Pythium
Pythium can cause diseases in turf like damping off, root rot and blight. Generally, Pythium is associated with high soil moisture levels, elevated humidity and temperature.
Warm nights (over 20°C) and hot days (over 30°C) coupled with rainy weather are the ideal conditions and when Pythium appears most severe.
Lush growth following nitrogen application is particularly susceptible to attack. It is present in all soil types and requires the right conditions to activate it and for the disease to take hold. It is often associated with the seeding period, as the additional watering during this phase provides the perfect conditions.
All turf grass species are susceptible to Pythium diseases, but cool-season grasses are most severely damaged. There are many species of Pythium known to cause damage to turf grass.
Once the diseased patches dry, the grass withers and dies, leaving crater-like depressions in the turf which disrupt play.
Click here to download a copy of the Pythium Technical Notes.
Pythium Disease Control & Management
Cultural Practices:
→ Manage thatch levels.
→ Ensure adequate drainage and carefully manage soil moisture.
→ Improve air flow.
Preventative fungicide programmes are important in high pressure situations like cool season greens during summer and warm season greens in periods of high rainfall.
Controlling Pythium with Signature Xtra
Mode of action
Signature® Xtra contains the active ingredient Fosetyl-Al.
Application strategy
Start preventative programmes before periods of elevated turf stress. Low rates or longer spray intervals can be used when turf stress is low. As stress levels increase with higher temperatures and humidity then higher rates and more frequent applications should be made. Fosetyl-AI, the active ingredient in Signature Xtra, is fully systemic and once taken up by the plant will move throughout the foliage as well as the roots.
Learn more
Treatment Tips For Best Results
To achieve the best control of Pythium in Australia using Signature® Xtra:
→ Apply to mown turf at 5.5-16.5 L/ha in an application volume of 400-800 L/ha. Re-apply at 7 - 21 day intervals.
→ Irrigation after application is not required.
→ Apply higher rates and shorter intervals in situations of high disease pressure.
→ Signature Xtra is a Stressgard product. Stressgard products offer additional benefits in managing turf health during periods of high stress.
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.
2018 Field Trial Results
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 Signature® Xtra Stressgard® can support the control of Pythium on your land or call our customer service line on:
03 7019 3839.
