Validation of the GreenCast prediction model for microdochium patch on golf greens in the Nordic region
Summary
Two principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are (1) that forecasting and early warning methods must be used where possible to avoid redundant use of pesticides, and (2) that decisions on pesticide application must be preceded by monitoring in the field. These principles are sometimes in conflict, as prediction tools may forecast disease outbreaks before any signs of disease can be seen in the field.
Syngenta’s GreenCast model was validated as a prediction tool for fungicide applications against microdochium patch on an experimental golf green covered by annual bluegrass (Poa annua) at Bioforsk Landvik, Southern Norway, 1 Aug. 2013-24 Feb. 2014. The fungicides Headway (propiconazole + azoxystrobin) and Medallion TL (fludioxonil) were applied either Prophylactically at four-week intervals, at First sign of disease, at GreenCast Medium Risk Warnings or at Greencast High Risk Warnings in comparison with an Unsprayed control treatment. The turf was considered protected for four weeks after application, after which new applications were made according to the same criteria.
Based on IPM principles, the application of Headway at First sign of disease (0.5% of plot area) was found to be the best management practice, providing adequate control of microdochium patch with three fungicide applications. Treatment according to Greencast High Risk Warnings resulted in slightly more applications, but still good control of disease with four applications, whilst GreenCast Medium Risk Warnings and the Prophylactic treatment provided nearly 100% control with six applications.
We conclude that Greencast may be a supplement to careful monitoring of disease symptoms in the field, as it reflected the general increase in microdochium patch risk from August to December.
Category: Disease control
Status: Finished
Project period: October 2012 - March 2014
Fundings (kSEK)
|
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
Total |
|
STERF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other sources1) |
60 |
72 |
138 |
|
270 |
|
Total |
60 |
72 |
138 |
|
270 |
1)The project is funded by Syngenta and carried out according to the Contract Service Evaluation Agreement between STERF and Syngenta.
Project objectives
- To validate Syngenta’s GreenCast model for prediction of microdochium patch caused by Microdochium nivale on Nordic golf greens
- To determine ‘Best Practice Fungicide Use’, i.e. the application strategy providing adequate control of disease with the lowest number of fungicide applications
Project participants
Tatsiana Espevig
Researcher
Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy (NIBIO), Department for Urban Greening and Environmental Technology, Turfgrass Research Group, Landvik, Reddalsveien 215, 4886 Grimstad, Norway.
About STERF
STERF is a research foundation that supports existing and future R&D efforts and delivers ‘ready-to-use research results’ that benefit the Nordic golf sector. STERF was set up in 2006 by the golf federations in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Nordic Greenkeepers’ Associations.
