Fairy Ring
Fairy Ring is one of the more persistent and complex turfgrass diseases to manage. Caused by a diverse group of over 60 soil-borne basidiomycete fungi, it can present in various forms and is often challenging to diagnose and control.
Fairy Ring fungi do not directly attack plants but instead cause problems by stimulating turf and/or causing hydrophobic soils that lead to localised dry spot (LDS).
Fairy Ring fungi use lignin in thatch and organic matter as a food source. All turfgrass species can be affected by Fairy Ring. By breaking down lignin, these fungi can access nutrients and cause changes in soil properties that affect turfgrass health.
Greens are particularly vulnerable to Fairy Ring given their low mowing height and sand-based rootzone. Fairy Ring on turfgrass typically appears as rings, arcs, or irregular patches that vary widely in size and severity.
Ring diameters can range from just a few centimetres to several metres, with large rings sometimes exceeding 3
metres in diameter.
Click here to download a copy of the Fairy Ring Technical Notes.
Fairy Ring Control & Management
Cultural Practices are the first step in managing Fairy Ring:
→Core aerification, vertical mowing and frequent sand topdressing reduce thatch and organic matter, minimising Fairy Ring severity.
→Water management, fertility and mowing height can influence symptoms of Fairy Ring. Fairy Ring symptoms are enhanced on slow-growing and nitrogen-starved turf.
→Wetting agents are useful to address LDS associated with Fairy Ring activity.
Controlling Fairy Ring with Dedicate FORTE Stressgard
Dedicate® FORTE Stressgard® offers an effective solution for Fairy Ring.
Mode of Action
Dedicate FORTE contains the active ingredient tebuconazole.
Application strategy
Preventive Fairy Ring control is much more effective than curative control.
→ Apply Dedicate FORTE in the spring when the 5-day average soil temperature (5cm depth) reaches 13-16°C.
Treatment Tips For Best Results
• Apply to mown turf at 3.5 L/ha in an application volume up to 1600 L/ha.
• Two applications should be made in the spring on a 28-day interval.
• Applications should be made with high volume with flat fan nozzles and watered-in to the depth of the Fairy Ring as needed.
• Apply wetting agents two weeks before Dedicate FORTE application.
Tank Mixing
A compatibility test to assess physical compatibility should be conducted with any potential tank mix partner where compatibility is not known from previous application of the products together.
Stewardship
Always read the label before use. For full list of application and usage recommendations, view the label.
Speak To Our Team
Contact our team of experts to discuss how Dedicate® FORTE Stressgard® can support the control of Fairy Ring on your land or call our customer service line on:
03 7019 3839.
