Over the last two weeks, the Turf Diagnostics Lab at NC State received several samples of a suspected bacterial disease on bentgrass putting greens. All of the affected golf courses have been in the Piedmont region, from Raleigh to Greensboro to Charlotte.
Most locations are reporting yellowing and etiolation of the bentgrass followed by a slow thinning. The symptoms are relatively mild in these locations. Two courses experienced a more rapid and widespread decline. In all cases, the symptoms are limited to areas that were severely damaged last year by heat stress or other diseases.
We are working to isolate and identify the bacteria associated with these samples. Since there are bacteria in almost every turf sample we receive, we need to determine if the bacteria are pathogenic before we can be sure that they are the cause of the problem.
In the meantime, golf course superintendents who are seeing these symptoms are advised to avoid abrasive practices like aerification, verticutting, and topdressing. If the symptoms are localized to cleanup passes or certain greens, then dedicate a mower to those areas or wash the mower thoroughly and spray it with a 10% bleach solution before moving to other greens. Mowing affected areas last after the dew has dried or spraying with a hydrogen peroxide solution before mowing may also help to minimize the spread of bacteria.
In addition, anything that can be done to minimize stress on the turf is advised; for example raising mowing heights, switching to solid rollers, or skipping mowings on affected areas.
We are investing all of our effort and resources into determining the cause of this problem and developing a practical solution. We have initiated trials at 4 golf courses to evaluate practices that may help to control it. Be sure to follow our blog or sign up for email alerts to receive regular updates:
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