turf loss on fairways (Fig. 1 & 2). seedlings inevitably become affected course had been consid- Rapid Blight disease can be found in 2011. General symptoms Disease Centre, Tel: +44 in colour, watersoaked in appear- The severity of the problem is cor- ered as being Anthracnose disease the article Rapid Blight: A New Plant and close-up (photographs (0)1256 880246 E: kate@ infected and disease symptoms will courtesy David Stansfield, David theturfdiseasecentre.co.uk ance and thinning out due to the related with not only the grass type develop. and managed accordingly (Fig. 3 & Disease, by Stowell, et al, 2005. Stansfield Ltd)

30 GI APRIL 2012 APRIL 2012 GI 31 Feature TURF DISEASES

Course disease alert!

Dr Kate Entwistle offers details of two new diseases which have been identified on UK golf courses

Rapid Blight Brown Ring Patch

Two newly emerging turf loss of Poa annua and Agrostis spp Symptoms can develop when 4), but lack of recovery prompted an ABOVE: Fig. 5. General diseases have recently been from the sward. temperatures rise above 15C analysis that eventually identified symptoms of Brown Ring confirmed in samples received Analysis of the turf identified the and salinity levels are >2.0dS/m the real problem. Patch (Waitea Patch) in the UK, 2011 (photograph courtesy T from golf courses in the UK presence of a non-fungal organism (although Labyrinthula has been Due to the way in which Kvedaras, ITS Ltd) and Ireland and it is suspected called Labyrinthula within the isolated from turf growing in much Labyrinthula affects the plant, the that they are more prevalent plant tissues and a disease known lower salinity conditions). sward initially becomes yellow, Further in areas of fine turf than are as Rapid Blight was recorded for Because the causal organism is then becomes red in colour before information currently recorded. the first time in Europe. Subse- not a fungus, most fungicides will the tissues eventually ‘rot’ and the Douhan, G. W., Olsen, M. During 2012, The Turf Disease quent collaboration between The have no effect either on the organ- sward thins. The symptoms can W., Herrell, A., Winder, C., Centre will be collating information Turf Disease Centre and Dr Mary ism or on the development of symp- appear very much like Anthrac- Wong, F., and Entwistle, K. 2009. Genetic diversity on turf samples received for analy- Olsen at the University of Arizona, toms. However, research completed nose (or Take-all Patch disease in of Labyrinthula terrestris, sis that are positively identified with confirmed the identity of the organ- by Dr Olsen and others researchers Agrostis-dominated turf) but there a newly emergent plant pathogen, and the discovery either of these two diseases and a ism as L. terrestris, a new species across the USA has shown that the will be no distinct blackening of the of new Labyrinthulid summary will be published later of Labyrinthulid that Mary had active ingredients pyraclostrobin, crown tissues, symptoms that are organisms. Mycological Research 113: 1192-1199 this year to show their recorded initially identified in 2002 as the trifloxystrobin and mancozeb, can typical of Anthracnose Basal Rot. cause of this increasingly impor- provide effective control but that Rapid Blight is considered to be Stowell, et al. 2005. Rapid regional occurrence. Blight: A New Plant Disease The most important step in effec- tant turfgrass disease. results are much better if products a unique example of an emergent http://www.apsnet.org/ publications/apsnetfeatures/ tive turf disease management is the Over the past three years, The are applied prior to or at the onset of plant disease potentially induced Documents/2005/RapidBlight. identification of the cause and with Turf Disease Centre has received disease, rather than curatively. by human activity (Douhan et al, pdf the apparent emergence of these a small number of turf samples In order for the correct product to 2009) and I am sure that in the MAIN ABOVE: Rapid Blight on that is present but also ambient Toda, T., Mushika, T., new disease problems, this fact has affected by Rapid Blight that have creeping bentgrass in Spain be applied effectively, the presence future it will be confirmed on more Hayakawa, T., Tanaka, A., temperature and the level of salinity Tani, T., and Hyakumachi, M. never been more important. originated from Ireland, Spain and of this Labyrinthula sp. must be amenity areas where water with 2005. Brown ring patch: A new INSET ABOVE: Fig. 2. Fairway in the rootzone or applied irriga- Portugal but it is believed that the accurately identified but because high salt content is used for irriga- disease on bentgrass caused damage caused by Rapid Blight tion. Poa species are very heavily by Waitea circinata var. Rapid Blight - A non-fungal incidence of this disease is much in Spain it is not a fungus, L. terrestris can’t tion. circinata. Plant Dis. 89:536-542 affected by this pathogen, as too http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/ disease higher than has currently been are Lolium perenne and Agrostis be cultured in the laboratory in the Now that we have learned how to doi/pdf/10.1094/PD-89-0536 recorded. same way that fungi can. identify this disease, sample analy- spp. Warm-season turfgrasses can Wong, FP & Kaminski, JE. In 2004, turf samples were In Spain, the disease showed harbour Labyrinthula within the During 2011, turf samples in sis can confirm its presence and 2007. A new Rhizoctonia received from a golf course in the dramatic development of symp- which Labyrinthula was again potentially save significant manage- disease of Bluegrass putting plant tissues but they don’t show greens. GCM Sept, 98-103 UK where the greens were showing toms on creeping bentgrass greens evidence of any disease. detected, were received from golf ment time and costs by allowing http://www2.gcsaa.org/ a progressive decline in turf quality. (with patches up to 2m diameter) courses in Ireland and the UK. implementation of effective control GCM/2007/sept/pdfs/ If these grasses are over-sown rhizoctonia.pdf Patches of affected turf up to 30cm and extensive discolouration and In the UK, the symptoms on the options. Detailed information on Fig. 3(TOP) and 4 (SECOND with cool-season turf, the young TOP) . Rapid Blight in the UK, Kate Entwistle, The Turf across were becoming red/brown turf loss on fairways (Fig. 1 & 2). seedlings inevitably become affected course had been consid- Rapid Blight disease can be found in 2011. General symptoms Disease Centre, Tel: +44 in colour, watersoaked in appear- The severity of the problem is cor- ered as being Anthracnose disease the article Rapid Blight: A New Plant and close-up (photographs (0)1256 880246 E: kate@ infected and disease symptoms will courtesy David Stansfield, David theturfdiseasecentre.co.uk ance and thinning out due to the related with not only the grass type develop. and managed accordingly (Fig. 3 & Disease, by Stowell, et al, 2005. Stansfield Ltd)

