This disease is most serious on the creeping bentgrasses that make up most golf greens in Iowa. Recently seeded greens are the most vulnerable, especially where drainage is poor. Scattered, more or less round patches of bronzed to light brown grass, from 4 inches to several feet across, appear in late spring. Some scattered green blades of grass may remain within the patches. Patches may continue to enlarge for several years, then sometimes disappear.
Drainage is a key to take-all patch control, especially when new seedings are planned.
Acidifying fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate, can also help to keep the soil pH down. Rubigan or Banner can sometimes help to suppress take-all, but results are erratic. Two applications in spring, the first shortly after mowing begins and the second a month later, can be helpful. However, the cultural controls are often the key to suppressing take-all. Prepared by Mark Gleason , Department of Plant Pathology Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa.