What is take-all patch, and how does it affect turf root systems?

Take-all patch is caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae, an ectotrophic root-infecting fungus that destroys the root and stolon tissue of both warm-season and cool-season grasses. The pathogen produces dark runner hyphae that grow along roots and stolons, cutting off water and nutrient uptake. Affected turf initially yellows, then develops characteristic bronze or reddish-brown patches that eventually die and turn a bleached grey-white. Roots of infected plants appear dark, shortened, and rotted.

What soil and environmental conditions make turf vulnerable to take-all patch?

Take-all patch thrives in wet, poorly drained soils with elevated pH (above 6.5). Alkaline irrigation water, recent liming, and excessive sand topdressing that raises the root zone pH all increase risk. The disease is often most severe on newly established turf on sand-based profiles during cool, wet periods in autumn and spring. Manganese deficiency in the soil has been associated with increased disease severity, as manganese plays a role in the plant's natural defence against root pathogens.

What management strategies are effective against take-all patch?

Acidifying the root zone, ensuring adequate manganese nutrition, improving drainage, and reducing thatch buildup are the core cultural controls. Preventative fungicide applications watered into the root zone are essential for chemical management. For a comprehensive take-all patch management plan tailored to your soil profile and turf type, contact the experts at Greenway Turf Solutions.

Take-All Patch in Turf: Causes & Treatment

Name: Take-All Patch
Availability: InStock

Problem Solver / Diseases / Take-All Patch

Take-All Patch

Solutions Available:

Scientific Name:

Gaeumannomyces graminis

Take-All Patch is a root disease that affects bentgrass, fescues, and other cool-season grasses. It causes irregular patches of yellowing and thinning turf. The disease thrives in alkaline soils and high moisture conditions. Acidifying fertilizers, improving drainage, and applying fungicides can help manage the disease.

Control Options:

Syngenta Banner Maxx, Syngenta Headway Maxx, Turf Culture Impala.

Frequently asked questions

: Take-all patch is caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae, an ectotrophic root-infecting fungus that destroys the root and stolon tissue of both warm-season and cool-season grasses. The pathogen produces dark runner hyphae that grow along roots and stolons, cutting off water and nutrient uptake. Affected turf initially yellows, then develops characteristic bronze or reddish-brown patches that eventually die and turn a bleached grey-white. Roots of infected plants appear dark, shortened, and rotted.
: Take-all patch thrives in wet, poorly drained soils with elevated pH (above 6.5). Alkaline irrigation water, recent liming, and excessive sand topdressing that raises the root zone pH all increase risk. The disease is often most severe on newly established turf on sand-based profiles during cool, wet periods in autumn and spring. Manganese deficiency in the soil has been associated with increased disease severity, as manganese plays a role in the plant's natural defence against root pathogens.
: Acidifying the root zone, ensuring adequate manganese nutrition, improving drainage, and reducing thatch buildup are the core cultural controls. Preventative fungicide applications watered into the root zone are essential for chemical management. For a comprehensive take-all patch management plan tailored to your soil profile and turf type, contact the experts at Greenway Turf Solutions.

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