As climate change brings more hot and humid weather, the severity and geographic range of fungal diseases are increasing. Disease control has become a greater challenge for many turf managers as they seek to reduce pesticide use. 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrass varieties have proven to be highly resistant to brown patch, as have several other outstanding diploid varieties from DLF. The use of 4turf®, and certain diploid varieties gives you a better brown patch resistance. Choosing varieties with high brown-patch resistance reduces your reliance on fungicides, and gives you a better pitch quality, more playing hours and increased peace of mind.
What is Brown-patch?
Brown patch is a turfgrass foliar disease caused by Rhizoctonia spp. The fungus can attack all cool-season turfgrasses, but is most devastating to perennial ryegrass, bentgrass and tall fescue. Attacks are triggered by hot, humid conditions, especially if the grass has been over-stimulated with nitrogen fertiliser.
What is Brown-patch?
Brown-patch problems
Brown patch is becoming more common in high-end stadiums and training grounds across Northern Europe. The disease can potentially lead to the loss of an entire pitch if it attacks young seedlings during establishment or renovation. During hot, moist summers brown patch can also occur at a later stage of growth where it causes severe damage and dramatic reductions in pitch quality.
Unique brown patch screening method
DLF has developed a unique greenhouse screening method to identify the most brown-patch-resistant perennial ryegrass varieties. Screening takes place at DLF Beet seed facility that specialises in Rhizoctonia. The scientists test varieties against a highly virulent fungal isolate from a European football pitch that suffered severe brown-patch attacks.
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Varieties with high brown-patch resistance reduces your reliance on fungicide
Screening to identify the most brown-patch-resistant perennial ryegrass varieties
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An increasing number of brown patch cases are observed due to climate changes
Screening results
The results of the screening show significant differences in levels of brown-patch resistance between perennial ryegrass varieties. 4turf® varieties are significantly more resistant to brown patch than most diploid perennial ryegrass but we have also identified specific diploid perennial ryegrass varieties with high resistance.
Screening results
Masterline® by DLF
The Masterline® mixtures are designed for golf courses, stadiums, parks, etc. The mixtures consist of very fine-leafed and dense-growing, quality varieties. For enhanced performance two varieties of each species are always used in the mixtures.
Johnstons
For over 175 years Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures have been equivalent to quality sports turf with an unequalled reputation for technical excellence, reflecting the standards set by the people who use them - those who lead the way in sports turf management.
MM
The MM Brand is one of the oldest most respected professional brands in the UK Industry with over 40 years knowledge in grass and wildflower seed. Our product portfolio is second to none with performance proven mixtures, that are used at elite professional stadiums, golf courses and international tennis centres.
Designer
The latest Designer range of grass and wild flower seed contain mixtures and varieties that have been formulated over the last 30 years to withstand the UK climate and demands of the modern day sports and amenity professional.
Contact the amenity team
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Grow Your Knowledge
Gromax
Maximise plant development. Gromax is a dry formulation of natural humates and humic acids, seaweed extract, a proprietary blend of natural sugars (sucrose), vitamins (B complax & K), soluble potash and buffering agents. The product is compatible with most micro-nutrients, fertilisers and pesticides.
4turf®
4turf® is developed to help turf professionals grow a greener, stronger and more resiliant turf – also under stressful conditions. This is something truly special. Our 4turf® is a new generation of turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass varieties offering a wide range of benefits.
Roots
Managing turf is becoming increasingly demanding with changing environmental and climatic conditions. To meet these changing needs, we have screened grass varieties to see which can grow better under difficult conditions like spring and early summer drought, and use nutrients more efficiently to improve the strength and health of the plant.
Clearsky®
Management of airport grass prevents animal hazards and will reduce maintenance costs. Each year, across the Irish skies, airplanes encounter wildlife. These incidents, occurring approximately 1,500 times annually, are not without consequences. Imagine delayed flights, frustrated passengers.
Microclover®
Microclover® is a very tiny white clover. Imagine if you could have sustainable grass that stays dark green most of the year - even during dry spells. With Microclover® seed you can grow a green turf all year round – with minimum effort. Microclover is one the few plant species that produces its own nitrogen fertiliser.
Brown Patch
Choosing varieties with high brown-patch resistance reduces your reliance on fungicides, and gives you a better pitch quality, more playing hours and increased peace of mind.
Pronitro®
Time is money - try out Pronitro® for faster, stronger and more powerful establishment.
DLF Select
DLF select is a quality program to bring professional turf managers reliable access to the highest purity seed stocks they demand.
Download The DLF Masterline Brochure
Our DLF Masterline Brochure is packed full of expert advice and tips and you can download it on the link below!