I realize this
thread is ancient but others might be looking for
the answer. I have been using ordinary corn meal (
NOT corn
gluten meal) to control brown patch in St Augustine. I apply at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. It seems to work better if you reapply at the same rate after 3 weeks. Apply to the entire lawn so you don't end up chasing it around spot after spot. This will absolutely not work if you have already applied a chemical fertilizer.
Why does corn meal work?
The fungus that decomposes fresh corn meal attracts another fungus called Trichoderma (try ko DER mah). The Trichoderma is a predatory fungus that feeds on other fungi. When it finished feeding on the fungus decomposing the corn meal, it has multiplied in population greatly and goes out looking for other fungi. It finds the disease and wipes it out.
There are a few people whose opinion I respect who have not had the same luck with corn meal as I have. I'm working to figure out what the differences might be between their
experience and mine.
Fungus in zoysia is a very serious problem. Once you get a fungus, it kills the surface turf. When that happens it can take 9 months before the zoysia returns. This is one reason you'll see a lot more St Augustine in the south than zoysia.