15 Green

What is happening to the 15th Green?  The front of 15 green is getting hit with a disease called anthracnose.  I started seeing breakthrough of this fungus about 2 week ago.  We have been trying everything in order to stop its spreading but we are seeing resistance to the chemicals that are normally used to treat this fungus.  Over a period of time, as a chemical is used over and over again, fungus will develop a resistance to that chemical and keep on growing in spite of what was applied.  I have tried multiple chemistry's with no effect.  Today I applied another chemistry that has the potential to remedy this problem but not with a few side effects.  This application to the front of 15 may cause some yellow discoloration and stunting of growth.  If this does happen, it will grow out in a few weeks.  If this chemistry works, it will be applied to other greens where anthracnose is present - 1,6,7,13

Anthracnose on the front of #15 green

Name that cause!

It seems the summer is finally catching up to us a little bit.  Some of the fairways were hit this past week with two different types of fungus - anthracnose and pythium.  You will see the most damage on 3 and 16 were the fairways narrow by the fairway bunkers.  All the traffic comes through these areas and puts a lot of stress on the plants.  We have treated all of the fairways with a curative application and with the help of some cooler temps, they will recover.  Overall the course still looks great and is hanging in there.

Pythium

Anthracnose damage

Dry area, no fungus present

Fungus

A good portion of the Grounds department's budget is spent on chemicals and fertilizers that are applied to the greens, tees, fairways and roughs.  Most of the chemical applications that are made are in effort to prevent fungi and diseases from damaging the turf and affecting playing conditions.  Fungi are ever present in the soil, the goal is to keep them in check.  Sometimes a fungus has a breakthrough and shows itself, then we go into a curative approach and minimize the damage.  A few weeks ago a fungus called Waitea Patch showed itself on a few greens.  This is not a damaging fungus unless left unchecked for an extended period of time (weeks).  The only problem this fungus causes is unsightly yellow rings, it doesn't kill the turf or effect ball roll.  Here are some pictures of the fungus and the healing process.

Day 1

Day 4

Day 7