Pest & Disease Take-all patch

Take-all patch

Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae

What is Take-All Patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae)?

Take-All Patch is a significant disease caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae that primarily affects young (1 to 5-year-old) bentgrass turf, but it can also damage older stands. It appears as bronze or bleached patches in late spring or early summer. The center of the patch dies, creating room for annual bluegrass and weed growth. Initially small, the spots can expand into large patches over time. Affected plants have shallow roots and can be easily uprooted. Black runner hyphae of the fungus are visible on crowns and roots.

How does Take-All Patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae) occur?

After bentgrass turf is established, dark brown runner hyphae of G. graminis appear on root surfaces. It's unclear how the pathogen spreads to new bentgrass stands, but possible sources include infected plant debris on equipment, soil transport, or golfers' shoes. Spore dissemination is rare. Runner hyphae infect roots during cool, moist conditions in fall and spring. Bentgrass can handle some root infection in cool weather, but pathogen-induced root damage leads to wilting and death in hot, dry conditions. In northern climates, G. graminis mycelium remains inactive in winter and becomes active in spring and summer for disease progression.

Symptoms

1 - Plant Impact

Take-All Patch damages plants, causing stunted growth, poor nutrient uptake, and death. It reduces crop yield and quality. In bentgrass turf, it creates bleached patches, attracts weeds, and decreases playability, necessitating costly renovation.

2 - Soil Consequences

Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae has long-term effects on soil. It damages roots, reduces water and nutrient uptake, and disrupts soil structure. Furthermore, it depletes nutrients, impacting soil health and productivity.

3 - Environmental Implications

• Reduces biodiversity and promotes weed growth in affected areas. • Crop yield and quality losses have economic implications for farmers and agricultural industries. • Red thread spores can spread through water, wind, and human activities, contributing to disease dissemination.

Solutions

1 - Cultural Practices

• Crop rotation disrupts the disease cycle. • Use resistant or tolerant cultivars. • Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. • Maintain balanced soil fertility and pH levels. • Manage thatch and organic debris accumulation. • Remove and dispose of infected plant debris properly. • Avoid transferring contaminated soil or equipment.

3 - Acidifying Fertilizer

• Use an acidifying fertilizer like ammonium sulfate to lower soil pH (in high pH soils >6.5). • Target a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.0. • Apply low rates of ammonium sulfate during spring and fall. • Water it into the turf to prevent foliar burn, especially in hot weather (>80oF).

4 - Soil Test and Manganese Application

• In persistent cases with low manganese levels indicated by soil tests. • Apply 2 lb of soluble manganese per acre as manganese sulfate. • Apply in spring to avoid foliar burn and ensure penetration into the root zone. • Sufficient water should be used during application. Note: Results may vary depending on soil type, pH, and application frequency/rate. Control measures should be implemented before visible patch symptoms appear.

5 - Fungicide Applications

• Myclobutanil (Andersons Golden Eagle DG, Eagle 20EW, Myclobutanil 20EW). • Propiconazole (Andersons Prophesy DG, Banner Maxx II, Dorado, Lesco Spectator, Propiconazole 14.3, Savvi). • Tebuconazole (ArmorTech TEB 360 XL, Mirage Stressgard, Sipcam Clearscape ETQ, Tebuconazole 3.6, Torque). • Azoxystrobin (Heritage, Heritage TL, Strobe 50WG, Strobe 2L, Strobe Pro). • Fluoxastrobin (Disarm G, Disarm 480 SC, Fame Granular, Fame SC). These are examples of fungicides that contain these active ingredients. Please note that product availability and formulations may vary by region.

Susceptible Species

FAQ

Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?

Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.

How often should you water indoor plants?

Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.

Can my monstera plant get root rot?

Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.

Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?

No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.

What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?

If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.

Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?

Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.

Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?

Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.

Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?

No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.