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A picture may be worth a 1,000 words, but it is important to see the complete spring dead spot program on a calendar to grasp the concept of preventative maintenance.
The program begins a year in advance of the tournament as research has shown the most effective control program is one that focuses on preventative control of the pathogen rather than curative. The preventative control approach to spring dead spot management incorporates a wide range of cultural, agronomic, and chemical control techniques. Factors to consider include but are not limited to; mowing height, fertility, aerification, thatch management, pH, and fungicide use.
Spring dead spot management calendar:
The following calendar outlines the typical approach Pinehurst Golf Club uses to manage spring dead spot each year.
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Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
| Infection/Innoculation |
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| Disease Symptoms |
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| Preventative Fungicide |
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| June |
"If recovering from Spring dead spot, utilize ammonium sulphate based fertilizers to encourage growth." |
| July |
Apply at least 1.0 lbs. of Potassium (K2O) per 1000 sq. ft. to turfgrass during June, July or August. " |
| August |
Continue to utilize ammonium sulphate for nitrogen source. Plan fall aerification in late August - early September. First applications of a preventative fungicide can be made beginning third week of August. Make application of 1.0 lbs. Potassium (K2O) per 1000 sq. ft. if it has not been applied by now. |
| September |
"This is the optimum timing for preventative fungicide applications for the control of Spring dead spot. Begin to monitor soil temperatures at a depth of 2". When soil temperatures are consistently in the range of 80°- 60°F, conditions are favorable for innoculation. Moderate use of plant growth regulators along with raising mowing heights on greens to alleviate stress is recommended." |
| October |
"Continue cultural management practices that encourage root growth, reduce compaction, enhance oxygen levels in the soil and reduce stress factors on the turf. Preventative fungicide applications can be made the first two weeks of the month if weather conditions are favorable and soil temperatures have not remained in the "active zone" for an extended period of time." |
| November |
Maintain activities that reduce stress factors on the turf and provide a healthy environment for root systems. |
| December |
Maintain activities that reduce stress factors on the turf and provide a healthy environment for root systems. |
| January |
Maintain activities that reduce stress factors on the turf and provide a healthy environment for root systems. |
| February |
Maintain activities that reduce stress factors on the turf and provide a healthy environment for root systems. |
| March |
"Scout susceptible turf areas for signs of disease (shade, low / wet areas, high traffic areas, heavy thatch). If applying a preemergent herbicide to infected turf, select a product that will allow Bermudagrass to reestablish damaged areas." |
| April |
"Promote recovery in affected areas by utilizing ammonium sulphate based nitrogen sources. Aerify turf. On greens, schedule regular verticutting and topdressing throughout the summer to manage thatch accumulation." |
| May |
Submit soil sample for pH. Magage soil pH in a range of 5.5 to 6.5 to reduce the incidence of Spring dead spot. |
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The information contained in this calendar is intended only as a guide for turf managers across a wide geographic range. For more accurate, detailed information and timing for your area, contact your turf extension specialist or university researcher. |
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