Fungicide Alternative Management Practices for Microdochium Patch

Clint Mattox, Alec Kowalewski and Brian McDonald
Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University May 5, 2016

Research that took place during the winters of 2013 through 2015 determined that the mineral oil Civitas One used in combination with PK Plus or Sulfur was able to decrease Microdochium patch severity on annual bluegrass putting greens, although abiotic damage was observed on plots receiving repeated applications of Civitas One in combination with rolling treatments.

Early trial results also showed that potassium phosphite applications in combination with sulfur were able to decrease Microdochium patch severity; however, pH imbalances associated with repeated applications of sulfur is concerning.  Finally, results also showed that repeated applications of iron sulfate were able to decrease Microdochium patch severity.

Even though the results were very promising, these applications also resulted in unacceptable abiotic damage.  Even though improvements in Microdochium patch control without traditional fungicides has been gained through these early trials, further experiments are currently being implemented at Oregon State University in order to provide a better understanding of these newer management techniques and to find ways of controlling Microdochium patch without the risk of abiotic damage.  Findings from these projects will be used to develop an IPM tool for golf course superintendents dealing with Microdochium patch on annual bluegrass.

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