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What's the Damage? Dollar Spot

May 28, 2020

What's the Damage? Dollar Spot

May 28, 2020

DESCRIPTION

Dollar Spot is caused by the fungus sclerotinia homoeocarpa, which typically thrives in temperatures between 59˚- 85˚ Fahrenheit during long periods of wetness. It affects all species of warm- and cool-season turfgrasses. The turf disease gets its name from the silver dollar-sized, tan colored spots it typically leaves on a golf course’s putting greens. This persistent disease has the potential to be active from mid-May through October, optimal temperatures varying among biotypes of the fungus.

Dollar spot close up hourglass shape

HOW TO IDENTIFY

This disease is characterized by sunken and round, circular patches that measure up to 2 inches on putting greens mowed under ½ inch. However, at mowing heights above ½ inch, Dollar Spot may expand up to above 6 inches. The first symptoms of Dollar Spot appear as small yellow spots on individual grass blades. This spot then expands to a straw-like yellow or tan band with dark-red or dark-brown borders, sometimes resembling an hourglass shape. The entire blade soon becomes bleached, and the infected areas enlarge. If left untreated, the spots may merge and form irregular shaped areas that are much larger than the typical 2 inches.

THREAT

The roots and lateral stems are not directly harmed by the fungus. However, the roots of affected turfgrass can be damaged from the toxins created by the mycelium that the fungus can produce. These toxins affect the uptake of water and nutrients, which causes the roots to enlarge, halt growth, and turn dark brown.  While the grass can shed infected roots, the nutrients they contained are lost as well. As a result of those toxins still present, any replacement roots will likely also be affected.


  • NOTE: Dollar Spot patches are more prevalent in areas where air circulation and soil drainage are inadequate. If left untreated, the patches will merge and continue to grow and damage/kill turf.
Putting green affected by dollar spot
Cotton like substance mycelium

HOW TO MANAGE

The disease may occur even if you have practiced proper turf management, but it is usually the most severe/prevalent when turfgrass is deficient in nitrogen. Using adequate levels of nitrogen in your turf fertilizer program, especially during the spring and early summer will help discourage disease growth.


Applying biostimulants like humic, seaweed extract and beneficial bacteria’s can be effective in preventing Dollar Spot since they have proven to improve a plants’ own defensive system to many stresses, including disease. Biostimulants trigger chemical messengers, plant hormones that tell plants when stressful environmental conditions exist and to prepare the plant accordingly. Research shows that materials like humic substances will stimulate the production of antioxidants and enhance photosynthetic activity in plants. This results in turfgrass’s improved tolerance of abiotic and biotic stresses like disease infection.


Cultural management is usually the first choice in managing Dollar Spot, but in some instances, fungicide can also be an effective treatment. Unfortunately, this disease has a resistance to some fungicides (benzimidazole and DMI fungicides). Be sure to choose a fungicide labeled for dollar spot treatment. Lawn diseases will usually require multiple applications of fungicide and timing of those applications must be precise for maximum efficacy. For best results, apply at first appearance of Dollar Spot.

 

Due to how it flourishes in humidity and leaf wetness, flexible irrigation practices should be considered. Turf irrigation should be based on the moisture status of the soil, as opposed to scheduling. If watering is required, watering should take place around 6AM to keep leaf wetness periods short.


Proper mowing practices should be adopted by mowing grass and removing subsequent thatch at regular intervals. This should allow more airflow and sunlight for turfgrass to discourage prolonged wetness. Golf course putting greens should be aerated routinely along with topdressing with sand to help reduce buildup of thatch. Washing equipment after mows and limiting foot traffic through infected areas will help manage the spread of the disease.


For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.

 

For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.

References:

https://www.syngentacropprotection.com/assets/assetlibrary/syngenta_diseaseid_guide.pdf

https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/dollar-spot

https://www.lawn-care-academy.com/lawn-diseases.html

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-3075

https://extension2.missouri.edu/ipm1029?p=8

https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/diseases-in-turf/dollar-spot-in-turf/

http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ppa/ppa1/ppa1.pdf

https://ugaurbanag.com/methods-to-maximize-efficacy-of-turfgrass-fungicides/

https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2455.pdf


Photos:

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-3075

Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog

Turf Care and Beaty Fertilizer Unite for Growth, Innovation, and Increased Value to Customers

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Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”

Grub Management: Understanding Life Cycles and Optimal Treatment Timing

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Platte River Equity - Press Release: Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.

October 9, 2024
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