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• June weather page - Heat is on for summer

The exceptional dry weather through the early spring has already created stressful conditions for turf, and for turf managers looking to maintain high quality playing surfaces. The record temperatures and lack of rainfall could be further compounded as, statistically, June is the sunniest month of the year, with typically over 170 hours sunshine and temperatures rising.

For the past three seasons, June temperatures have been well above average. In fact, you have to go back 20 years, to 1991, to recall a June with significantly below average temperature. More troublesome for turf managers could be the lack of rain that will put turf under further stress, especially on light soils or sand constructions and without irrigation. June has, on average, the lowest monthly rainfall in recent record sequences - with the exception of the record 136 mm June rainfall in 2007.



With many areas of the UK already reporting a serious soil water deficit through the early spring this year, water conservation and utilisation through the summer months is going to become a greater issue to maintain quality.

Holding turf in growth regulation with Primo Maxx through hot June days and over the summer can improve the plants' water efficiency, by reducing respiration rates and stomatal evapo-transpiration. In practice, turf irrigation requirements may be reduced by up to 30%. Treatments will also help to thicken up recently renovated stadium and training ground pitches.

Trials have also shown that Primo Maxx applications before periods of drought stress can increase chlorophyll content in the leaf by 60%, and increase the levels of bioactive cytokinin that delays the onset of drought effects and ensures turf remains green and healthy for longer.

When temperatures rise above 18°C turf root growth may be reduced, thus increasing susceptibility to drought and damage. Above 24°C at turf level - as frequently occurs through June and especially in stadiums with little air flow - leaf growth is adversely affected, leading to browning and die back with increased risk of disease.

Disease pressure hots up
Rising temperatures also bring the increased risk of Anthracnose attack on fine turf surfaces (below, left), especially Poa annua and some fescues. Stress of drought, compaction or nutrient deficiency will all increase the severity of attacks. Timely applications of Heritage Maxx when GreenCast disease forecasts indicate a high risk of infection can avoid damaging turf loss. Where the first signs of infection are seen, Instrata can provide effective control.

   

In stadiums, when conditions are frequently hot and humid, Leaf Spots (above, right) are also more likely to cause problems - as temperatures increase to 25°C melting out and blighting can cause severe damage turf. To minimise risk scarify to remove thatch, avoid cutting too low and avoid over fertilising turf. Careful irrigation to avoid prolonged leaf wetness will also help. Systemic Heritage Maxx or contact⁺ Medallion TL treatments through June and July can minimise damage and turf loss.