You Are Here: Management Updates 2000 Archive October 12, 2000

Date: October 12, 2000
Category: Diseases
Subject: Fusarium Patch

Fusarium patch (pink snow mold) is active in this cool (cold), wet weather. The spots do not fit the name pink snow mold which describes the disease at snow melt. On open turf, the spots are usually greasy to coppery colored and can range from 1" to 3" and sometimes larger. The disease is favored by cool, wet weather, shady and poorly drained areas, high nitrogen fertility, and high surface pH (e.g. after liming). The fungus produces abundant spores and can be streaked by mowers, other equipment and feet. In many ways, it is similar to hot weather Pythium blight in its destructive ability and even its appearance except that the weather is cooler. If the disease is present only in a few disease-prone areas, spot treatments with fungicides before mowing are effective.

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann