Managing Localized Dry Spot with Wetting Agents and Fungicide. (4693)
Authors:
D.Y. Han* - Auburn University, Auburn, AL
S.D. Davis - Bayer Environmental Science, Gulf Breeze, FL M.A. Franklin - Aquatrols, Atlanta, GA
J. Olemann - Grand National Golf Club, Opelika, AL
Abstract:
Localized dry spots (LDS) are a common problem on putting greens in the summer.
In an LDS, the soil become hydrophobic and the grass suffers severe drought stress even in properly irrigated greens. Manual cultivation, such as spiking or core
aerification, is often of limited value in alleviating symptoms. Fungicides are often used to combat LDS since there is evidence that many saprophytic or parasitic fungi can cause hydrophobic soils to develop, often in conjunction with fairy rings. But LDS often occur in the absence of fungi and fungicides do not always provide relief. Superintendents have turned to the use of detergents and other wetting agents to relieve the problem of hydrophobic soils. We evaluated 11 commercial wetting agents on a creeping bentgrass Agrostis palustris green in Auburn, AL both alone and in combination with the systemic fungicide flutolanil. Most of the wetting agents improved turfgrass visual quality, with the largest difference in quality being observed in dry, hot weather. The fungicide treatment had no effect on either soil moisture or turfgrass visual quality.
Speaker Information: David Han, Auburn University, Department of Agronomy and Soils202 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849-5412; Phone: 334-844-3980;
E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1404)
Keywords: Turfgrass; Wetting agent; Localized dry spot; Fairy ring