Lawn Diseases Caused by Fungi-Part II of II
 (Read 100+ times)
By Agnes Farside
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This is part II of a II part series on fungal diseases of turfgrasses. Part I referenced fungal diseases of the summer season with hot and warm weather conditions. Part II continues with more diseases of summer, along with spring, fall, and winter.
Summer (warm weather) Dollar Spot is usually predominant in seasons with little rainfall and can be identified by its brown or straw-colored circular or irregular spots averaging six inches in diameter, thus the name. Dollar Spot can be confused with drought damage because the spots combine giving the appearance of a dead area in the turf. Although Dollar Spot does little damage to the turf, it can, through the reduction of water and nutrients, stunt root growth. To help prevent Dollar Spot, practice good turf maintenance through fertilization, soil testing, and watering.
Spring/Fall (cold weather) Powdery Mildew is a white powdery substance that develops on the surface of the leaf. Kentucky bluegrass and other turfgrasses planted in shady areas are susceptible to this disease. In heavily infested areas, grass may yellow, become scarce, and even die. Powdery Mildew is predominant in late summer or early fall when the temperature is more mild and cool. To help control this disease, seed shady areas with tolerant cultivars, prune overgrown trees and shrubs, and practice good turf maintenance through regular mowing, infrequent and long watering, and adequate fertilizing.
Spring/Fall (cold weather) Helminthosporium Leafspot includes symptoms of lesions or spots the color of brown, red, or purple on the leaf blades. There may be more lesions during spring and fall when the weather is cooler. The lesions can also girdle the leaf causing it to die. As this disease progresses, it kills the turf and moves on, so check leaf blades of surrounding dead areas for lesions. The disease can also progress from mowing too close, applying too little or too much nitrogen when fertilizing, and allowing grass clippings to pile up, so use practical turf maintenance in these areas to control the disease.
Winter/Early Spring (cold weather) Snow Mold, whether gray or pink in color, can be seen on turf in early spring. It is identified by circular or irregular tan or brown colored patches that resemble mold. Pink Snow Mold usually makes its first appearance right after the snow melts and during high levels of moisture. Do not let the name fool you, as Snow Mold can also develop during cool wet periods. Snow Mold disappears after the area has dried out, but can return the following year, so preventive measures need to be taken. Keep area well mowed and free of leaf and shrub debris. Reseed the area if needed and adjust nitrogen when fertilizing in the fall, as high nitrogen content will increase Snow Mold growth.
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Author Bio Box: Agnes Farside
 http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/110407/agnes_farside.html
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