Fungus on Centipede Grass

Types

• Large patch is caused by Rhizoctonia solani and occurs in centipedegrass, Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass and zoysia grass, according to North Carolina State University. Poor soil drainage, excessive watering and low mowing heights make large patch more likely. Rust affects many types of grass, including centipede grass. Turf grass affected by rust often becomes thin and is most severe in areas with shade.

Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with large patch include circular patches of yellow, orange or brown grass with the edges of patches turning bright red. Grass infected with large patch often pulls up easily. Rust fungus causes spots with yellow flecks on grass, which enlarge and turn rusty red from fungal spores. Affected grass blades can wither, become yellow and die as a result of rust fungus.

Control

• Large patch is controlled with proper fertilizer, watering and maintaining proper mowing heights. Applying fungicides used as a preventative before the onset of symptoms is helpful. Rust is managed by using fertilizer and watering early in the day. Selecting a disease-resistant turf grass also reduces the likelihood of fungal disease.