Evaluation of Experimental and Standard Fungicides
for Control of Rhizoctonia blights in creeping bentgrass
S. Bruce Martin and
William Jones
Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology
Pee Dee Research and Education Center
Objectives
The purpose of these trials was to evaluate new fungicides currently under development with standard, registered materials for control of Rhizoctonia blights (brown patch) in creeping bentgrass. Various combinations of fungicides were also evaluated to determine effectiveness, length of control, etc. The trials were set up as different studies, depending on the materials being evaluated and the specific objectives of each study.
Materials and Methods
These trials were conducted at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center, pathology turfgrass plots, on 6-yr old Penncross creeping bentgrass or 3-yr old Pennlinks creeping bentgrass during the summer of 1995. The plots are established on Norfolk sandy loam soil, pH 5.5-6.2. The experimental greens were mowed 3x/week at 5/32-inch cutting heights, with walking greens mowers. Plots were mowed on the day prior to spray applications. In each trial, individual plots were 3 x 5 ft. each, with 4 replications arranged in randomized complete block design. Plots were irrigated as needed, but generally received 0.5-inch of water daily to maintain conditions conducive to disease development.
Fungicide treatments were applied in 2 gallons of water/1000 sq. ft. On varying dates, according to the treatment being evaluated, sprays were applied through a fabricated shielded plot sprayer, charged with CO2, and delivered at 30 psi boom pressure, through 8002ER spray tips. Sprays were applied during morning hours to allow for drying before irrigations were applied in the late afternoon or evening hours.
Study 2. Evaluation of Banner and Daconil Ultrex combinations for control of Rhizoctonia blight.