Don’t get caught by Anthracnose

Anthracnose Basal Rot

• Host – Mainly annual meadow-grass
• Symptoms – Youngest leaf red, black rot at stem base, stunted rooting
• Occurrence – Tends to occur during wet autumn/winter conditions when the Poa annua is in a weakened state

Anthracnose Foliar Blight

• Host – All major grass species
• Symptoms – Leaves and shoots discolour, appearance of drought stress
• Occurrence – During periods of hot and humid summer conditions when the sward is already stressed

Avoid excessive mowing pressure:
Avoid cutting too low for too long. Alleviating excessive mowing will reduce the risk of disease attack.

Ensure adequate moisture for healthy plant growth without over watering:
Regular monitoring of soil moisture content is essential to guide water management strategy.

Provide adequate and appropriate nutrition:
Maintain plant health with the regular use of liquid and granular fertilisers. Aim to deliver in the region of 2-3 kg of N per hectare per week during high risk periods.

Apply fungicide preventively:
Prevent the development of Anthracnose with the pre-emptive use of fungicide technologies if the risk of a damaging attack is high.

Encourage less susceptible turf species such as fescue and bent grasses:
As a longer term strategy overseed using appropriate ProSelect seed mixture.