Course Update 7/23/21

5.28" of rain has fallen so far this month and the first three weeks saw very humid, mostly overcast conditions.  Increased disease pressure and activity was discussed in the last post and this time it's about Silvery-Thread Moss and Black Algae.  Both are opportunistic organisms that thrive under warm, moist conditions, and can lead to turf loss if not managed correctly.  Fortunately, our weather pattern has changed to sunny, drier conditions that favor turf growth.  Cultural practices such as aerifying (solid & core), spiking, topdressing, and verticutting all discourage both organisms by creating a drier, less favorable growing environment.

Here's a spot of Silvery-Thread Moss growing on a putting green.  In addition to the cultural practices mentioned above, we apply a special herbicide weekly to suppress it's growth and stop it from spreading.

Here's some Black Algae growing on the soil surface of a putting green below the turf canopy.  It's commonly found where the turf is thin from prolonged shade or excess foot traffic in walk-on areas.  Similar to the moss, we utilize all the cultural practices mentioned above and a special fungicide applied weekly to break up the algal mat and promote turf growth.