Waitea patch appearing on golf courses
Print
EmailEditor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team
Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is
included.
A relatively new turfgrass disease called Waitea patch (Waitea circinata) has been making appearances in Poa annua
putting greens in Michigan. Waitea patch has also been referred to as
brown ring patch in Japan, but until the causal organism is confirmed to
be the same in the United States, the Waitea moniker seems to be the
name of choice. Waitea patch is a Rhizoctonia disease. The symptoms of
Waitea patch involve Poa annua turning yellow in a ring and looking very similar to yellow patch. (view image)The
warm weather in the last several days is favorable to development of
Waitea patch, but would not be conducive to yellow patch, which is
usually seen during cooler weather. Dr. Frank Wong at the University of
California – Riverside in cooperation with the Pace Turfgrass Research
Institute, has research results in controlling Waitea patch posted at 6-1OSUcontrol.pdf
Waitea patch appears to be a moving target when it comes to fungicide
efficacy. Dr. Vargas at MSU has advised me that he has seen control with
Heritage, Prostar, Insignia, Compass and Disarm. Some superintendents
are also reporting success with Banner, Medallion and Endorse. Please
refer to the label for recommended rates and application procedures.
