Turf Diseases
Turf diseases
can be serious when weather and/or lawn management favor disease development.
Plant diseases, including the common lawn diseases described in this article,
develop when several conditions occur simultaneously and persist. Fungi, the
most common cause of lawn diseases, are microscopic, thread-like organisms that
spread by means of air- or water-borne spores. The spores function like seeds,
producing new infections whenever the environment is favorable for a period of
time and the host is susceptible. Disease develops when the pathogen (fungus) is
present on a susceptible host in a favorable environment (temperature,
moisture/water, light, nutrients, and stress factors).
Lawn diseases
are not always easy to diagnose. Some key factors and symptoms to help recognize
disease include size and shape of dead and dying plants, specific spots on
leaves, quality of root system, leaf color and growth characteristics, time of
year, and temperature when disease developed. When diagnosing a lawn disease it
is helpful to have a record of treatments such as fertilizer, herbicides, mowing
height and frequency, watering frequency and amounts.
Grass disease
can ruin a lawn's appearance. However, good turf management practices usually
are adequate to prevent serious damage. Integrated cultural practices for turf
management and pest control will limit the need for fungicides. Disease
development often is associated with the lack of proper application of these
turf management practices:
1) Selection
and planting of an adapted grass variety
2) Sufficient
water at the correct time
3) Timely
fertilization with the right amounts and balanced nutrients
4) Regular
mowing at the recommended height
5) Provision
for adequate sunlight and air movement
6)
Maintenance of good soil aeration and drainage
7) Thatch
management
Lawn
Disease examples:
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Pink Snow Mold |
Pink Snow Mold |
Turf Diseases
