Spring Turf Health Alert: ERI Diseases
As spring arrives and soil temperatures begin to rise, turf managers across Australia and New Zealand need to be vigilant for Ectotrophic Root Infecting Fungi (ERI) diseases.
These pathogens including Take-All Patch, TARR (Take All Root Rot), Fairway Patch, and others can cause significant damage to both cool and warm season grasses.
Key spring watch outs:
Monitor soil temperatures
ERI diseases become active when soil temperatures at a 5cm depth reach >12°C for cool season turfgrass and >18°C for warm season turfgrasses. Start preventative fungicide programs as soon as temperatures enter these ranges, as pathogens can take up chemistry at this stage of their growth and development.
Stick to treatment intervals
Preventative sprays should be applied every 28 days; for curative action, shorten intervals to 14–21 days. Missing the initial spray window can lead to disease outbreaks later in the season.
Check turf species
Couch, Kikuyu, Buffalo, Zoysia, Bentgrass, and Fescue all have varying susceptibility to ERI diseases. Tailor your management plan to your turf type for best results.
Manage soil pH & compaction
ERI diseases are often more severe in soils with pH > 6.5 and in compacted profiles. Aerification and manganese inputs can help suppress disease, but fungicides remain essential for effective control.
Wetting agents
Improved moisture uniformity supports healthy root growth and enhances the effectiveness of fungicide and biological inputs.
Pest management
Implement pest management programs as pest activity heats up with temperatures. Combined stress from nematodes and mites can lower turf resilience, increasing susceptibility to ERI pathogens and environmental stressors.
Take All Root Rot (Gaeumannomyces graminis)
Deniliquin patch (Budhanggurabania cynodonticola)
Spring is the critical window for ERI prevention. Regular monitoring, timely applications, and tailored management will help keep your turf healthy and resilient as the season progresses.
Get in touch with us today to discuss tailored ERI prevention strategies for your turf. Whether you’re managing cool or warm season grasses, our team is here to support you with expert advice, proven products, and customised programs to keep your surfaces healthy and resilient all spring long. Don’t wait—early action makes all the difference.