There are sporadic reports of brown ring patch (formerly called Waitea patch) from across the Midwest . Interestingly, the disease currently is causing concern in southern California as well. The risk of structural damage (a.k.a. dying turf) is greater on putting greens than on turf mowed at a half inch or higher. Otherwise, effects are largely cosmetic and symptoms should disappear once we get relief from the current weather pattern of frequent showers and long wet periods. Also, this pathogen much prefers to attack Poa annua than creeping bentgrass. Reports from other states describe inconsistent results in trying to control the disease. Logic holds that fungicides with efficacy against brown patch should work against this closely related Rhizoctonia. Strobilurins, Prostar, and DMI products should be effective. It is possible that PGRs may slow recovery of damaged areas, but I would not expect them to interfere with fungicide action.
Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to biehlj@purdue.edu