Monday, November 5, 2007 - 9:20 AM
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Disease Management Strategies for Controlling Spring Dead Spot of Bermudagrass.

Daniel Perry, Maria Tomaso-Peterson, and Gregg Munshaw. Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, 108 Old West Point Road, #65, Starkville, MS 39759

Spring dead spot (SDS), caused by Ophiosphaerella korrae, is the most destructive disease of bermudagrass. SDS may occur when cold temperatures induce a winter dormancy period in bermudagrass. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various management practices on SDS severity on a ‘Tifway' bermudagrass fairway. Test plots were organized in a randomized complete block design with four replications per treatment. Treatments included: core aeration (with or without topdressing), deep vertical mowing (DVM), applications of manganese, sulfur, or myclobutanil fungicide, and a control. In April 2006, there were no significant differences in SDS severity among treatments. Bermudagrass in the DVM treatment had significantly better fall color and turfgrass quality compared to all other treatments. Bermudagrass root health in the DVM treatment was significantly greater than the control during the summer and winter seasons. The results of this study indicate that the management practices included in this study do not have an immediate effect on SDS severity. However, DVM can promote a higher level of plant health when entering the fall transitional period.