30 GI APRIL 2012 APRIL 2012 GI 31 TURF DISEASES Feature

Brown Ring Patch - A non-fairy disease does not have any ‘mush- Due to the close similarity in MAIN LEFT: Fig. 5. General outbreak that was confirmed symptoms of Brown Ring ring disease (shown left) room’ smell associated with the symptom development to superfi- Patch (Waitea Patch) in the UK, in the UK during 2011 and the infected turf and a microscopic cial fairy rings, it is likely that this 2011 (photograph courtesy T Regional Managers of Kvedaras, ITS Ltd) During 2007, a sample received analysis of the isolated fungus new disease of Brown Ring Patch Headland Amenity Ltd and for analysis from a golf course in can confirm the clear difference is developing more widely across Tony Kvedaras (ITS Ltd) for Portugal, was confirmed as having between the causal fungi. Europe than we are currently aware collaboration regarding the out- the fungal disease known then as However, if infected turf is incu- of but is being understandably mis- breaks of Brown Ring Patch in Waitea Patch. This was the first bated under conditions of high diagnosed as superficial fairy rings. Ireland and the UK. known record of it in Europe. relative humidity for 24hr, fungal As with the non-fungal disease During 2012, their continued The disease is caused by a Rhi- mycelium will develop in the sward, of Rapid Blight, Brown Ring Patch collaboration on these new zoctonia-like fungus and although at the base of the turf and over the can be confirmed by laboratory diseases will be very much the symptoms closely resemble surface of the exposed rootzone and assessment but for this fungal appreciated and in addition, the those of superficial fairy rings or these symptoms can appear like disease, isolation of the fungus and Technical Representatives thatch fungi, this Rhizoctonia-like those for fairy rings. microscopic analysis of the devel- and Area Managers at Ever- fungus is not related to fairy-ring Temperatures above 16C can ini- oping structures (as well as an DNA ris Ltd, Rigby Taylor Ltd and causing fungi. tiate disease development and the analysis) is required for accurate Syngenta Crop Protection UK Since 2003, this new disease has symptoms are often more severe identification. Ltd have also indicated their been increasingly recorded on Poa where rootzone nitrogen and water The realisation that these new willingness to notify me of possible annua turf across the USA and levels are low. Because the disease turf diseases are developing across outbreaks of these new disease more recently on Poa trivialis (Wong was initially recorded on Agrostis Europe is due in no small part problems. & Kaminski, 2007). turf, the common name of Brown to Course Managers and Head Collaboration on this work is However, prior to the recognition Ring Patch has been increasingly Greenkeepers in recognising not restricted – if you believe that of this problem in the United States, adopted for this disease but Waitea these atypical symptoms and either of these new diseases are a the disease was first recorded as Patch continues to be used by some requesting formal identification problem on your course, please developing on Agrostis palustris turf researchers. and I am very grateful to them for get in touch to discuss how we can in 1994 in Japan (Toda et al, 2005) In 2010, The Turf Disease Centre working with me to confirm these help. All Club details will remain where the symptoms developed received reports of unusual fairy diagnoses. confidential and only regional data as brown rings and was given the ring developments on golf courses In addition, I would like to thank will be used to identify the distribu- common name of Brown Ring Patch. from across Europe (Fig. 5) and A. Pereira Jordão, Lda, Portugal tion of these diseases in any future On Poa annua, the affected turf DNA analysis completed by AFBI for sending the first turf sample articles. shows symptoms of coalescing (Northern Ireland) on the isolated with Brown Ring Patch received Turf disease problems never yellow rings, often with a darker fungi, has now confirmed the pres- in 2007, David Stansfield (David seem to be too far away but it is green sward inside of the yellow ence of this new disease in the UK, Stansfield Ltd) for collaboration hoped that we can all work together HR_PrimoMaxxDPS_UKSport2.pdf 1 28/03/2012 11:19 ring. Unlike fairy rings, this new Ireland and Germany. regarding the recent Rapid Blight for the benefit of our Industry.

C Fairways so good, M

Y they'll all want to play...

CM

MY The Primo Maxx Ultimate Fairway

CY Programme offers the unrivalled

CMY opportunity to enhance the condition of

K your course - and make big cost savings. Speak to your local supplier or advisor for more information about this fantastic new offer.

Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE Email: [email protected] Web: www.greencast.co.uk / www.greencast.ie Primo Maxx® is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Primo Maxx (MAPP 14780, PCS 03879) contains trinexapac-ethyl. All other brand names used are trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Always read the label and product information before use. For more information including warning phrases and symbols refer to www.greencast.co.uk © Syngenta March 2012. GQ 02560. Distributed GI APRIL in the 2012 UK and Ireland by Everris APRIL 2012 GI Everris32 Limited Tel: 0844 8094470 Email: [email protected] Web: everris.com 33 TURF DISEASES Feature

