With the continued cool wet weather, Rhizoctonia Large Patch (RLP) is affecting bermudagrass fairways. Prior to widespread use of bermudagrass in southern Indiana and northern Kentucky, we thought RLP affected only zoysia and was thus known as zoysia patch. However, RLP caused serious thinning in bermudagrass in an occasional spring the last few years. This year’s warm winter followed by the extended cool wet pattern set up ideal conditions for RLP in both zoysia and bermudagrass. Treatment of RLP in zoysia may be justified yet this spring to limit contamination by common bermuda and future problems in texture and consistency of the playing surface. However, fungicide applications are not justified on bermudagrass because it is not as seriously damaged by RLP as zoysiagrass. Plus bermudagrass will fill in areas thinned by RLP almost overnight upon return of warm weather and an application of fertilizer. See the accompanying Turf Tip on RLP in zoysia for more information.
