Guide launched to help greenkeepers tackle microdochium patch

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Greenkeepers can get their hands on a comprehensive guide to help them manage microdochium patch, the notorious disease that occurs on over 90 per cent of UK golf courses.

Dr Colin Mumford, Bayer technical manager, explains that all aspects of managing microdochium patch, from understanding the issue and identification, to preventing and curing the disease using a variety of methods, are covered in the guide.

“Pesticides continue to come under increasing regulatory pressure,” says Colin. “For this reason, greenkeepers should be looking to implement an integrated approach to disease management, with the view of reducing reliance on chemicals.

“The guide clearly explains that cultural and biological practices should be considered ahead of any pesticide usage. It’s all about reducing the risk of disease outbreaks so that chemical applications are limited.”

If chemical control is required, Colin notes the importance of selecting the appropriate fungicide for the individual disease outbreak.

“Whether you need a systemic or contact acting product, or want to know how to rotate fungicide groups, the guide will assist in your decision. It really is a one stop shop to helping greenkeepers tackle microdochium patch.”

The recent news about the withdrawal of all iprodione containing products, including Chipco® Green and Interface® from Bayer, reinforces the importance of an integrated approach to disease management.

“The loss of iprodione alone reduces the available number of fungicide groups for turf managers from six to five. And with other chemicals also due for assessment, a further reduction in the total number of products on the market for turf disease control is to be expected,” he says.

“It’s therefore important for turf managers to appreciate that the continued pressure on contact acting chemistry will mean that they need to adopt a preventative disease control strategy.”

For more information please visit www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk or call 00800 1214 9451