Brown Ring Patch - A non-fairy disease does not have any ‘mush- Due to the close similarity in MAIN LEFT: Fig. 5. General outbreak that was confirmed symptoms of Brown Ring ring disease (shown left) room’ smell associated with the symptom development to superfi- Patch (Waitea Patch) in the UK, in the UK during 2011 and the infected turf and a microscopic cial fairy rings, it is likely that this 2011 (photograph courtesy T Regional Managers of Kvedaras, ITS Ltd) During 2007, a sample received analysis of the isolated fungus new disease of Brown Ring Patch Headland Amenity Ltd and for analysis from a golf course in can confirm the clear difference is developing more widely across Tony Kvedaras (ITS Ltd) for Portugal, was confirmed as having between the causal fungi. Europe than we are currently aware collaboration regarding the out- the fungal disease known then as However, if infected turf is incu- of but is being understandably mis- breaks of Brown Ring Patch in Waitea Patch. This was the first bated under conditions of high diagnosed as superficial fairy rings. Ireland and the UK. known record of it in Europe. relative humidity for 24hr, fungal As with the non-fungal disease During 2012, their continued The disease is caused by a Rhi- mycelium will develop in the sward, of Rapid Blight, Brown Ring Patch collaboration on these new zoctonia-like fungus and although at the base of the turf and over the can be confirmed by laboratory diseases will be very much the symptoms closely resemble surface of the exposed rootzone and assessment but for this fungal appreciated and in addition, the those of superficial fairy rings or these symptoms can appear like disease, isolation of the fungus and Technical Representatives thatch fungi, this Rhizoctonia-like those for fairy rings. microscopic analysis of the devel- and Area Managers at Ever- fungus is not related to fairy-ring Temperatures above 16C can ini- oping structures (as well as an DNA ris Ltd, Rigby Taylor Ltd and causing fungi. tiate disease development and the analysis) is required for accurate Syngenta Crop Protection UK Since 2003, this new disease has symptoms are often more severe identification. Ltd have also indicated their been increasingly recorded on Poa where rootzone nitrogen and water The realisation that these new willingness to notify me of possible annua turf across the USA and levels are low. Because the disease turf diseases are developing across outbreaks of these new disease more recently on Poa trivialis (Wong was initially recorded on Agrostis Europe is due in no small part problems. & Kaminski, 2007). turf, the common name of Brown to Course Managers and Head Collaboration on this work is However, prior to the recognition Ring Patch has been increasingly Greenkeepers in recognising not restricted – if you believe that of this problem in the United States, adopted for this disease but Waitea these atypical symptoms and either of these new diseases are a the disease was first recorded as Patch continues to be used by some requesting formal identification problem on your course, please developing on Agrostis palustris turf researchers. and I am very grateful to them for get in touch to discuss how we can in 1994 in Japan (Toda et al, 2005) In 2010, The Turf Disease Centre working with me to confirm these help. All Club details will remain where the symptoms developed received reports of unusual fairy diagnoses. confidential and only regional data as brown rings and was given the ring developments on golf courses In addition, I would like to thank will be used to identify the distribu- common name of Brown Ring Patch. from across Europe (Fig. 5) and A. Pereira Jordão, Lda, Portugal tion of these diseases in any future On Poa annua, the affected turf DNA analysis completed by AFBI for sending the first turf sample articles. shows symptoms of coalescing (Northern Ireland) on the isolated with Brown Ring Patch received Turf disease problems never yellow rings, often with a darker fungi, has now confirmed the pres- in 2007, David Stansfield (David seem to be too far away but it is green sward inside of the yellow ence of this new disease in the UK, Stansfield Ltd) for collaboration hoped that we can all work together HR_PrimoMaxxDPS_UKSport2.pdf 1 28/03/2012 11:19 ring. Unlike fairy rings, this new Ireland and Germany. regarding the recent Rapid Blight for the benefit of our Industry.

C Fairways so good, M

Y they'll all want to play...

CM

MY The Primo Maxx Ultimate Fairway

CY Programme offers the unrivalled

CMY opportunity to enhance the condition of

K your course - and make big cost savings. Speak to your local supplier or advisor for more information about this fantastic new offer.

Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE Email: [email protected] Web: www.greencast.co.uk / www.greencast.ie Primo Maxx® is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Primo Maxx (MAPP 14780, PCS 03879) contains trinexapac-ethyl. All other brand names used are trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Always read the label and product information before use. For more information including warning phrases and symbols refer to www.greencast.co.uk © Syngenta March 2012. GQ 02560. Distributed GI APRIL in the 2012 UK and Ireland by Everris APRIL 2012 GI Everris32 Limited Tel: 0844 8094470 Email: [email protected] Web: everris.com 33