Oklahoma State University Turfgrass Science

Fertility and Plant Growth Regulator Programs for managing Creeping Bentgrass for Performance and Dollar Spot

presented by Ashton Franks and Dr. Charles Fontanier, PhD.

Dollar Spot is a fungal disease cause by Clarireedia jacksonii that occurs as circular dead patches within susceptible turfgrasses such as creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). Dollar spot pressure is most severe in early summer when nighttime temperatures are low and heavy dew is present. A field study was conducted in Stillwater, OK in 2021 to evaluate effects of nitrogen rate (0, 4.9, 9.8, 14.7, 19.5 kg/ha), potassium rate (4.9, 9.8, 14.6 kg/ha) and Musketeer® plant growth regulator (0, 0.9, 1.3, 1.6 L/ha) on turf performance and dollar spot severity in ‘777’ creeping bentgrass. Severity was measured by counting active disease centers and quantifying disease area. Turfgrass quality and ball roll distance were measured using visual ratings and a half-length stimpmeter. After the conclusion of one year, nitrogen rate and Musketeer demonstrated main effects on dollar spot severity and ball roll distance, but there was no apparent interaction between these factors. In some weeks, the highest N rate suppressed dollar spot incidence by over 40% of the control and lowest N rate.  After one year, data suggest 9.8 kg/ha N plus the 0.9 L/ha rate of Musketeer resulted in the best combination of dollar spot suppression, turfgrass color, and ball roll distance.  The experiment is being repeated in 2022 with first applications initiated on May 4.

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