A VFW hand shake
Jared Edwards, a field representative with Woodmen of the World, has presented an American flag to VFW Post 2771.
Eric Cantu, Post commander, accepted the flag on behalf of the members.
For more information on Woodmen of the World and their flag donation project, call 252-208-1134.
Gardening: Large patch found in centipede
Spring in Eastern North Carolina often means large patches of brown grass. Gardeners are concerned about bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass being affected by this fungal disease. Large patch is circular patches of tan, yellow or straw brown colored grass caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani.
It begins to develop when soil temperatures decline to 70 degrees in the fall, but symptoms may not be obvious until early spring when grass begins to green. Patches are 2 to 3 feet in diameter, but can expand to 10 feet or more. Multiple patches may coalesce to encompass even larger areas.
Large patch is favored by excessive nitrogen in the fall and spring. Warm season grasses are growing slowly during this time and do not need significant nutrients. Poor soil drainage, over watering, excessive thatch accumulation and low mowing heights also favor the fungus.
Bermudagrass outgrows the damage as temperatures warm and daylight increases. St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass are susceptible. Damage is the most severe on centipedegrass, and recovery may take all summer. Only in worst cases will fungicide applications — best applied preventatively in the fall — help prevent spreading.
Applied root pruning herbicides will make lawn recovery slower and more difficult. These pre-emergent herbicides are found in crab grass preventers and weed and feed products.
Fungicides are available for large patch control, but must be applied preventatively. Initiate applications in the fall when soil temperatures decline to 70 degrees, regardless of when symptoms have appeared.
One or two well-timed applications can provide season-long control. In severe sites, reapply on 4- to 6-week intervals while temperatures are between 40 and 70 degrees.
Note affected areas on a map while they are clearly visible. Large patch tends to reappear in the same areas. Save some time and money this fall by spot treating these areas.
Work towards good management practices that will encourage each grass to do well. Irrigate as needed to prevent severe drought stress. Control traffic patterns to prevent severe compaction, and aerify as needed to maintain soil drainage.
Mow at recommended heights, and power rake or vertical mow to control thatch accumulations.
Peg Godwin is horticulture agent, Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Center. Reach her at Peg_Godwin@ncsu.edu or 252-527-2191.