Lawn & Turf Tips:
Anthracnose and Basal Rot
Anthracnose and Basal Rot
Disease Description
Leaves and shoots of grasses,
particularly of annual blue grass and fine fescues are blighted
and killed back in irregularly shaped, reddish to bleached
patches up to several feet in diameter.
May be confused with red thread, but there are no red
"needles". Often
occurs with leaf spots caused by Drechslera sp.
Turf of annual blue grass takes on a measly or piebald
appearance. Diseased
plants turn yellow or orange and central shoots may be pulled
out easily and are black at the base.
Predisposing Factors
- Susceptible species and cultivars
- High temperatures with high humidity
- Compacted turf in high traffic areas
- Low soil fertility
Cultural Control
Use
less susceptible cultivars. Reduce traffic, increase
aeration and relieve compaction by spiking. Improve
fertility. Replace annual blue grass with other turf
grasses.
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