Editing Fusarium patch

{{Short description|Plant fungal disease}}
{{infraspeciesbox
| name = ''Monographella nivalis'' var. ''nivalis''
| image = Monographella nivalis-close-up-2.jpg
| image_alt = Pink snow mold in a lawn in Brno Komín, Czech Republic
| image_caption = Pink snow mold in a lawn in [[Brno Komín]], [[Czech Republic]]
| genus = Monographella
| species = nivalis 
| varietas = nivalis
| binomial = ''Monographella nivalis'' var. ''nivalis''
| binomial_authority = ([[Schaffnit]]) [[E. Müll.]], (1977)
| synonyms =
*''[[Calonectria]] graminicola'' <small></small>
*''Calonectria nivalis'' <small></small>
*''[[Fusarium]] nivale'' <small></small>
*''Fusarium nivale'' <small></small>
*''Fusarium nivale'' [[f.sp.]] ''graminicola'' <small></small>
*''Fusarium nivale'' var. ''majus'' <small></small>
*''Fusarium nivale'' var. ''nivale'' <small></small>
*''[[Gerlachia]] nivalis'' <small></small>
*''Gerlachia nivalis'' var. ''major'' <small></small>
*''Gerlachia nivalis'' var. ''nivalis'' <small></small>
*''[[Griphosphaeria]] nivalis'' <small></small>
*''[[Lanosa]] nivalis'' <small></small>
*''[[Melioliphila]] graminicola'' <small></small>
*''[[Microdochium]] nivale'' <small></small>
*''Microdochium nivale'' var. ''majus'' <small></small>
*''Microdochium nivale'' var. ''nivale'' <small></small>
*''[[Micronectriella]] nivalis'' <small></small>
*''Monographella nivalis'' <small></small>
}}

'''Fusarium patch''' is a disease in [[Lawn|turf grass]] settings also called '''pink snow mold''' or '''Microdochium patch'''. In many cool season grass species in North America, it is caused by the [[fungus]] '''''Microdochium nivale''''' .<ref>Chang, T., Chang, S., & Jung, G. (2011). Response of bentgrass cultivars to microdochium nivale isolates collected from golf courses. Plant Pathology Journal, 27(3), 232-241</ref>  The white-pink [[mycelium]] on infected leaf blades is a distinguishing characteristic of the ''Microdochium nivale'' pathogen.<ref>[http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617104042/http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf |date=2011-06-17 }} Latin, R. (2007) Pink snow mold and Microdochium patch. Turfgrass Disease Profiles. Purdue Extension, Purdue University</ref>  Fusarium patch is considered economically important in the turf grass industry because of its tendency to cause significant injury to golf greens, thereby decreasing putting surface quality.<ref>{{cite journal | url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945210002323 | doi=10.1016/j.plantsci.2010.08.008 | title=Cold-induced responses in annual bluegrass genotypes with differential resistance to pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale) | journal=Plant Science | series=Plant and Microbe Adaptation to Cold | date=January 2011 | volume=180 | issue=1 | pages=111–119 | last1=Bertrand | first1=Annick | last2=Castonguay | first2=Yves | last3=Azaiez | first3=Aïda | last4=Hsiang | first4=Tom | last5=Dionne | first5=Julie | pmid=21421353 | bibcode=2011PlnSc.180..111B | url-access=subscription }}</ref>  Dissimilar from other snow molds, such as [[gray snow mold]], ''Microdochium nivale'' does not need snow cover to cause widespread [[infection]].

==Hosts and symptoms==
''M. nivale'' can [[Infection|infect]] all cool-season turf [[Poaceae|grass]] species.<ref>[http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617104042/http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf |date=2011-06-17 }} Latin, R. (2007) Pink snow mold and Microdochium patch. Turfgrass Disease Profiles. Purdue Extension, Purdue University</ref>  Annual bluegrass (''[[Poa annua]]''), perennial ryegrass (''[[Lolium perenne]]'') and creeping bentgrass (''[[Agrostis stolonifera]]'') are more susceptible. In the fall, ''M.nivale'' infection begins as small, orange to red-brown spots, circular and only a few centimeters in diameter.  During the winter and into the spring seasons, well-defined, clustered, circular patches 10–20&nbsp;cm in diameter, of [[Necrosis|necrotic]] leaf tissues form on mown turf.  ''Microdochium nivale'' is mostly seen on grasses mown at heights of three inches or greater.<ref>[http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617104042/http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf |date=2011-06-17 }} Latin, R. (2007) Pink snow mold and Microdochium patch. Turfgrass Disease Profiles. Purdue Extension, Purdue University</ref> On taller grass, patches often lack a circular pattern that is seen in shorter mown grass.<ref>[http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617104042/http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf |date=2011-06-17 }} Latin, R. (2007) Pink snow mold and Microdochium patch. Turfgrass Disease Profiles. Purdue Extension, Purdue University</ref> Pink snow mold patches usually follow [[drainage]] patterns since [[Conidium|conidia]] [[spore]]s are readily dislodged and transported by [[rain]]fall and water flowage.<ref>[http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617104042/http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf |date=2011-06-17 }} Latin, R. (2007) Pink snow mold and Microdochium patch. Turfgrass Disease Profiles. Purdue Extension, Purdue University</ref>  Under prolonged cool and wet conditions, white-pink [[mycelium]] can be observed along the circumference of diseased patches.<ref>Hsiang T. 2007. All you ever wanted to know about Fusarium Patch. AGSA Turf News, June 2007, pp. 13-16.</ref>

