You Are Here: Management Updates 2000 Archive September 19, 2000

Date: September 19, 2000
Category: Diseases
Subject: Rust, Dollar Spot, Red Thread, Fusarium Patch

After such a wet summer, drought symptoms are still common where turf is not irrigated. This is contributing to RUST and DOLLAR SPOT in many areas. Both of these diseases occur when the grass plant is not actively growing (because of compaction, low N, or insufficient water to the roots), but heavy dew and humidity encourage fungal activity on the leaves. GRAY LEAF SPOT may not be a significant problem this year. Only one sample has been confirmed, and the cooler weather will probably inhibit activity. New England falls are famous for many weather changes, however, so a renewed period of warm, humid weather may still result in this disease of perennial ryegrass. Weather reports for the weekend and early next week suggest cool, wet conditions that will probably result in renewed RED THREAD activity. In northern areas and at high elevations, FUSARIUM PATCH/PINK SNOW MOLD may also appear as small, greasy, coppery spots.

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann