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Curvularia: Curvularia is a disease that will attack the lawn when it is under drought stress. It causes the leaf blades to look orange/yellow and some areas become thin and ragged. Curvularia only damages the leaf blade not the roots. The most damage occurs during periods of high temperatures (around 86 degrees). Proper watering for turf during this time of year is important as turfgrasses like all living plants require water for growth and survival. A common mistake is frequent shallow waterings, which does not provide adequate moisture to the root zone. Watering should be thorough (wetting the lawn to a depth of 5-7”) and once a week. Before sunrise is considered the best time to water because of low wind and temperature. |
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Dollar Spot: Dollar spot affects many turf types and is caused by a fungus. Dollar spot favors temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees. This disease favors conditions of warm days and cool nights, plus intense dews. A grayish to white, cobweb like growth may be visible in early morning over newly formed spots on the upper leaf blades that are wetted by dew. Typical dollar spot symptoms on a closely mowed turf are small, circular, sunken, straw-colored patches of 2 to 3” in diameter. Dollar spot can be corrected with core aeration to increase air circulation and an adequate level of nitrogen, particularly in the spring and early summer. Watering should be thorough (wetting the lawn to a depth of 5-7”) and once a week. Before sunrise is considered the best time to water because of low wind and temperature. |
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Spring Dead Spot: Spring dead spot is caused by fungi that affect Bermuda grass. Infected grass shows disease symptoms as it emerges from winter dormancy. It appears as bleached, straw-colored, circular patches that measure up to several feet in diameter. Spring dead spot favors cool, wet weather in the spring and fall with daily temps of less than 60 degrees in November. Fungicides can be used in late September or October to prevent Spring Dead Spot. Keep the lawn healthy and vigorous to encourage Bermuda grass regrowth of dead areas. |
