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Type 3 rings often have no apparent effect on grass growth. Basidiocarps appear in a ring or an arc. “Most fungi produce basidiocarps in mid-to-late spring or in late summer to early autumn, following periods of rain or heavy irrigation,” Miller says. Mycelium – threads of the fungus – can penetrate into the soil to a depth of 8 inches. The fungi expand outward until something like a lack of food, a sidewalk, flower bed or another fairy ring impedes its growth, Miller says. “Multiple fairy rings can become established in the same area,” she says. “However, when the rings intersect, they do not overlap, but produce a scalloped pattern due to an antagonistic effect.” While you might think fairy ring is easy to spot, Miller says clusters of mushrooms growing in the turf may not be the beginning of a fairy ring, but could be colonizing buried organic debris. “A ring pattern of damage from winter injury and/or snow molds can mimic fairy rings,” Miller says. Managing fairy ring can be a time consuming and costly activity, Miller says. You should remove woody roots and limbs prior to turf site construction. Avoid using soil mixes containing a high composition of undecomposed organic materials, and reduce thatch accumulation by vertical cutting. Because some species are poisonous, remove basidiocarps where children or pets are present. Where basidiocarps are considered a nuisance, remove by raking or mowing, Miller says. To mask the dark green rings of some fungal species, apply a light application of nitrogen or iron. “However, this can increase the incidence of other species, such as Tricholoma sordidum,” she says. “Core aerification and watering can reduce the hydrophobic effects of the mycelium in the root zone. Physically remove turf and soil from affected areas.” Miller says, fungicides are effective in managing some fairy ring species fungi. “Soil drenches should penetrate to a minimum depth of 4 inches to reach the mycelium growing in the soil,” she says. The following active ingredients are currently labeled for fairy ring control: azoxystrobin, flutolanil, hydrogen dioxide, pyraclostrobin, polyoxin D; triadimefon, azoxystrobin + propiconazole. “Using a surfactant or wetting agent can increase efficacy of the fungicide,” Miller says. The author is an associate editor at Lawn & Landscape. Send him an e-mail at bhorn@gie.net |
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