Method and Timing of Fungicide Applications for Control of Spring Dead Spot In Hybrid Bermudagrass

Abstract

The efficacy of five application methods and four fungicides were evaluated for control of spring dead spot (SDS) of bermudagrass from 2002 to 2004. Fenarimol and propiconazole were most effective in reducing SDS, providing from 66% to 89% and 51% to 52% control, respectively. Application water volume (2.5, 5, or 10 gal/1000 ft2), post-application irrigation, and high-pressure injection did not affect SDS control. Further research with fenarimol was conducted from 2003 into 2005 to optimize application rate and timing. In both years, all rates (6, 4 + 4, and 6 + 6 fl oz/1000 ft2, with split applications 2 weeks apart) provided equivalent control of SDS when averaged across all application timings. No significant differences were detected among application timings ranging from August 1 to October 1 in 2003 and from August 23 to November 5 in 2004. Accepted for publication 22 May 2006. Published 1 September 2006.