Autumn Golf Course Turf Management Advice

Autumn is the time for action particularly on warm season turf and areas prone to Poa annua germination.

Kikuyu growers – best to get control of LARGE PATCH called Kikuyu patch by us, South Africans.

This aggressive disease tends to raise its nasty head in spring however needs to be treated in autumn. Headway Maxx applied at 2-3 litres/ha is very effective. Best to follow this up with a 2nd application 21 days later. Large Patch is spread by dead or alive plant material so best not do any autumn or spring cultural practises before applying your fungicide.

Poa Annua – friend of foe?
Poa Annua can be an incredible putting surface if you look at many of the top USA courses.

After working the 2004 US Open at Shinnecock with those firm, fast poa annua greens – it was a reminder to me it can be done.

If you don’t want poa annua in your greens then there are a few things you can do to assist this.

Do not starve your bent in the hope you won’t get poa annua – as Dr. Joe Vargas says  "superintendents have tried this for many years with the same results"

Use a penetrant/polymer wetting agent combo – like Qualibra – it is awesome to see how this product keeps the playing surface dry with moisture in the root zone – poa does not like this.

Don’t hollow-tyne in April or August as these are the prime germination months for poa annua.

Apply Pennant Magnum at 2 litres/ha on all kikuyu or bermuda areas to avoid germination in spring. (Do not apply Pennant Magnum to warm season areas). Remember poa annua seed can live in the soil for over 90 years.

Ryder is a great tool as we move into the cooler months

By applying Ryder from April to August you will reducing the stress on your turf which will give you a far happier plant in winter & a great kick start to the season ahead.

WALALA WASALA – is the perfect phrase for this time of year!