Scientific name
Ophiosphaerella spp. and related ectotrophic root-infecting fungi
Common Names
ERI, Ectotropic Root Infecting Disease, ERI Root Disease
ERI (Ectotropic Root Infecting) is a group of soil-borne fungal diseases that attack turfgrass roots and crowns, reducing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. The disease is most common on golf greens, bowling greens and intensively managed sports turf, particularly creeping bentgrass. ERI develops in sandy, low-organic matter soils during warm weather and periods of turf stress. Early symptoms include off-colour turf, thinning and irregular patches that gradually enlarge as root systems deteriorate. Left untreated, ERI can significantly reduce turf quality and playability.
Similar Diseases
- Take-All Patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae)
- Summer Patch (Magnaporthiopsis poae)
- Fairy Ring
- Pythium Root Rot (Pythium spp.)
SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS
At the first signs of root decline or thinning turf: Apply ProForce Clean Sweep Trio Fungicide to help suppress ERI fungi and protect healthy root systems.
On golf greens with a history of ERI: Apply ProForce Clean Sweep Trio Fungicide preventatively during periods of high disease pressure.
In sand-based greens under summer stress: Rotate ProForce Regiment 550EC with ProForce Clean Sweep Trio Fungicide to improve resistance management and maintain disease control.
Where turf is weakened by compaction or poor drainage: Reduce turf stress through aeration and irrigation management while incorporating ProForce Clean Sweep Trio Fungicide into a preventative fungicide program.
References
https://www.greencastonline.com.au/turf/diseases/ectotrophic-root-infecting-fungi-eri
https://www.agcsa.com.au/resources/turf-diseases
https://www.syngentaturf.com.au/disease-roots/ectotrophic-root-infecting-fungi
https://stratagreen.com.au/products/proforce-clean-sweep-trio-fungicide-5-litre
ERI (Ectotropic Root Infecting) photo courtesy of Will Bowden
