Hosts
Annual bluegrass (a
common weed in turf), creeping
bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass
Symptoms
Fusarium patch develops as circular patches 1 to 6 inches (2.5 -
15 cm) wide. Leaves appear watersoaked and are reddish-brown on the
outside progressing to a straw color in the center. Dead leaves may
have gelatinous spore masses. White or pink fungal threads may be
observed in the early morning, giving the turf a pink cast.
Conditions favoring disease
Cool temperatures (40° to 60°F) and moist conditions favor
Fusarium patch. High nitrogen applications in the fall and neutral
or alkaline soils also contribute to disease development. Fusarium
patch survives in grass residues.
Prevention and management
Reduce shade and provide good soil aeration and
water drainage. Irrigate at the recommended
frequency for your turf species and avoid excess nitrogen
fertilizer, especially in the fall. Maintain a soil pH between
6.5 and 6.7. You may need to have a professional soil
analysis done to help you determine what amendments to add to
maintain an ideal pH. High levels of potassium suppress disease.
If Fusarium patch has been a serious problem in the past, have a
licensed pest control applicator apply a fungicide in the fall before
symptoms appear.
For more information on lawn diseases, refer to:
Pest Notes: Lawn Diseases:
Prevention and Management |
