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BROWNPATCH – PREVENT IT OR CURE IT!
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Historically, the dreaded fungal disease known as Brownpatch (Rhizoctonia solani) would crop up during the months of September and October. And I have to admit, garden advice gurus (goobers, to some of you) would remind you that September 1 was when we started thinking about preemptive control measures. But Mother Nature and for whatever reasons can be dreamed of, it seems as if Brownpatch is showing up earlier and earlier for the past three to four years.
I have to admit that I think that we may have skipped over that early August Brownpatch because it was too hot and dry, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. It’s time to get out the first preventative fungicide. As well, some people could have the first tell-tale signs of brownpatch, and while you can still put down the preventative fungicide, you will automatically have to put down the curative fungicide for what you see already.
Please note though, that once you start your preventative control with specific fungicides, it's in your best interest to re-apply it every 30-45 days for up to 3 applications for superior control. We put together a tip sheet back at our main website to encompass all the different control products available for Brownpatch. The only difference between last year and this year is the addition of Myclobutanil to the list.
Click here to see that tip sheet
So, what this email tips sheet is all about is a pre-emptive strike in curtailing all those cultural practice elements that lead to the disease.
In other words, it's time to change some bad habits that help invite brownpatch into your yard.
The first thing you can do is to change your watering practices. No matter what the situation, it is best to water early in the morning (And we've discussed all those reasons before in our irrigation discussions:
1. There's better water pressure
2. It allows the grass to use the water during the day
3. There's less water evaporation etc.
However, when it comes to preventing brownpatch, this is the most important change you can make. That's because if you're watering in the evening, and when we move toward the fall temperatures (Yes, we will get there eventually!), all that moisture and the 60-68 degree night time temps are an open invitation to brownpatch.
The second change you can make is to change your fertilizer. If you've historically used a high nitrogen fertilizer (I define that as any fertilizer that's not a "slow-release" with a nitrogen - or first number - in the ratio higher than 21. Ex: 27-3-4… That's too high! Most of the slow-release/controlled-release fertilizers recommended in my fertilization schedule do not fall into the category of high nitrogen fertilizers.
Click here to see that tip sheet
The third cultural practice harkens back to the tip sheet noted earlier, but reminds you that if you saw brownpatch last year in September, then get your preventative control down in August. Don't wait to see the problem to prevent it. Try thinking back to when you usually see the circles in your yard, and try to prevent it 30 days out.
Finally, while this may not be a cultural practice, DON'T PANIC!!! If you think you have brownpatch and you can confirm it with the information in our tip sheet above, don't panic because brownpatch will not kill the grass. Yes, it's unsightly for many months, but it will not kill the grass.
Until next issue, here's to
Great Gardening from the GardenLine, heard
exclusively weekend mornings from 8 to noon
on Talkradio 950 KPRC.
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