Home Garden
# Home & Garden >> Garden & Lawn >> Pests, Weeds & Problems

Are Brown Spots on Leaves of Ornamental Grass Decay?

Ornamental grasses are used to bring color and texture to gardens everywhere. They are perennial plants that are generally hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 to 11, although some species are grown as annuals outside of their hardiness zone. Some ornamental grass species and hybrids are resistant to the diseases that cause brown spots and decay on their leaves. Many, though, are at least slightly susceptible to various diseases, and there is one disease that infects only one commonly-grown species.

  1. A Common Disease

    • Rust fungus is the most common disease of ornamental grasses. When the plant is first infected, its leaves develop yellowish flecks. These flecks grow larger until they eventually rupture to form orange or red, powdery fungal spores which can look yellow or pale brown when observed at a distance. This fungal disease is usually more serious when ornamental grasses are grown in shadier areas.

    Rainy Day Fungi

    • Anthracnose or Colletotrichum leaf spot is caused by a fungus that is most likely to become a problem on stressed ornamental grasses during wet, rainy, humid weather. This fungus causes brown or purplish brown lesions or spots that quickly spread through entire leaves. The infected leaves quickly turn light brown or tan and die. This fungus can infect the crown and kill the plant.

    Spotted Blight

    • Miscanthus blight is caused by a fungus that attacks Miscanthus spp. and its cultivars and that has recently become more common. The ornamental grass blades develop red-brown spots or brown to tan, dead tissue that spreads from the leaf tips back to the base. There may be tiny black spots within the tan or brown spots.

    Defeating the Fungi

    • The brown spots caused by these diseases are dead, decaying leaf tissue which will not recover. The ornamental grass usually will survive, though, and will grow new leaves. Remove the infected leaves right away to limit further spread of the fungal spores. Give ornamental grass plenty of space to improve air circulation. The distance between plants should be equal to their expected mature height. Water in the morning, so the leaves will be dry by nightfall. They generally need about 2 to 3 gallons of water each week, although this varies depending on the species. Sprinkle 1 to 2 ounces of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer on the soil around the ornamental grass in early spring to help keep it healthy and better able to recover. Follow directions and warnings on the package.

      Copper fungicide can be used to reduce the spread of anthracnose. It is commonly sold in ready-to-use spray bottles. Spray the ornamental grass after removing the diseased leaves. It may need to be sprayed again at regular intervals. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully as application requirements vary, depending on the fungicide formula. Also be sure to heed all warnings and take necessary precautions, such as wearing gloves and with some products, a dust mask and protective eyewear.

Previous:

Next:

Pests, Weeds & Problems
  1. Small Round Brown Spots in Winter Grass
  2. Leaves Are Turning Brown on Basil Plants
  3. My Sunflowers Are Growing With Brown Spots on Their Leaves
  4. What Are the Brown Spots on the End of Leaves on Sunflowers?
  5. Brown Spots on Phalaenopsis Leaves
  6. Brown Spots in an Evergreen-Type Lawn
  7. My Grass Has Brown Spots
  8. What Are the Spots on a Wax Myrtle?
  9. What Are the Treatments for Brown Spots on Lawns?
  10. What Are Brown Spots on Monkey Grass?
  11. Ornamental Grass Is Turning Brown
  12. Brown Spots on the Yard

Home Garden © https://www.98905.com