Brown Patch [2]

A disease: The scientific name of the disease being Rhizoctonia solani. It is not common in the UK because it is only particularly active at constant warmer temperatures than typically experienced: averaging 27˚C during the day and 20˚C overnight, along with humid conditions. Affected turf will be circular in appearance, with a light brown colour and up to about 150mm in diameter.

Maintaining a free draining rootzone with a dry surface, with minimal thatch and suitable, but not high, applications of nitrogen are given to maintain sward health will help to reduce the likelihood of this disease. Good irrigation practices, which does not involve too frequent an application of water or one that results in an almost persistently moist surface or rootzone top, are also needed.