Protect against summer patch and take-all patch with timed applications

By Lisa Beirn, Ph.D., technical services manager for Syngenta

Although you may not see evidence of these diseases now, it’s time to protect against summer patch and take-all patch. Summer patch, which is caused by the pathogen Magnaporthiopsis poae, can survive and infect plant roots in the spring. Take-all patch, caused by the pathogen Gaeumannomyces avenae survives as a mycelium in previously infected plant tissue and will begin to infect the plant with the cool, moist weather of early spring. Symptoms of both diseases aren’t expressed until plant stress occurs later in the season.


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Avoid in-season turf decline by preventively applying proven fungicides and using sound management practices.

Effective application timing

  • When targeting summer patch, make the first application when soil temperatures consistently reach 65° F at a 2-inch soil depth over a two- to three-day period, and apply again at 14-28 day intervals
  • When targeting take-all patch, make the first application in early to mid-Spring (April-May or when soil temperatures reach 55° F at a 2-inch soil depth over a two- to three-day period)
    • Fall applications should be initiated as soil temperatures cool down (45-60° F at a 2-inch soil depth)
    • Use preventative applications of Posterity XT or Heritage Action fungicides
  • For best results, apply in 4 gallons of water per 1,000 ft.2 or irrigate with 0.125 inch of water after preventive applications

Summer patch

  Source: Michael Agnew, Ohio, 2013


ApplicationApproximate TimingFungicideRate

#1

See above

Posterity XT

3.0 fl. oz./1,000 ft.2

#2

28 days later

Briskway

0.9 fl. oz./1,000 ft.2

#3 (If Needed)

28 days later

Posterity XT

3.0 fl. oz./1,000 ft.2

#4 (If Needed)

28 days later

Briskway

0.9 fl. oz./1,000 ft.2


Take-all patch

  Source: Michael Agnew, Connecticut

 
ApplicationApproximate TimingFungicideRate

Spring #1

See above

Heritage Action

0.4 oz./1,000 ft.2

Spring #2

28 days later

Posterity XT

3.0 fl. oz./1,000 ft.2

Fall #1

September 15

Posterity XT

3.0 fl. oz./1,000 ft.2

Fall #2

28 days later

Heritage Action

0.4 oz./1,000 ft.2

Note: If resources are limited, the two fall applications are most critical in reducing the incidence of take-all patch.

Cultural practices for summer patch and take-all patch

  • Aerify to reduce compaction and improve drainage
  • Avoid nitrate forms of nitrogen; instead, use acidifiers like ammonium sulfate and urea sources
  • For summer patch, maintain a soil pH of 6.0
  • For take-all, maintain soil pH below 6.5, preferably between 5.5-6.0
  • For take-all, apply manganese at 2 lbs./acre in the spring and fall when soil temperatures are between 40˚ F-60˚ F

For more information, sign up for Soil Temperature Alerts to receive text and email alerts for soil temperature thresholds and diseases in your area.

Always refer to the product label for full use recommendations.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

© 2023 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Action™, Briskway®, GreenCast®,  Heritage®, Posterity® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

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