2022 FL EOP Resource Guide

Maximizing Turf Health with Stressgard ® Although most fungicides can control various plant diseases, very few are formulated specifically with turfgrass health and stress reduction in mind. Under abiotic stress like heat, drought, traffic, or shade, reduced photosynthesis decreas- es energy production in the plant, while increased respiration depletes energy reserves within the plant. This energy defi- cit eventually results in thinner turf, shallower rooting, slower recovery, and increased susceptibility to disease. Managing for this stress begins well before the actual summer stress period and Bayer’s Stressgard products go beyond disease control by offering abiotic stress mitigation and plant health benefits to cool-season turf. Here are some pointers: Disease Control // A preventative fungicide program should be initiated in mid-spring (55 to 65° F at 2” soil depths) to minimize inoculum of most diseases like fairy ring, dollar spot, anthracnose, summer patch, root pythium, etc. // The preventative program should continue to maintain inoculum at manageable levels with regular applications prior to onset of summer stress and continued throughout the summer. // Since fungicides tend to only last 3 to 5 days in the turfgrass system, expanding the window between fungicide applications allows inoculum to grow exponentially 3 to 5 days after application. // F or optimal turf performance, consider Bayer Stressgard fungicide solutions that deliver benefits beyond disease control.

Enhanced photosynthetic capabilities and improved rooting: // Programs incorporating Bayer’s Stressgard products improve turfgrass chlorophyll content, reduce chlorophyll

degrading enzymes, and improve photosynthesis rates under stressful conditions. // Furthermore, Stressgard demonstrations on golf courses throughout the US shows:

// Immediate and long-lasting color improvement // Improved tolerance of drought and heat stress // Better performance under shade // Improved turf quality under traffic (golfer and mechanical) stress // Increased DMI summer turf safety Spring green-up and winter stress protection: // The important benefit of Bayer’s Stressgard fungicides is improved turfgrass color, quality, and green-up coming out of winter. // Stressgard fungicides improve overall plant health and provide excellent disease control alone or in combinations for cool weather diseases. Specifically formulated for turfgrass use: // Unlike other turf health products on the market, Stressgard isn’t dependent on a single active ingredient to deliver results. // Bayer’s Stressgard fungicides include Signature ™ XTRA Stressgard, Interface ® Stressgard, Tartan ® Stressgard, Mirage ® Stressgard, Fiata ® Stressgard and Exteris ® Stressgard.

From Research to Real World – Stressgard Demonstration Trial

Normal Program

Stressgard Program

Normal Program

Stressgard Program

Four applications made on 21 day intervals of either Mirage ® Stressgard ® or Exteris ® Stressgard to bermudagrass fairways in Florida. Hue angle was adjusted on the right picture to better see differences in green color. Differences are indicative of long-term plant health effects. (Bayer)

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