You Are Here: Management Updates 2000 Archive August 31, 2000

Date: August 31, 2000
Category: Diseases
Subject: Gray Leaf Spot, Dollar Spot, Rust

Disease conditions were similar this week to last week- relatively dry with cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures. DOLLAR SPOT and RUST are active in many areas. No further GRAY LEAF SPOT has been diagnosed on perennial ryegrass in New England. More severe outbreaks were reported in the past few days in NJ and southern PA. It is possible that the warmer and more humid conditions predicted over the Labor Day weekend will trigger outbreaks. GLS is most likely to start in traffic areas or compacted, droughty areas of roughs. Watch for areas that look drought-stressed despite adequate soil moisture. Watch also for areas where the perennial ryegrass is diseased, but the Poa annua and other grasses are healthy. Keep in mind that "regular" leaf spots (Drechslera, etc.), Fusarium, and Leptosphaerulina blight are everywhere this year and can make field diagnosis impossible.

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann