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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.

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

October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers,  We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC. We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark Mangan President Turf Care Supply, LLC
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
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