ETIOLOGÍA DEL SECAMIENTO DEL CÉSPED DEL CAMPO DE GOLF EN LA HACIENDA LA PURÍSIMA EN IXTLAHUACA ESTADO DE MÉXICO

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the causative agent of turf desiccation on the greens of the “La Hacienda La Purísima” golf course in Ixtlahuaca, Estado of Mexico. The quality and management of the turf are essential for the course’s performance, aesthetics, and revenue; therefore, the correct identification of pathogens is vital to avoid incorrect treatments and achieve better results in the maintenance and management of a golf course. To this end, samples were taken from symptomatic tissue, isolated in culture medium, and the fungi present were morphologically characterized, which allowed for the identification of the genera Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp. (with two different strains, M-8-B and R-G-17). However, through pathogenicity tests and application of Koch’s postulates, it was determined that the primary causative agents of the observed damage and drying were Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. strain M-8-B. A completely randomized experimental design was used, and the results obtained for each variable grass height and density were analyzed using SAS version 9.0. In cases where a variable indicated the existence of a significant difference, the means were compared using the LSD and Tukey tests at α = 0.05%. The results obtained will enable the implementation of appropriate plant health management, optimizing resources and ensuring the health and quality of the turf to achieve optimal results for its use in sports.