Gerald Miller Jr.1, Mike D. Soika2, and Lane P. Tredway2. (1) North Carolina State University, 5456 Viewcrest Way, Apt. 103, Raleigh, NC 27606-3777, (2) North Carolina State University - Dept. of Plant Pathology, Gardner Hall - Box 7616, Raleigh, NC 27695
In 2006 fungicide evaluation trials, two DMI fungicides, triadimefon and tebuconazole, showed potential for preventive control of fairy ring caused by Lycoperdon perlatum. A single spring application of the low and high rates of triadimefon (0.15 g m-2, and 0.3 g m-2) and tebuconazole (0.08 g m-2 and 0.15 g m-2) was evaluated for control of fairy ring on ‘A-1’ creeping bentgrass maintained under putting green conditions. Fungicides were applied at six different times, when 5-day average soil temperatures (2 inch depth) reached 10°C, 13°C, 16°C, 18°C, 21°C, and 24°C. Fungicides were applied in 0.08 L H2O m-2 with a CO2-powered sprayer and were immediately watered in with 6 mm of irrigation. Surfactants were not tank-mixed with fungicides, but stand-alone surfactant (Cascade Plus, Precision Laboratories, Inc.) applications were made to reduce localized dry spot on 3/20, 5/2, and 7/25 at 2.58 ml product m-2. Type II fairy ring symptoms became evident in late May and gradually progressed into Type I and type III symptoms in mid-June. Visual and objective disease severity ratings were taken every 7-14 days. Symptoms started occurring in plots prior to the 24°C application timing, rendering these treatments curative in nature. Significant differences in fairy ring severity were detected in late June, with all fungicide treatments providing adequate control. In mid-July, the low rate of triadimefon was less effective than the high rate of triadimefon and both rates of tebuconazole. Applications made when 5-day average soil temperatures reached 10°C, 13°C, 16°C, and 18°C provided adequate fairy ring control and were more effective than applications made at 21 and 24°C. Area under the disease progress curve values were significantly lower for all fungicides and application timings made prior to the onset of symptom development (10°C, 13°C, 16°C, 18°C, and 21°C).