With the recent heat and humidity that has affected most parts of the country it is hard to believe that we are rapidly approaching snow mold season! Below are some tips on how to identify the disease, prepare your turf and maximize your fungicide performance.
There are 2 main types of Snow Mold (Pink and Gray), each having unique characteristics and control strategies. As its name suggests, Pink Snow Mold appears after snow melt, displaying pink circular patches of matted grass. Typically, only the leaves are affected but left untreated Pink Snow Mold can attack crowns and cause turf loss.
Gray Snow Mold requires snow cover to develop. Circular patches up to 12” in diameter appear on closely mown turf, becoming up to 24” on taller turf. Duration of snow cover will determine the severity of damage, less than 60 days and damage likely will be mild. Snow cover exceeding 60 days and turf loss will increase as the disease progresses into the crowns of the plant.
Many parts of the country will require more than just a sound cultural control program to protect turf. Below are some thoughts on how to select, apply and trust the proper fungicide.
Quali-Pro’s Enclave® flowable fungicide has proven to be an industry leader in snow mold protection. Golf course superintendents have trusted Enclaves unique 4-way fungicide formulation to get them through the long winter months, delivering superior control in areas that see over 120 days of snow cover! Enclave is cost effective, easy to use (no mixing multiple products) and a proven winner. Make a late fall 8 oz. / 1,000 application of Enclave and enjoy a worry-free winter!
