Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale) is a disease that can affect turf across the UK and Ireland. It is generally understood to be the second most common turf disease, after Microdochium patch.
The disease usually attacks Poa annua type species. It occurs during summer following stress caused by factors such as high temperatures, low fertility, dry soil and compaction. It’s likely to occur under high humidity.
The main symptom is irregular shaped and sized patches in which leaves initially yellow then develop a reddish colour following wilting. Diseased plants may be easily removed from the sward and the black rotted plant base easily seen – a highly characteristic symptom of Anthracnose disease.
As far as possible, compaction should be avoided by reducing wear over an affected area e.g. keeping the heavy traffic off the turf for a while. Regular aerating and spiking are also beneficial. In the summer months Anthracnose may be discouraged by timely and moderate nitrogen applications but do not apply fertiliser in the winter months as this could lead to severe outbreaks of Microdochium patch disease. Good turf management practices which aim to reduce the amount of Poa annua in the turf also reduce the likelihood of disease outbreak.
Approved fungicides can be used to control the disease.
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