Provided by Syngenta's GreenCast:
Anthracnose to Persist in Northeast
Even with the cooler drier weather moving into the Northeast, anthracnose, remains a chronic problem. In areas that are poorly drained in association with traffic are showing symptoms. Disease symptoms appear as bronze to orangish patches. The infected plants have blackened crowns and lower sheaths and roots. In the crown region, the fruiting structure of the pathogen, called an acervuli, is often found.
If this disease is affecting your annual bluegrass, you need to identify the environmental stress (ex. shade, compaction, etc.) and try to alleviate it. Cultural practices that help reduce the severity of anthracnose include 1) proper water management, avoid over watering, 2) maintain a fertilization program to keep the turf growing (avoid excessive N); spoon feed since the plant and root are not functioning well, 3) raise the cutting height, and 4) alleviate soil compaction. Fungicide applications will be necessary in most cases.
Be on the lookout for gray leaf spot
This highly destructive disease of perennial ryegrass has been confirmed already this year in Kentucky and Indiana. If there are perennial ryegrass turfs that are declining and adequate soil moisture is present - this could be the problem.
Soil Temperatures
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