==Disease cycle==
''M. nivale'' begins by oversummering (surviving the summer) in thatch or soil as [[haploid]] mycelium or [[spores]].  When cool, wet weather arrives in the fall or winter the [[mycelium]] grows from  thatch or soil  and [[Infection|infects]] leaves.  These environmental conditions also favor the development of [[Asexual reproduction|asexual]] spores called [[Conidium|conidia]] on conidiophores. These conidia infect leaf sheaths and blades near the soil.  Wind and surface water will help aid in the spread of this disease as it will allow for the spores to contact near by healthy plant. The disease becomes very severe if allowed to spread from the leaf blades to the [[Crown (botany)|crown]] of the plant.<ref>Hsiang, Tom, and Pam Charbonneau. [http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/grnma/article/1994apr16.pdf Controlling Fusarium Patch Disease.] GreenMaster 2nd ser. 28.April/May (1994): 16+. Turfgrass Information File. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.</ref>  This usually only happens under extreme circumstances, particularly if [[snow]]fall covers unfrozen ground.<ref>[http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=179 Pink Snow Mold (Turfgrass) (''Microdochium nivale'') - Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension.] University of Illinois Extension-Urban Programs Resource Network - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.</ref>

==Environment==
''Microdochium nivale'' becomes problematic when turf experiences lengthy periods of cool, wet weather typical of fall or spring and into early summer in the [[Northern Hemisphere]].  The name is somewhat confusing because the presence of snow is not necessary for this pathogen to develop.  The disease can thrive under snow cover, however, if it falls on unfrozen soil with thriving turf.  In general this disease tends to develop proficiently when grass is growing at a slower than normal rate.  Limiting fall [[nitrogen]] applications in an attempt to decrease the growth of grass and promote [[dormancy]] can help decrease the [[Incidence (epidemiology)|incidence]] of Pink Snow Mold.  In regions of high humidity and temperatures ranging between 32 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 to 8 degrees Celsius, pink snow mold will develop rapidly.<ref>[http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=179 Pink Snow Mold (Turfgrass) (''Microdochium nivale'') - Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension.] University of Illinois Extension-Urban Programs Resource Network - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.</ref>

==Management==
There are a number of different ways to manage diseases including cultural, chemical, and biological controls. Some of these controls are more effective than others, however, the best approach to a managing any disease, including Microdochium Patch, is an integrated approach called [[Integrated Pest Management]] or IPM. IPM uses a combination of chemical, cultural and biological controls to reduce spending on pesticides and to decrease [[pesticide resistance]]. The following are some of the most important cultural controls used in managing Microdochium Patch.

===Cultural controls===
Raising the mowing height is an easy way to reduce stress on a turfgrass plant and make the plant less susceptible to attack by disease, but there is a fine line. Turf mowed, less than {{convert|2.5|in}} and above {{convert|3|in}} makes the plant more susceptible to disease. Managing the moisture available to the plant is another way to help reduce the [[Incidence (epidemiology)|incidence]] of disease. The pathogen that causes Microdochium Patch requires and thrives in moist, cool conditions, therefore making sure that you aren't overwatering the turf when conditions are right for infection is very important. Giving the plant only enough water for normal plant function is the best way to ensure disease pressure is reduced as much as possible. Also, starving the turf of moisture can be damaging as this increases susceptibility to infection. Managing the amount of [[nitrogen]] available to the plant is another key to decreasing incidence of this disease. Avoiding excess fall nitrogen application will greatly reduce disease pressure of ''Microdochium nivale''. On top of that excess nitrogen available to plant produces rapid growth of above ground tissue. This tissue often has thin [[cell wall]]s and is prone to attack by disease. Managing thatch and [[soil drainage]] are two other important ways of controlling this disease as both of these affect the amount of moisture that is available to create a favorable environment to the disease,<ref>Nick Christians.2007. Fundamentals of Turf grass Management. Wiley and Sons.Hoboken, NJ</ref> giving the plant only enough water for normal plant function is the best way to ensure disease pressure is reduced as much as possible. Despite the fact that the above [[cultural controls]] cannot completely control Microdochium Patch, when they are all used to reduce disease pressure, they can have a noticeable impact and will help to reduce the amount of chemical control that is required.

