Greens under attack

If you were out on the course last weekend you may have noticed brown circular patches in various sizes from twenty-cent coins to some around the size of an old one punt coin and were generally found in clusters on the greens. They were to be found on all green to some extent and there was even some evidence, though to a lesser extent, on the old 13th green.This is the most common turf grass disease of temperate climates and is caused by a fungus called Microdochium nivale. It's not surprising as the temperatures have been mild and little sunshine with lots of moisture remaining on the surface. One of the older names for this fungus is Fusarium nivale, and hence the common disease name, Fusarium patch. However, there have been attempts to change the common name of the disease to reflect the scientific name of the fungus, such as with the use of Gerlachia patch or Monographella patch. But there is no real difference between Fusarium patch and Microdochium patch since they refer to the same disease and Microdochium patch, Fusarium patch and pink snow mould are all caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale.But not to worry, P.J. and his team have it in hand and have sprayed for the disease today.