The lack of winter weather is causing much discussion on the efficacy of snow mold fungicides applied in December. Snow mold fungicides applied in December were likely broken down by mild temperatures, rain and snow melt but that doesn’t necessarily mean we will see severe snow mold outbreaks when spring arrives. I recently visited with Paul Koch, University of Wisconsin, on whether he recommends reapplying fungicides at this time. Koch, being a true academic, responded with, “It depends.”
It depends on what the weather brings us for the rest of winter. Koch is confident that fungicides applied in November and December are gone but they were effective in reducing fungal populations. At this time, previously treated areas are still mostly free of snow mold. It’s what happens next that’s important.
Koch emphasized, “If we get some cold temperatures before getting more snow that froze the ground up, then the risk for further snow mold development is low and a reapplication likely wouldn't be necessary. However, if we stay mild and unfrozen and a large snow falls on the unfrozen ground, there could be LOTS of snow mold that develops.”
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Categories: Michigan, Weather