Date: February 21, 2001
Category: Diseases Subject: Winter Diseases
As the snow begins to reveal what has been happening to your turf over
the winter, you may notice several possibilities. Gray snow mold, or Typhula
blight, can look pretty dramatic with large patches of grayish mycelium,
probably dotted with small, brown survival structures called sclerotia.
The good news is that this fungus mostly damages leaf tissue and does
not usually kill turf plants. Its activity will cease when the snow is
gone, so spring fungicide treatment is not needed. This disease is most
common on lawns and higher cut turf. Rake away any matted turf to allow
new growth. Pink snow mold, or Fusarium patch, may look pink to coppery,
and patches are generally smaller. This disease can be more serious because
the fungus can kill plants and will remain active as long as the weather
remains cool and wet. It can be spread by feet and mowers. Fungicide treatment
of high value turf, such as putting greens, is often recommended when
new growth appears. An early, warm, dry spring will also stop the activity.
Keep in mind that ice may be the cause some of the turf injury. Try to
keep water from pooling on turf while there is still the possibility of
hard freezes. Otherwise, there is little that can be done to protect turf
from this perennial problem.
