013 Investigations of Curative and Peventive Control Strategies for Fairy Ring Disease in Turfgrass

Abstract

Fairy ring has become a troublesome and persistent disease on golf course putting greens and other turf areas in most regions of the United States. Many basidiomycete fungi are associated with this destructive disease in turfgrass. Recent widespread epidemics of fairy ring have led investigators to examine possible management and control options. Curative approaches include topical flutolanil fungicide applications in conjunction with soil surfactants, the application of flutolanil under high-pressure injection, and the use of nitrogen fertility programs. These curative programs were effective at suppressing visual symptoms and turfgrass injury. A preventive approach evaluated repeat applications of flutolanil plus a soil surfactant prior to disease development. This preventive program was effective at eliminating visual disease symptoms on bermudagrass putting greens. Information presented will review results from field research studies conducted over the past 3 years in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.