Anthracnose

• Anthracnose attacks grass plants (normally only Poa annua)
• when they are under environmental stress.
• Disease triggered by low nutrition and compaction leading to reduced turf vigour.
• Once disease reaches basal rot stage fungicides are no longer effective for control of disease but should be applied to prevent further attack.

Approach

• Turf should have sufficient nutritional input coming into the end of the growing season.
• Using a slow release fertilizer late in the season ensures that adequate nutrition is in the soil to promote a healthy turf.
• Avoid low heights of cut.
• Minimise mechanical cultivation during periods of stress. Aerate to relieve compaction and improve oxygen levels. Minimise Poa annua population in sward.
• Over-seed with less susceptible varieties.
• Irrigate in the morning to minimise long periods of leaf wetness over night. Use penetrant wetting agents to move water through soil profile and to keep surface dry.
• Use fungicides as part of an IPM programme and be aware of causing resistance to one chemical group by its regular use.