You Are Here: Management Updates 2003 Archive October 1, 2003

Date: October 1, 2003
Category: Diseases
Subject: Fusarium Patch/Pink Snow Mold Alert

The recent rainy conditions and the cool weather that is now moving into the New England area are very conducive to Fusarium patch, also known as pink snow mold. If your turf is fairly lush from recent nitrogen fertilizer applications, disease is even more likely. In the absence of snow, Fusarium patch is one of those diseases that can trick superintendents because it often looks very much like Pythium blight that occurs in hot weather. Sometimes the spots look like Pythium root rot. The spots may have a coppery to reddish look especially near the edges, but the typical pink mycelium of textbook photos usually occurs only in the spring after snow melt. At this time of year, look for the small greasy spots. They may look like someone sprinkled them from a watering can and are often on the shady side of a green where the moisture persists. Just like Pythium blight, Fusarium patch spores are easily streaked, so rope off affected areas and/or mow only when dry. Spot fungicide treatments are often enough unless disease is widespread.

If you are uncertain about diagnosis, try putting a cup-cutter plug in a closed plastic bag with a moist paper towel and keep in a cool place. Mycelium will usually appear near the edge of the spot by the next morning. You may also submit a sample to the UMass Turf Disease Diagnostic Lab for confirmation.

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann