Lawn Diseases Caused by Fungi-Part I of II
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By Agnes Farside
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Many times a fungal lawn disease will be well established before a homeowner even knows there is a disease problem. Late diagnosis of fungal disease can hamper control methods such as fungicides; however, the best way to cure lawns of fungal disease is through prevention or modifying the conditions that cause fungal growth. These conditions are susceptible grass plants, causal agents, and environmental factors, which are addressed through cultural procedures such as watering, mowing, and fertilizing. However, even the best-kept lawns can become susceptible to fungal diseases because of too humid, wet, cool, or warm weather.
Fungal Diseases and Their Seasons
Summer (hot weather) – Pythium Blight can affect all types of turfgrass, especially those grasses with poor drainage in low-lying areas with little air movement. Pythium can be identified as round, sunken shapes varying in size from small to 12 inches in diameter. Plants in infected area may have leaves that feel greasy to the touch and grass blades that look brown when wet, but resemble the color of straw when they dry. Its spores can be spread by foot, mowing the grass when wet, or by flowing water. Properly preparing the soil, watering, and fertilizing the turf will help prevent Pythium Blight, as well as not mowing the grass when it is wet.
Summer (hot weather) – Patch Disease consists of two types, Summer Patch and Necrotic Ring Spot. Summer Patch is active in hotter weather, while Necrotic Ring Spot shows up in late spring or fall. Patch disease can be identified by its circular pattern of dead grass containing a patch of green grass inside. The green grass inside the circle is often referred to as “frogeye.” Patch disease develops due to poor soil conditions, excessively thatched lawns, fertilizer with too much or too little nitrogen, or poorly laid sod over clay soil. To correct the problem, improve the soil for better root penetration. This can be done through core aerifying and topdressing, as well as mowing, and watering. Over-seeding dead areas to bring back new growth will also help. Use control-released nitrogen fertilizers so as not to over or under fertilize. All of these solutions will take time to mend the problem area, so do not expect quick results.
Summer (warm weather) – Rust which resembles a red or brown powdery substance on blades of turfgrasses, usually first appears in late summer or early fall. Soil deficient of nitrogen caused by excessive rains or cool nights with heavy dew and frequent light rains are ideal conditions for rust to develop. Rust can spread throughout the lawn area by way of foot traffic, water, equipment, air, and sod replacement. To help prevent rust, have soil tested for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels, and fertilize according to results. Practice good turf management through watering and mowing. If rust returns yearly to a particular site, a commercial fungicide may be needed.
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Author Bio Box: Agnes Farside
 http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/110407/agnes_farside.html
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