A 4 hour deluge deposited 42mm of rain, and as you can imagine the course wasn't pretty. A lake everywhere, the only saving factor was that it had all night in which to soak away and minimise the work for the staff. The scene on Friday morning wasnt pretty, fortunately most of the water had found its way into bunkers and low areas. I was really happy to be honest with the amount of standing water, it showed all the work we have done to the course has made a difference, 5 years ago the course would have been closed due to the standing water, we managed to get the course open for 7.30 with minimal disruption. All but a few bunkers were GUR until we had a chance to put all sand back in position and rake where possible. The team worked hard to get all areas cut as best possible and the course in a playable condition. It also showed us where we still needed to improve the drainage for similar events in the future.
The downside to all the rain and in between the warmth, is the amount of growth, its unstoppable and very difficult to get to grips with. We are working on cutting semi as much as possible, with all other in play areas prioritised, as you can see from the pictures below the amount of grass taken off has to be collected to ensure the course looks ok and remains undamaged.
The dry spring and now humid, wet conditions are ideal for anthracnose disease. We have sprayed the first preventative fungicide of the year to control the spread of this disease. Below is some infomation regarding the disease.
Anthracnose
Identification
Anthracnose occurs in two forms, basal rot and foliar blight, which can develop at different times of year according to weather conditions. Anthracnose most commonly affects annual meadow grass, but can affect all grasses.
Basal rot symptoms are yellowing leaves, with the youngest leaf brick red in colour and black rot appearing at the base of the leaves.
With foliar blight, symptoms appear as irregular, yellow or brown patches of turf, which turn tan and die. It can be mistaken for drought, however the symptoms worsen with watering and fungal fruiting structures (acervuli) with fine black hair-like setae can usually be seen by using a magnifying glass.
Anthracnose occurs in two forms, basal rot and foliar blight, which can develop at different times of year according to weather conditions. Anthracnose most commonly affects annual meadow grass, but can affect all grasses.
Basal rot symptoms are yellowing leaves, with the youngest leaf brick red in colour and black rot appearing at the base of the leaves.
With foliar blight, symptoms appear as irregular, yellow or brown patches of turf, which turn tan and die. It can be mistaken for drought, however the symptoms worsen with watering and fungal fruiting structures (acervuli) with fine black hair-like setae can usually be seen by using a magnifying glass.
What causes Anthracnose to develop?
Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum cereale. It occurs when climatic conditions are suitable and the turf is under stress due to inappropriate or inadequate maintenance.
Basal rot occurs in autumn and winter when conditions are cool and wet. Foliar blight occurs in summer when temperatures are higher. Both are more likely to occur when the turf is stressed due to low fertility (particularly nitrogen), compaction, drought and excessively low mowing heights. Moisture on the leaves and insect/nematode activity can also encourage development of the disease.
Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum cereale. It occurs when climatic conditions are suitable and the turf is under stress due to inappropriate or inadequate maintenance.
Basal rot occurs in autumn and winter when conditions are cool and wet. Foliar blight occurs in summer when temperatures are higher. Both are more likely to occur when the turf is stressed due to low fertility (particularly nitrogen), compaction, drought and excessively low mowing heights. Moisture on the leaves and insect/nematode activity can also encourage development of the disease.
Treatment of Anthracnose disease
Fungicide treatments are available to control Anthracnose, however if the underlying causes are not rectified the disease may return more severely.The disease is best managed by correcting the underlying causes of the disease and following an appropriate maintenance regime will reduce the occurrence and severity.
- Prune and thin vegetation surrounding the turfed area to reduce shade and improve air movement in the morning, allowing the foliage to dry quicker.
- If watering is required, this should be done less frequently, ensuring water percolates through to the soil. Irrigate early in the morning rather than during late afternoon or evening.
- Remove dew first thing in the morning by switching/brushing the turf or dragging a hose across the surface, allowing it to dry quicker.
- Follow an appropriate feeding regime.
- Mow the turf at recommended heights, increasing the cutting height if necessary to promote grass growth and aid recovery.
- Reduce excess thatch.
- Aerate compacted areas.
- Check for insect or nematode activity.
Fungicide treatments are available to control Anthracnose, however if the underlying causes are not rectified the disease may return more severely.The disease is best managed by correcting the underlying causes of the disease and following an appropriate maintenance regime will reduce the occurrence and severity.
- Prune and thin vegetation surrounding the turfed area to reduce shade and improve air movement in the morning, allowing the foliage to dry quicker.
- If watering is required, this should be done less frequently, ensuring water percolates through to the soil. Irrigate early in the morning rather than during late afternoon or evening.
- Remove dew first thing in the morning by switching/brushing the turf or dragging a hose across the surface, allowing it to dry quicker.
- Follow an appropriate feeding regime.
- Mow the turf at recommended heights, increasing the cutting height if necessary to promote grass growth and aid recovery.
- Reduce excess thatch.
- Aerate compacted areas.
- Check for insect or nematode activity.
Personally i think this is more severe than fusarium from my experience at Malton and Norton Golf Club, as once the disease is visible the grass is infected to a point where it can not recover. During summer fusarium is present in isolated areas however the grass can recover and will give opportunity for increased bent grass coverage.
