Dry conditions promote anthracnose

Bottom line: A three year study from Rutgers University shows that under–irrigation of Poa annua greens can significantly increase the severity of anthracnose. Irrigation to 80% of reference ET (evapotranspiration), or approximately 27% volumetric soil moisture were shown to be optimal for keeping anthracnose levels at a minimum (this soil moisture level will vary depending on soil conditions). Based on this research, we recommend that to reduce the chance of anthracnose outbreaks, the practice of excessive drying down of greens…