Summer Patch

Wintergrass, Fescue & Kentucky Bluegrass

• Circular patches of slow growth, thinned or wilted turf, 3 to 8 cm in diameter.
• Patches are typically less than 30 cm but can exceed 60 cm in diameter.
• Affected leaves rapidly fade from a grayish-green to a light straw colour (yellow) during warm weather (28°C - 35°C) and night time temperatures over 20°C
• Irregular patches, rings and crescent patterns may develop and coalesce into large areas of irregularly patterned blighted turf.
• Infected roots, rhizomes and crowns turn dark brown as they die.

• Temperatures between 21°C - 35°C, optimum 28°C.
• Infection occurs in spring when soil temperatures stabilise between 18°C - 20°C
• Symptoms develop during hot (30°C - 35°C), rainy weather or when high temperatures follow periods of heavy rainfall.
• Summer Patch is most severe during hot wet years and on poorly drained compacted sites.

• Increase drainage.
• Reduce or prevent soil compaction.
• Irrigate thoroughly, deeply and infrequently.
• Fertilise turf with a slow-release nitrogen source.
• Reduce plant/ turf stress by practicing food turf management.
• Oversow affected areas with resistant turf cultivars.