Disease prevention and control is a major factor in the successful management of our fine turf surfaces here at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. We utilise numerous cultural and chemical methods as part of integrated pest management (IPM) programme to reduce disease incidence and severity. Pathogens are disease causing agents that significantly affect the visual and playing qualities of our surfaces. While there are numerous fungal and bacterial pathogens in the UK the most common and damaging is Fusarium – Microdochium patch (Microdochium nivale).

Fusarium is spread by wind, water, and by foot traffic and outbreaks are often seen during periods of mild cool wet weather and heavy dews.

To help the plant naturally fight off this disease we applied an combination of Elevate Fe – a complexed liquid iron and sea nymph super concentrate – a liquid seaweed, at an application rate of 10l/ha .  These products are ideal for strengthening turf, minimising the effect of turf pathogens – rebuilding the natural suppression status of depleted soils and encouraging strong root systems through plant metabolic and microbial activity.

Although the surfaces are a little greener than we would like after the application of these two products the surfaces are healthy and showing very little signs of disease activity.