DISEASE
CONTROL:
Most disease problems in lawns result from overuse of nitrogen fertilizers,
short mowing or environmental extremes. Disease problems are often
best controlled by changing lawn care practices or use of specific
types of fungicides. Fairy
ring-
This produces spreading circular rings of dark green grass on a
lawn. Often grass at the edge of the ring dies and mushrooms sprout.
The circles are most easily seen in spring before lawns turn green,
but are present throughout the year.
Fairy
ring is caused by a fungus that first grows on clumps of organic
material such as tree stumps and construction debris underground.
Once established, the fungus remains permanently in the lawn, growing
slowly outward.
Fairy
ring cannot be controlled with pesticides. Light applications of
nitrogen fertilizer can mask the green rings. Aeration or uses of
wetting agents, such as dilute detergent, can also help affected
grass grow around the edges of a fairy ring.
Dollar
spot-
Grass infected by dollar spot causes small circular areas of the
lawn to become straw-colored and to die out. Warm, wet weather favors
dollar-spot disease. Aeration of compacted or poorly drained soils
can help correct the condition. Preventive use of fungicides such
as Daconil, benomyl, and PCNB can also be effective.
Melting
out-
Gradual lawn thinning may result from "melting out" disease, caused
by infection of several fungi. Affected grass is yellow and often
blotchy, later turning brown or straw colored and dying out. The
disease occurs in a range of climates, but is most severe with warm
or hot temperatures and high humidity.
Use
Daconil (sprayed) or PCNB (applied as granules) as a preventive
before the disease occurs.
SAFETY
COMES FIRST:
-
Check with local and state codes regarding use and purchase of
pesticides. Always read and follow label instructions before purchase
ing and applying any pesticides.
- Only
use pesticides that specify use on lawns and obey any warnings
on the label.
- Try
to purchase only the amount of pesticide that you will need. This
avoids problems with storage and disposal of excess material.
If any chemicals are left, package them and store them where children
and pets can not get at them. Never store pesticides near food
or food preparation equipment, such as barbecues.
- Keep
children away when mixing and applying chemicals. Do not allow
turf grass pesticides to contact fruit and vegetable crops, unless
the label specifically allows this use. Thoroughly wash any food
that comes in contact with chemicals. Use a separate sprayer for
herbicides and clean the equipment as soon as you finish the application.
Avoid using herbicides near trees and shrubs.
- Do
not apply pesticides during high temperatures or during windy
conditions. Always wear protective clothing when applying pesticides
such a s rubber or plastic glove (never cloth or leather gloves
which absorb pesticides), long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Use
a respirator and wear safety goggles.
- Wash
skin and clothing if spills occur and after applying pesticides.
- Do
not smoke while you are working with the chemicals. If you must
mix chemicals, do it outside.
- Follow
any cautions concerning applications in drainage areas.
- Be
especially careful using turf grass pesticides that are hazardous
to birds (diazinon, bendiocarb), earthworms (bendiocarb, carbaryl,
benomyl) or other non-target animals.
