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Orchardgrass Diseases

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is plagued with lawn diseases such as powdery mildew, brown stripe, leaf spot and stem rust. Because these diseases hurt the lawn's aesthetics and health, it is important for gardeners to correctly identify the disease and provide either cultural or chemical treatment. When dealing with orchardgrass disease, change your lawn care practices and create an environment less favorable for diseases.

  1. Powdery Mildew

    • The Erysiphe graminis mildew fungus causes powdery mildew. This fungus infects grass when temperatures are between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Orchardgrass infected with powdery mildew exhibits a white talcum-looking powder on grass blades. Grass grown in shade discolor and turn yellow. The grass blades eventually die from powdery mildew. Treat powdery mildew with increasing the amount of sunlight and air to your yard, as recommended by North Dakota State University. Prune back overhanging limbs and move bushes or trees casting too much shade.

    Brown Stripe

    • Brown stripe is a fungal disease caused by Scolecotrichum graminis. This disease overwinters in grass or debris. When the temperatures warm up slightly in the spring, brown stripe germinates and spreads over the orchardgrass. The disease stops spreading during the summer but picks up again in the fall. Orchardgrass infected with brown stripe displays round lesions of grass blades that appear gray when wet and purple when the grass dries. Control methods include reducing the amount of quick-release nitrogen applied to the lawn, as suggested by the University of Illinois. Keep up your soil's fertility by applying both phosphorous and potassium nutrients.

    Leaf Spot

    • The fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana causes leaf spot. This fungal disease causes leaves to develop purplish red to brown spots on grass blades. Upon close examination, gardeners may see tan centers in the middle of these spots. Typically, leaf spots infect Orchardgrass during warm weather. The tips of grass may die out as the disease progresses. Control leaf spot in its early phase with a fungicide containing iprodione. Continued watering and fertilizing of Orchardgrass reduces this fungal disease's damage.

    Rust

    • Gardeners who have rust-infected orchardgrass may notice a red-to-brown dust filling the air or attaching itself on clothes when mowing and walking across the yard. Rust quickly germinates and spreads during hot, humid weather. Monitor the yard with daytime temperatures are between 85 and 95 F and nighttime temperatures are between 70 and 75 F, according to North Dakota State University. As rust progresses, grass blades turn yellow and die. Treat rust by fertilizing and watering your Orchardgrass. Manage severe rust problems with a fungicide containing mancozeb.

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Growing Grass
  1. Grass Vs. Turf
  2. The Diseases in Coastal Bermuda Grass
  3. Pittosporum Diseases
  4. Turf Grass Diseases & Bad Tilling
  5. Grass Fungus Problem
  6. General Yellowing From Lawn Diseases
  7. Grass Disease & White Blades
  8. Common Lawn Diseases
  9. Fast-Growing Grass
  10. Sod Diseases
  11. Fungal Diseases in Grasses
  12. Diseases Of Goldenrod

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