Clint Mattox – Oregon State University
Anthracnose is a turfgrass disease caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum cereale that is particularly damaging to annual bluegrass putting greens, especially during periods of heat and drought stress under low nitrogen fertility conditions and low mowing heights. A previous observation was made regarding Anthracnose disease suppression and the wetting agent “Revolution” (alkyl terminated block copolymer, Aquatrols, NJ) in Corvallis, OR.
A new fungicide-free experiment was therefore conducted starting in February 2015 using Revolution at different rates and frequencies in order to determine the effects on Anthracnose disease incidence. At the peak of disease (September 8th, 2015), the 6.0 fl. oz. per thousand square feet rate of Revolution applied once or twice a week, and 1.5 fl. oz. applied once a week resulted in the lowest disease severity 0.2, 3.9 and 10.9% respectfully compared to the control plots with 31.3% average disease. The 6.0 fl. oz. rate of Revolution applied twice a week resulted in the greatest turf quality. All treatments, regardless of Revolution rate or frequency, reduced disease severity and increased turf quality in comparison to the control.
