Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/215163
FUNGICIDES Fungicides for Turf O ne of the toughest turf management challenges is staying one step ahead of turf disease. In this section of our Chemical Guide, we put potential solutions within your reach by providing a reference for controlling disease in one concise format. With the help of chemical manufacturers and suppliers, we have assembled two tables that profile fungicides, identifying the important properties of each to make it easier for you to compare chemistries. Table 1 lists chemicals by the active ingredient (common name) of the fungicide and specifies the mode of action of the product as either contact or systemic. Contact fungicides generally are applied to the leaf and stem surfaces of turfgrasses and do not move appreciably within the plants. Systemic fungicides are absorbed and translocated within the plant. This chart also defines fungicide group, which is an important factor for avoiding resistance. Using the same fungicide each time to treat a disease will result in reduced efficacy, so you'll want to rotate the chemicals you use repeatedly. Next, the table identifies the formulations available for each active ingredient (liquid or granular, for example). They also tell you if the product is labeled for ornamental use, as well. Lastly, the table specifies which diseases you can control with each active ingredient and designates with a "P" or "C" whether you can use the fungicide for preventive or curative treatments, or both. The second table helps you find the brand names and suppliers for each active ingredient listed in the main table. This makes for easy cross-referencing. These tables will not be useful if you cannot identify the pathogen that you wish to control. The importance of proper pathogen identification cannot be overstated. Many pathogens exhibit similar symptoms. However, the controls for each may be different. If you are having difficulty, consult an extension specialist or other expert. Also, you can send samples to a diagnostic lab. Keep in mind the "diseases controlled" section is a compilation based on the labels of all products that are available with that active ingredient. Typically, products with the same active ingredient have similar labeling, but this is not always true. Be sure to carefully read labels to ensure the product you wish to use has labeling for the target pests. The same applies to other registration details, such as use sites, etc. Remember, these specification tables are only for reference. They are not a recommendation for use, nor are they a substitution for application instructions. Some of the fungicides listed are not labeled for use on home lawns but are labeled for use on the commercial properties you manage. As always, consult the product label and follow all label instructions. 2014 | Total Landscape Care | Chemical Guide 13