Golf courses around the region have experienced an extended dry season. The dry weather is causing bermudagrass turf to turn brown on many golf courses throughout Florida. For the most part, the brown areas occur as isolated patches throughout the golf course and are accentuated by one or more of the following stresses:

• Localized dry spots
• Nematodes
• Salt accumulation
• Inefficient irrigation coverage
• Concentrated cart traffic

“Green is Good, Brown is Bad” and the thought that a golf course should never lose its dark green color is the mentality of many golfers. Unless the stress is being caused by a major pest like an insect, disease, or an improperly placed tree, some brown turf is O.K. from time to time. It is also important for golfers to realize that cart traffic is an additional stress, and if brown turf is not desired, then eliminating cart traffic in these areas hastens recovery.

The extended dry weather has accentuated other concerns on the golf course, like nematode damage. Nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on turf roots and decrease the turf’s ability to uptake water and nutrients. Limited chemicals exist for suppressing nematodes in bermudagrass turf and our options will decrease significantly once Nemacur (fenamiphos) is taken off the market next year. Dr. Billy Crow, University of Florida Turfgrass Nematologist, continues to study alternative products for controlling nematodes and has recently reported some success with the bacteria Bacillus firmus. Increasing irrigation and fertilization frequency to nematode-stressed areas is also an important cultural practice for maintaining good turf quality during dry periods.

The bright side is that most of these stresses subside as we experience the June summer rains. Routine rainfall leaches salt from soil and provides water to the turf, which improves overall turf health.