Industrial & Amenity

MASALON - the preventative solution to Microdochium Patch

With the cooler conditions and heavy dews now upon us, Microdochium Patch (formerly Fusarium Patch) caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale, will become more prevalent.  Greenkeepers have to consider the effective control of Microdochium Patch on their greens ; and have to do so with the increased environmental awareness of their greens committees, and increased budgetary pressures. Thankfully, there is a solution in the form of MASALON*. 

Based on the active ingredient myclobutanil, MASALON was specifically developed to help greenkeepers and groundsmen who are faced with turf damage, caused by Microdochium Patch.  The product has excellent systemic properties, moving into the leaf within one hour of spraying, where it prevents disease establishment. Its preventative action offers excellent levels of turfgrass safety, especially to annual meadow-grass (Poa annua), which is particularly susceptible to Microdochium Patch.

“The key to the success of this product is in understanding the disease and incubation period as well as the best time to apply the product,” explains Dr Mike Drinkall, Product Technology Specialist for Dow AgroSciences. “The challenge with Microdochium Patch is that there is an incubation period. You can get infection but it then takes time for the symptoms to appear, by which time the effectiveness of a preventative spray programme may be reduced. The development of the disease is favoured by high nitrogen levels in the soil and when the turf is stressed during a summer drought, followed by cool moist weather and low air movement.”

“MASALON is an ideal preventative treatment which should form part of an integrated disease management programme. It is best applied early – between March and November  when the grass is actively growing – and before any visual signs of the disease appear in the turf. My advice to greenkeepers and groundsmen is ­– if environmental conditions are right – and particularly if you have had problems with Microdochium Patch in the past, then MASALON is an ideal preventative treatment. Accurate measurement of the area to be treated and applying at the correct dosage – 8 litres per hectare are important. If spraying takes place at the right time the disease will be prevented from occurring and this will ensure that the turf is in the best position to stay in good shape over the winter,” says Dr Drinkall.

Being an emulsion in water formulation with only 45 grams of myclobutanil per litre, there are very low levels of the active ingredient being applied. Additionally its low mobility in the soil poses no risk to ground water, and from a toxicological perspective, it has low toxicity to birds, bees, and earthworms. It fits ideally within the concept of Sustainable Golf Course Management. As the product has no hazard classification it offers a good COSHH assessment and excellent operator safety.

Masalon is available in 8 x 1 litre packs from Rigby Taylor. 

Link here for detailed information on MASALON
Link here for more information from Rigby Taylor Ltd