Exploring Biological and Synthetic Fungicides for Controlling Clarireedia jacksonii in Turfgrass

Introduction Clarireedia jacksonii sp. nov., previously known as Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, is a major pathogen responsible for dollar spot disease in turfgrass. With increasing concerns about fungicide resistance and environmental safety, researchers have evaluated both biological control agents (BCAs) and synthetic fungicides for effective disease management. A recent study provides key insights into these treatments and their efficacy. Visit https://www.plantsciencejournal.org/jpsp for more research in plant pathology.

Study Findings: Comparing BCAs and Synthetic Fungicides

• The study assessed BCAs such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, and Streptomyces griseoviridis alongside synthetic fungicides like chlorothalonil and azoxystrobin.
• Chlorothalonil consistently provided the highest control, with over 90% efficacy.
• BCAs were more effective at lower rates, particularly Bacillus licheniformis at 1.6 ppm.
• Field trials indicated synthetic fungicides maintained acceptable disease control even under high disease pressure, while organic treatments alone were less effective.

Biological Control Agents: A Sustainable Approach?

• BCAs offer multiple control mechanisms, including competition for nutrients, antibiotic production, and direct pathogen antagonism.
• Trichoderma harzianum was effective in reducing dollar spot but required frequent applications.
• Despite promising results, BCAs showed reduced long-term efficacy compared to synthetic fungicides, particularly under high rainfall conditions.

Strategic Use of Fungicides for Maximum Efficacy

• A combination approach using synthetic fungicides in lower doses along with BCAs provided effective disease management.
• Programs using azoxystrobin and Bacillus-based BCAs showed significant suppression of Clarireedia jacksonii.
• Rotational applications every 14 to 30 days maintained disease severity below 15% in most cases.

Relevant External Medical Source The American Phytopathological Society (APS) emphasizes integrated disease management as the key to sustainable agriculture. Using a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical controls can reduce pathogen resistance and enhance long-term disease management.

DOI and Additional Resources Read the full study at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jpsp.1001043. For more insights into turfgrass disease control, explore our related articles on https://www.plantsciencejournal.org/jpsp.

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