Edition 34: Winter Pest management. 

As winter settles in, it’s important to keep a close eye on turf health. While growth may slow, the risk of turf disease and persistent weed issues doesn’t take a break.

To help maintain turf strength and suppress unwanted pests, now is a great time to consider targeted applications. we touch on this more below.

Both African Black Beetle (ABB) and various Cockchafer species are common "curl grubs" that wreak havoc on turf across Australia. The lifecycle of the Cockchafer species means that during the cooler months when warm-season grasses are less active its most likely these fellas. Their C-shaped larvae feed on roots, leading to tell-tale patches of dying, easily lifted turf.

How we identify them lies in the shape of the anal opening (raster) on their larval "backsides." ABB larvae typically have a horizontal slit, while many cockchafers exhibit a 'Y' shape. This distinction, often requiring a hand lens, is important for accurate pest identification and implementing targeted, effective management strategies. Understanding these differences ensures you pick the right battle plan for your turf.

Spectrum is a hard hitting, economical, Contact and Systemic insecticide that is a fast solution to controlling more advanced stages of their larvae this time of year that leaves a residue for 4-6 weeks. Going forward use Acelepryn as a prevention in September and again February.

During winter, turf can suffer from various diseases. ERI (Ectotrophic Root-Infecting) Fungi cause significant problems. Spring Dead Spot primarily affects couch grasses, manifesting as circular bleached patches in spring, but infection actually occurs during cooler autumn and winter months when root growth is slow (around 12-15°C). The fungus rots roots and stolons. Take-all Patch appears as reddish-brown to bronze patches in late spring/early summer, but the fungus actively infects roots in cooler, wet conditions (autumn/winter). Both ERI diseases lead to thinned turf, often invaded by weeds.

Helminthosporium diseases (e.g., leaf spot, melting out), caused by various Drechslera, Bipolaris, and Exserohilum species, are also prevalent in winter. These fungi thrive in mild, wet periods with extended leaf wetness, causing reddish-brown to purplish-black spots or blotches on leaves, leading to thinning and eventual turf death. Though active across a broad temperature range (3-30°C), winter's persistent moisture often creates ideal conditions for their development.

Impala Fungicide is an effective combination of two fungicides to prevent and control diseases in lawns. Impala’s two active ingredients work outside on the leaf and inside the plant, helping prevent early fungal infection and established disease control, controlling all life cycle stages of turf diseases.

Broadleaf weeds typically germinate in autumn as turf grasses (especially warm-season varieties) enter dormancy. While the turf's growth slows or stops, these weeds actively grow through cooler months, competing for vital nutrients, water, and sunlight. This gives them a significant advantage, often leading to rapid spread and smothering of the dormant grass. Effective control usually involves targeting them during this active growth phase, often with pre-emergent herbicides in early autumn to prevent germination, or post-emergent applications on young plants.

WEED AND FEED BUNDLE is this newsletters deal, containing Fertech Complete a premium professional liquid fertiliser that delivers immediate nutrient and sustained availability, supporting turf health even in cooler conditions when root activity is lower. Complete contains a balanced ratio of nitrogen and potassium, helping maintain colour, density, and vigour. The inclusion of iron enhances chlorophyll production, promoting a deeper green colour without excessive growth a key benefit during slower growth periods. When combined with a selective broadleaf herbicide like Bow & Arrow the result is a comprehensive solution that not only feeds the turf but also controls common winter and early spring broadleaf weeds such as bindii, clover, and oxalis. Selective herbicides target these unwanted species without harming desirable turf varieties, making them a safe and practical choice for all lawns.

By integrating nutrition and weed control in one treatment, you can ensure a cleaner, stronger lawn that’s well-positioned for vigorous growth as temperatures rise.