FIELD SCIENCE Combating spring By Lane Tredway and Lee Butler

• I ybrid bermndagrasses are excellent performers in athletic fields because of their uniformity, traction, and tolerance to heat and wear. Unfortunately, every turfgrass species has its weaknesses. Although resistant to most disease problems, bermudagrasses are highly susceptible to the fungal disease spring dead spot. This disease annually causes widespread damage to berrnudagrass in athletic fields and intensely managed landscapes throughout the transition Wile. •• As the name implies, symptoms of spring dead spot appear in the spring as the bermudagrass comes out of winter dormancy. Circular patches of turf ranging from 6 inches to several feet in diameter remain dormant as the surrounding turf turns gr~ell. The patches of dormant turf eventually disintegrate, leaving depressions in the playing' surface. These sunken areas destroy (he uniformity of the turf, and may even create a hazardous condition for athletes. Recovery from spring dead spot is slow, and occurs from spread of bermudagrass into the patch