By Matt Giese, M.S.and Ron Townsend, M.S.,technical services managers for Syngenta
- Cultural practices |
- Granular options |
- Research trials |
- Lawn Disease ID Guide
Brown patch is a disease that is caused by the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. All turfgrass species are susceptible to its infection, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass are most at risk. Tall fescue and ryegrass lawns in the transition zone, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northeast can be exposed to brown patch under summer conditions with high humidity and nighttime temperatures above 65F.
Brown patch symptoms can vary depending on grass species and mowing height. On wide-bladed turf species like tall fescue, leaf lesions develop with tan centers and dark brown margins. These leaves will die quickly, leaving a blighted area of lawn.
Generally, brown patch disease is more severe during extended periods of hot, humid weather (low and high temperatures above 70F and 90F, respectively). Poor soil drainage, lack of air movement, over-watering and low nitrogen also contribute to brown patch development.
The following cultural practices will help mitigate brown patch:
- Avoid night watering to reduce periods of leaf wetness
- Plant turfgrass species tolerant of low-light exposure in shady areas
- Aerate high-traffic areas in the fall to increase soil drainage and reduce soil compaction
- Apply adequate nitrogen to cool season turf in summer
- Keep records of previous outbreaks and their locations
Preventive solutions
Combining cultural management techniques with preventive fungicide applications is the best strategy to manage these turf diseases. R. solani can concentrate itself in the thatch and in areas of past infection, which is why it’s important to keep accurate records of disease history. Curative fungicide applications will stop progression of the disease, but turf recovery may not be visible until the following spring.
Liquid options
Compendium® fungicide is an excellent choice for preventive control of brown patch. It contains the active ingredients azoxystrobin and propiconazole and delivers broad-spectrum control of brown patch, as well as all major turf diseases.
Compendium can be applied at 1.3-2.6 fl. oz. / 1,000 ft.2 for brown patch control and on up to a 28-day spray interval. Applications are best timed prior to disease symptoms. Use of the higher rate may be necessary for curative applications.
- Headway G: Provides the same level of disease control as a spray. Application rates of 2-4 lbs. of product/1,000 ft.2 provide 14 to 28 days of disease control. As with the liquid formulation, applications are best timed prior to disease symptoms.
Headway G, brown patch - Missouri 2011
- Caravan G: When you need to combat brown patch and insect pressure at the same time, Caravan® G insecticide offers the convenience of a fungicide and insecticide in one product. It contains the same active ingredient found in Heritage® fungicide and Meridian® 25WG insecticide. While timing and geographies vary, one application of Caravan G made in June or early July can yield season-long grub control and three weeks of preventive brown patch control.
Brown patch control on tall fescue
Source: Dr. Brandon Horvath, University of Tennessee. Trial performed on ‘Stetson II, warrior and Padre’ 4.0” HOC tall fescue. Three applications made on six-week intervals on June 1, July 13 and Aug. 24, 2023.
Brown Patch, Rutgers University
Help inform your customers about brown patch and ensure they’re able to help you identify it with the free Lawn Disease ID Guide. This brochure offers a quick resource for not only identifying turf diseases, but also solutions for treating them. Order now.
For more information on controlling brown patch and other turf diseases, contact your local Syngenta territory manager.
Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trials reflect treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace.
All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.
© 2024Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Caravan®, Compendium®, Headway®, Heritage®, Meridian® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective third-party owners.
