Snow mold can be a real problem when ice and snow remain on turfgrass playing surfaces for several months. Typhula snow molds are less likely to occur when a preventive fungicide is applied before the onset of winter. If snow mold has developed in untreated areas, like the rough shown on the right side of this photograph, it will take longer to recover and become playable than treated areas.
Although weather conditions and the duration of snow cover will dictate effectiveness, is it possible to have One snow mold fungicide to rule them all? In most cases, a combination of fungicide active ingredients will offer the best snow mold control. Nevertheless, if snow cover persists and freeze/thaw cycles are frequent, even the strongest fungicide program will break down over time and disease symptoms may appear. Fortunately, most of the snow has melted in the West Region and golf courses are looking fabulous.
West Region Agronomists:
Patrick J. Gross, regional director – pgross@usga.org
Larry W. Gilhuly, agronomist – lgilhuly@usga.org
Brian S. Whitlark, agronomist – bwhitlark@usga.org
Blake Meentemeyer, agronomist – bmeentemeyer@usga.org
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service