===Chemical controls===
Chemical controls (i.e. the use of [[fungicide]]s) to specifically control turf grass diseases have been around since 1891.  Over the years better controls have been developed, all of which tend to be less toxic to animals and the environment when used properly.

There is a wide variety of chemical groups that are labeled for control of Microdochium Patch. They include, but are not limited to the [[Methyl group|methyl]] [[benzimidazole]] [[carbamates]] (MBCs) such as [[thiophanate methyl]], the [[Dicarboximide fungicides|dicarboximides]] such as [[iprodione]] and [[vinclozolin]], the DMIs such as [[fenarimol]] and [[propiconazole]], the QoIs such as [[azoxystrobin]], [[pyraclostrobin]], and trifloxystrobin, the phenylpyrroles such as fludioxonil, certain [[aromatic hydrocarbon]]s such as [[Pentachloronitrobenzene|PCNB]], and the cholronitriles such as [[chlorothalonil]].<ref>[Nick Christians.2007. Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management. Wiley and Sons.Hoboken, NJ]</ref>

These chemical classes should be rotated so that selection pressure on the disease in limited as to avoid [[Pesticide resistance|resistant]] strains of this disease. The applicator should read and follow all label rates and directions. Breaking these directions and misuse of any labeled product is breaking the law. Remember that the label is the law. The best way to control Microdochium Patch especially going into winter is to use a three way spray right before the first snow fall. A combination of a [[Dicarboximide fungicides|dicarboximides]] such as [[iprodione]], a chloronitrile such as chlorothalonil, and a DMI such as [[propiconazole]] will give sufficient control over the span of an average winter.

==Importance==
Microdochium Patch is a significant problem in the turfgrass management industry. Sports fields, [[sod]] farms and home [[lawn]]s and [[golf course]]s can all be damaged by this the disease. The pathogen can be found in the Northern United States and all the way up into Canada, meaning that there is a large area where this pathogen can cause serious disease. The highest incidence of this disease in these areas occurs on golf courses due to the highly managed areas of susceptible turfgrass species such as Creeping Bentgrass (''[[Agrostis stolonifera]]'') and Annual Bluegrass (''[[Poa annua]]''). It is of particular concern because turf on golf courses is considered a high value crop. Diseases such a Microdochium Patch lower the value of the crop by decreasing its aesthetic value, affecting the playability, and decreasing the overall health of the turf. Because golf course budgets are often quite tight, the reduction of [[fungicide]] applications required in a season for snow mold will result in more money elsewhere in the budget. Being that the fungicide budget can be 10% of the maintenance budget, reductions in the use of fungicides can cause a significant increase in the amount of money to do other things. On top of that, reducing fungicide inputs helps keep the environment safe and reduces the chances of [[Pesticide resistance|fungicide resistance]] development.

==See also==
{{Portal|Fungi}}
* [[Fusarium]]
* [[Fusarium wilt]]
* [[Snow mold]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928171903/http://naturalwaylawn.com/disease/fusarium.html More Information on Lawn Care and Fusarium Patch]
* [http://www.agroatlas.ru/en/content/diseases/Tritici/Tritici_Fusarium_nivale/ Additional Information on Microdochium Patch]
* [http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/grnma/article/1994apr16.pdf Additional Information on Microdochium Patch]
* [http://cropsoil.psu.edu/turf/extension/factsheets/managing-diseases/pink-snow-mold Additional Information on Management of Microdochium Patch]
* [http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=179 Additional Information on Microdochium Patch]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110617104042/http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-102-W.pdf] Turfgrass disease profile
* [http://www.speciesfungorum.org/Names/Names.asp Index Fungorum]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070607142414/http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ USDA ARS Fungal Database]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q15636098}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fusarium Patch}}
[[Category:Xylariales]]
[[Category:Fungal plant pathogens and diseases]]
[[Category:Turfgrass diseases]]
[[Category:Fusarium|*Fusarium patch]]

[[fi:Lumihome]]