Question
QUESTION: I just took my grass to the county extension office. He says i have Take all. The problem is as I read the symptoms on the Internet it sounds more like Brown Patch. Either way the Fungicides are all pretty pricey. What can of organics and what levels will get rid of the fungus? I have St Augustine grass and i am in Buda Texas

ANSWER: Charlie:

The cultural practices which favor the St. Augustine are:
aeration
balanced fertilization
deep watering
adjust pH to 6.0 - 6.5

I would use a high quality compost on the lawn and apply it heavily to the effected areas.  Make sure that it was made by thermophilic process (over 131 deg. F for weeks) and that it has a balanced nutrient analysis.  There are several professional producers in Texas.  One of the oldest in the country is near Texas A&M U, if I am not mistaken.  This material should counteract fungus, as it is naturally antifungal, and provide nutrients as needed for more than a year.

Be patient.  This disease is tough and recovery may take a while.  Overseed with good varieties and keep at the program.

This IS the time of year to treat fungi with fungicides, should you choose to use this method.  A one time application may help you get a foothold to improve your lawn.  But cultural practices are the best remedy over time.

I am not aware of any one shot organic treatments for fungus, though there may be some.  A garlic drench might work.  Crush several garlic heads in a quart of water (active agent.)  Mix with a soap, like Ivory dish washing liquid (emulsifier.)  Several tablespoons should do.  Add several tablespoons of cooking oil, like olive or Wesson (spreader.)  Shake it together and mix with two to three gallons of water.  Sprinkle over areas effected in sufficient quantities to penetrate a few inches deep and water in.  Do this before applying compost.

This spray is also good for plant leaves and a good short term pesticide.  A vibrant Italian influence may revive your lawn and plants.

Best wishes.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tom,
Thanks so much for the quick respone. I overlooked the instructions on what I have done to the lawn. About 2.5 months ago I aerated the lawn and applied lesco fertilizer that per the package was to develop root growth and greening. It looked great lush and green. It even helped in some areas that were not doing well. We then had a Pest company come out aprox 45 ago and then again 15 days ago because the 1st treatment did not do so well. We were trying to eliminate the Wolf spiders and fleas and ticks. Plus all the nuisance insects. I do not know if this is what caused the problem or if it is just because of all the rain we have been receiving. My neighbors lawn do not look as green but I do not see the brown patches either. I have read that Horticultural Corn meal at 20LBS per 1000 sq feet works but I really need something to stop it form spreading anymore. I kind of am a little weary of the chemicals as I am reading that the Organic meathod has a lot more success. Also heard that baking soda can stop the Fungus. I guess my question is what do you think will work the best and how do I apply and at waht levels? Also do i have Brown Patch or is it Take All? I really appreciate your help. Thanks

ANSWER: Charlie:

Your are welcome.  I do my best.

From the description of your practices, I would say you have done everything correctly.  Since I have no practice with corn meal or baking soda, I can not advise.

The fungi are active in the spring and early summer, when temperatures are high.  This is just when you started receiving a lot of rain in Texas, also good for fungi.

Treating the lawn in fall and winter will help with spring fungal activity.  If you have done all you describe, you should be in good shape next year, or in the best that is possible.  Give one more application of a fungicide and take a break until next spring when you can see the results.  Most fungi are on an annual cycle and are difficult to fully defeat.

I do not suspect that the pesticide applications caused your problems.

Without seeing the plants and tissue samples, I could not venture a guess on which disease you have.  The only difference between treatments for brown patch and take all is the watering.  Lower for brown patch.  More for take all.


Best.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tom, Thanks again. It is official, it is Take all. They looked at it under a microscope. So now we know. Do you still presribe compost or sphragnum peat moss? I went to a natural gardner and they sold me actinovate to surpress the fungus and prescribed some compost tea and compost as you have advised. I read a deal form Texas A&M and they are saying the Peat Moss is high acid which really combats the Fungus. I have aprox 5000 sq feet so the compost is pretty pricey. Is there a big differnce between peat moss and Compost. I am new to this stuff so I don't know the difference between peat moss and compost. Thanks so much for all your help. Does sugar help the soil?

Answer
Charlie:

I am sure that the people at Texas A&M know what they are talking about.  However, cultural practices for St. Augustine include a pH balanced at 6.0 to 6.5, or nearly neutral.  The peat may be a temporary measure to stop the fungus, but, eventually, the soil should be at the above mentioned pH.

The last peat I bought, last year, cost me over $ 30 per bale of 3.4 cubic feet.  Internet rpcing is above $ 50/bale.  I do not know what the application rate is, but feel that commercial, bulk compost would be competitive with peat and much better for your soil and grass.  Again, the application rate is the key.  Five cubic yards of compost will cover the area and should cost less than five bales of peat.

Maybe the treatment would be to apply peat, as prescribed by Texas A&M agent, then compost or compost tea after peat has taken effect.  As I understand the fungi, they can be treated in the fall best and results will show up next spring and summer.

I have no experience with sugar and can not advise you on that topic.  Others on this list believe in it.

Hope this helps.  Best wishes.