Envu Solutions – Summer Patch
Summer patch, caused by Magnaporthiopsis poae, is a root and crown disease that begins to show aboveground symptoms during periods of summer stress.
Among the grasses that are most susceptible to infection are annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues. Although much less common, older varieties of creeping bentgrass can also develop symptoms of summer patch. Initial infection will typically begin as soil temperatures rise above 18 °C during late spring. Peak symptom expression is most commonly observed under hot summer temperatures and extended periods of plant stress.
Summer patch must be managed by a combination of cultural and chemical controls. Disease is favoured by hot, humid weather, high soil moisture, low mowing heights and soil compaction. Although high soil moisture creates conditions for infection, adequate irrigation and syringing are often needed to keep plants with damaged roots alive during summer conditions.
Preventative fungicide programs should start when average soil temperatures at a 5–10 cm depth are 18–21 °C and should be maintained through late summer. Systemic fungicides like DMIs and QoIs have the best effectiveness against summer patch and can be combined with anthracnose control programs.
Two Envu solutions for summer patch include the DMI fungicide Mirage® Stressgard® and Dedicate® Stressgard® (a combination product including DMI and QoI chemistries). These two products provide control of summer patch, dollar spot and anthracnose with low plant growth regulation effects. Mirage Stressgard applications can control dollar spot and provide summer patch prevention simultaneously.
No matter what kind of turf problems you’re up against, Envu has a full range of solutions to help you take control and maintain it.
For more information about Summer patch, download the solution sheet or contact your local Territory Sales Manager for Summer patch control strategies specific to your needs.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Envu and the Envu logo, are trademarks owned by Environmental Science U.S. LLC. or one of its affiliates. ©2023 Environmental Science U.S. LLC. All rights reserved.