You Are Here: Management Updates 2004 Archive August 15, 2004

Date: August 15, 2004
Category: Diseases
Subject: Gray Leaf Spot on Perennial Ryegrass?

Gray leaf spot can cause rapid blighting of perennial ryegrass. It has been active in Kentucky, Maryland, and parts of Pennsylvania in the past few weeks. The fungus that causes this disease produces huge numbers of spores. It is possible that the hurricane Charley, that is bringing a lot of weekend rain followed by optimal warm weather, may also deliver spores from these areas south of New England. If you have perennial ryegrass, especially seedlings which are more susceptible, watch for any unusual leaf spotting. Unfortunately, symptoms alone are not enough for an accurate diagnosis- but a quick microscopic look at the spores can confirm the disease. It is easily controlled preventively or in the very early stages with foliar application of fungicide.

- Submitted by: Dr. Gail Schumann