🌱RED THREAD ON BOWLING GREENS – WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO WE DEAL WITH IT? Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) is a common turf disease on fine turf, particularly where bowling greens contain red fescue, perennial ryegrass and other susceptible grasses. It’s usually easy to spot: irregular straw/brown patches with distinctive pink-red threads or needle-like growth running through the leaf canopy. These red structures are the fungus producing its characteristic “red thread” appearance. WHY DOES IT APPEAR? Red Thread tends to become more active when the grass is under stress, particularly when: • Available nitrogen is low • Growth is slow • The sward is weak or thin • Leaf wetness and heavy dew persist • There is poor air movement • The surface remains damp • Thatch or organic matter is holding moisture • Compaction is restricting healthy root growth Low fertility is particularly important. A hungry sward has less ability to grow away from disease pressure, which is why Red Thread can often be a useful indicator that the plant is running short of nitrogen. SO, WHAT DO WE DO? The first reaction shouldn't necessarily be “spray it.” Look at the plant and the growing environment first. ✅ Check fertility – Is the plant receiving enough available N to maintain healthy growth? Avoid simply throwing on a large dose; small, well-timed applications are generally easier to manage. ✅ Improve surface conditions– Regular brushing/switching can remove dew and surface moisture, helping keep the leaf canopy drier. ✅ Aerate when conditions allow – Address compaction and improve air and water movement through the profile. ✅ Manage thatch and organic matter – Excessive organic matter can retain moisture and create a more favourable environment for disease. ✅ Keep the sward growing – A healthy, actively growing plant is generally better able to tolerate disease pressure. ✅ Check the mower– Sharp cylinders and correct mowing practices help minimise unnecessary plant stress. AND WHAT ABOUT FUNGICIDES? Fungicides have a place in turf disease management, but correct identification is critical. Red Thread can often be managed through cultural and nutritional practices, and unnecessary fungicide use isn't a substitute for fixing the underlying conditions. Where chemical control is considered necessary, only products currently authorised for the intended use should be used, exactly according to the label and current UK regulations. Don't rely on old advice about active ingredients — approvals and permitted uses change. PREVENTION IS THE REAL WIN Rather than waiting until the green is covered in red thread, monitor: -Sward density → fertility → soil moisture → thatch → compaction → leaf wetness → weather A good integrated approach can dramatically reduce the opportunity for Red Thread to establish. And remember: seeing Red Thread doesn't automatically mean the green is failing. It can be a useful warning that the plant is under nutritional or environmental stress. #Greenkeeping #Bowls #BowlingGreen #FineTurf #RedThread #TurfDisease #TurfManagement #SportsTurf #IntegratedPestManagement #Greenkeepers