Fungus in a Yard

Types

• Fusarium blight is also known as Fusarium blight syndrome and is a fungal disease characterized by dead patches of grass. Kentucky bluegrass often suffers from necrotic ring spot, caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria korrea. Most active in the spring and fall, necrotic ring spot covers grass roots with black fungal strands. Brown patch is commonly found in turfgrasses, such as tall fescue. It is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and is devastating in tall fescue.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Fusarium blight, include crescent-shaped patches of dead grass, which occurs all over the lawn. Necrotic ring spot causes frogseye pattern spots in grass, which decomposes grass, giving it a sunken appearance. Brown patch is characterized by light brown patches in grass, which are often large. Lesions form on grass blades and a fungal growth is seen during wet weather.

Control

• Keeping your lawn healthy and free of stress prevents fungal disease. Avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as this favors disease development. Reduce watering frequency to ensure your grass dries completely each day.