Frequently asked questions

How do I distinguish between anthracnose foliar blight and basal rot, and why does it matter for treatment timing?

Foliar blight presents during warm, humid conditions as irregular yellow-bronze patches with reddish-brown leaf lesions and can be mistaken for drought stress. Basal rot occurs during cooler, wetter periods, attacking the crown and lower stem tissue, and infected plants pull easily from the turf. The distinction matters because once basal rot is established, fungicides are no longer effective at curing affected plants. They should be applied preventatively to protect surrounding healthy turf and prevent foliar blight from progressing to basal infection.

Why does anthracnose keep recurring on my Poa annua greens despite fungicide applications?

Anthracnose is fundamentally a stress disease. Fungicide resistance has been documented in QoI (strobilurin) and benzimidazole chemistries, so rotating modes of action is critical. However, chemical control alone will not resolve the issue if underlying stress factors remain. Low mowing heights, inadequate nitrogen fertility, soil compaction, and excessive traffic during heat stress all predispose Poa annua to infection. Addressing these cultural factors is essential alongside any chemical programme

What cultural practices reduce anthracnose severity on golf and bowling greens?

Maintain adequate spring and summer nitrogen through light, frequent applications. Keep mowing heights at or above 3.2 mm and use rolling and double cutting rather than lowering the bench setting to achieve green speeds. Regular aeration relieves compaction and improves root zone oxygen levels. For a tailored anthracnose management programme including fungicide rotation planning, contact the team at Greenway Turf Solutions.