Take-All Patch
Turf Disease
Susceptible turfgrass: Bentgrass.
Symptoms
Take-all patch symptoms initially appear as small, circular reddish-brown spot patches. Symptoms will progress to wilted, circular patches that are brown or bronze-coloured and can measure up to several feet in diameter. Symptoms are most evident during periods of stress induced by hot, dry weather. Infected plants have dark-brown roots.
Conditions favouring disease
Take-all patch is most common on newly established turf and severity decreases as the turf stand matures. It will occur on sites that have light textured soils, low organic matter content, manganese deficiency, and pH above 6.5. Take-all patch typically occurs in cool and wet conditions. This disease is more severe on less fertile and sandy soils.
Integrated turf management
Use acidifying fertilisers.
Apply moderate to high levels of phosphorus, potash or other minor elements where these nutrients are depleted from the soil.
Improve the drainage of the turf.
Reduce thatch.
Improve drainage.
Apply penetrant fungicides in the early spring after the first mowing and in the late summer or autumn.
Fungicidal Control
Heritage has label recommendation for take-all patch control in South Africa.
