Regular fertilization helps to stimulate the growth of grass. Do not mow when your turf is moist as it will provide more opportunity for infection. When Ascochyta is present, it is best to reduce mowing frequency and increase your mowing height. General weekly and yearly lawn practices can help to manage the disease. No fungicides are registered for use specifically against it however, most broad spectrum turfgrass fungicides will provide some protection. Injury from Ascochyta blight is seldom extensive so control measures are rarely necessary. When a turf is uniformly infected, it resembles the injury from a dull mower blade. When the disease occurs in localized patches, it somewhat resembles dollar spot except that the individual lesions do not have reddish-brown margins. Individual leaves die back from the tip and take on a bleached color. Ascochyta can appear quickly your lawn could look flawless, but can be blighted overnight.Īscochyta blight may cause large areas of turf to be blighted or it may appear only in localized patches. Frequent mowing, particularly with a dull mower, increases infection. The fungus enters through freshly cut leaf ends and grows toward the base of the leaf. Extended periods of wet weather or frequent watering followed by wet conditions or drought-stressed turf can cause Ascochyta. It survives in the thatch and infects grass leaves during periods of rain. It can be attacked by one of several species of the fungus Ascochyta. In order to ensure everything is ok, h ave your local Weed Man advise you on correct lawn maintenance.Ascochyta leaf blight is a common but minor turfgrass disease plaguing Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall and red fescues, and bentgrasses.

Also keeping the thatch layer to less than ½” (1 cm) and proper fertility should be done to prevent the occurrence of these diseases. Prune trees to encourage more air movement. Avoid allowing water to sit on the grass overnight. The best method of control is for the homeowner to alter the present lawncare practices. Close inspection of the plant reveals individual leaves dying from the tip down with a brownish purple line running horizontally across the plant. In heavily infested patches the fungus damages the lawn in circular or tubular patches that often form large bleached areas. The disease enters the grass plants after evening mowing, followed by excessive night watering. Leaf Blight occurs on lawns during hot humid weather. Leaf spots are small circles with yellow centers and dark borders on, and along, the leaf blade. If the disease becomes more serious, the patches will expand and damage the entire lawn. These infected grass blades form rounded, damaged patches the size of a silver dollar. Large tan colored wounds appear on the grass blades. The fungus enters the grass plants when they are wet. Dollar Spot ( Sclerotinia Homeocarpa)ĭollar Spot is a disease that can occur in lawns during warm weather. Leaf spots occur most often in lawns that are mowed too short. The disease can be a problem when the weather is cool and moist.

This disease is a fungus that attacks the blades of grass.

If your lawn is being watered and fertilized but still seems yellowish, it could be due to leaf spot disease. Discuss maintenance practises with your Weed Man. Refer to Weed Man Mowing and Watering Fact Sheets for proper maintenance procedures. Improper watering and mowing may cause the disease. The disease may re-appear from year to year if conditions are met. The disease spreads, in the form of spores, throughout your lawn by wind, air, water and humans.

Ascochyta leaf blight treatment