IDM and Microdochium patch

Integrated Disease Management (IDM), a term often interchanged with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or Integrated Turf Management (ITM), signifies a comprehensive approach to disease management that transcends the simple reliance on chemicals to control them.

IDM is an all-encompassing strategy that combines good cultural practice with environmental monitoring as well as the judicious use of plant protection products when needed. The aim of IDM is to manage turf diseases effectively and sustainably.

Applying IDM to Microdochium patch

The way in which we manage Microdochium patch disease exemplifies the practical application of IDM principles.

We take a fully integrated approach because Microdochium patch disease can be extremely damaging, particularly in cool-season turfgrasses. Caused by the fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale, this disease can occur at any time of the year, primarily driven by cool, wet environmental conditions.

Because Microdochium nivale is adapted to develop in cool conditions, the autumn and winter would be regarded as the high-risk period in the UK and Ireland.

Species Selection

In terms of species selection, the majority of golf greens in the UK and Ireland are dominated by the presence of annual meadowgrass (Poa annua), which is highly susceptible to attack from Microdochium nivale given favourable conditions.

Many course managers seek to improve the sward species composition of their greens to reduce their susceptibility to attack from Microdochium patch. Long-term strategies to increase the proportion of Browntop bent and Creeping bentgrass species are commonly in place for this reason.

Monitoring

It is important to be aware of the environmental conditions that trigger Microdochium patch disease activity (cool and damp). The Syngenta Turf Advisor app can help you with the daily monitoring of the temperature (5-15°C being optimal), leaf wetness, and growth potential to give an appreciation of the potential for disease activity.

The “GreenCast Microdochium-model” will also help in this regard, giving a rating for the level of disease pressure. The longer the period of conducive conditions, the greater the likelihood for attack and so environmental monitoring should be used to trigger preventative action.

Cultural Practices

Good cultural practice can be extremely effective at slowing down the rate of development of Microdochium patch disease, even during periods of high pressure.

Slowing down the rate of disease development is important to give a greater level of flexibility and control, it also limits the level of potential damage, and it might help to enhance the effectiveness of fungicidal applications. We might consider the following cultural management tactics:

• Minimising leaf wetness: Leaf wetness can be minimised with physical removal of surface moisture/dew where appropriate or the use of surfactant-based dew dispersants. Minimising periods of leaf wetness can also be achieved by adjusting irrigation schedules during the summer and early autumn.
• Maintaining Optimal Nutrient Levels: Ensuring adequate growth with the appropriate use of nitrogen and supporting nutrition levels (iron and potassium) to maintain turf resilience and help harden the sward against attack. Avoid using organic or nitrate sources of nitrogen during periods of high disease risk.
• Managing Thatch and Organic Matter: Maintain subsurface organic matter contents with recommended guidelines to maintain a healthy and functioning soil profile and help reduce the saprophytic habitat of the fungus.
• Environmental Modification: Enhance light and airflow by managing the surrounding vegetation.

Plant Protection Products

Modern fungicides can be extremely effective management tools against Microdochium patch disease. Generally, they work best when applied preventatively but they can also offer curative control of active outbreaks.

Fungicide programmes need to be scheduled properly to be fully effective during extended periods of high disease pressure. The choice of fungicide as well as the sequencing and frequency of applications will be dependent on conditions and may require specialist advice.

Conclusion

Integrated Disease Management is a strategy that blends cultural practice, environmental monitoring, and chemical controls to minimise the impact of potentially damaging turf diseases like Microdochium patch.

By understanding the nature of the disease, constantly monitoring environmental conditions, and implementing thoughtful management strategies, turf managers can maintain healthy, resilient, and high-performing turf throughout the year.