Lower Columbia Basin: Burkard spore trap in artificially-infested perennial ryegrass fungicide test plots at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Spore production continues to increase at this site:

Central Oregon: Burkard spore trap in Kentucky bluegrass plant growth regulator test plots at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center (naturally occurring inoculum). Spores are still being detected this site:

Many fields are in full flower (anthesis). Protective fungicides should be applied immediately prior to onset of anthesis and throughout the flowering period to protect unfertilized ovaries from infection. Cultivars with prolonged flowering periods may require more than one application.

Please refer to the PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook for more information on fungicide options for ergot (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/grass-seed-ergot), or contact Jeremiah Dung if you have any questions.

This work is funded by the Eastern Oregon Kentucky Bluegrass Working Group, the Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission, the Oregon Seed Council, and the Agricultural Research Foundation.