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Turf diseases can be serious when weather and/or lawn
management favor disease development. Plant diseases, including the common lawn
diseases described in this article, develop when several conditions occur
simultaneously and persist. Fungi, the most common cause of lawn diseases, are
microscopic, thread-like organisms that spread by means of air- or water-borne
spores. The spores function like seeds, producing new infections whenever the
environment is favorable for a period of time and the host is susceptible.
Disease develops when the pathogen (fungus) is present on a susceptible host
(bluegrass) in a favorable environment (temperature, moisture/water, light,
nutrients, and stress factors).
Lawn diseases are not always easy to diagnose. Some key
factors and symptoms to help recognize disease include: size and shape of dead
and dying plants, specific spots on leaves, quality of root system, leaf color
and growth characteristics, time of year, and temperature when disease
developed. When diagnosing a lawn disease it is helpful to have a record of
treatments such as fertilizer, herbicides, mowing height and frequency, watering
frequency and amounts.
Grass disease can ruin a lawn's appearance. However, good
turf management practices usually are adequate to prevent serious damage.
Integrated cultural practices for turf management and pest control will limit
the need for fungicides. Disease development often is associated with the lack
of proper application of these turf management practices: 1) selection and
planting of an adapted grass variety, 2) sufficient water at the correct time,
3) timely fertilization with the right amounts and balanced nutrients, 4)
regular mowing at the recommended height, 5) provision for adequate sunlight and
air movement, 6) maintenance of good soil aeration and drainage, and 7) thatch
management.
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