Biological Disease Control in Turf: A Unique Approach Utilizing Newly
Developed Carrier Technology for a New Anti-Pathogenic Activity
Bacterium.
Dr. William Torello, Dr. Haim Gunner, Dr. Ming Coler, University of
Massachusetts, 2 years, $15,000/year.
Objective(s): Dr. Torello is within the second year of his two year study. The objectives
of this research were to develop and test the disease controlling characteristics of a newly
isolated bacterium having strong anti-fungal properties and a unique delivery system
(porous particles) to a turf environment, which would prolong effective populations.
1999 Results: 1. Found that granular applications of the Anti-fungal bacteria (APM-1)
suppressed disease and enhanced color, density and overall quality of the turf. 2. Using
porous particles (Axis/Profile) loaded with bacteria and media allowed for effectiveness
over longer periods of time with fewer applications. 3. Applications were shown to have
equal to or better than using Daconil at 2 week intervals.
(2000 Results have not yet been released by the University of Massachusetts)
