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Home BYGL Turf Tips June 12, 2008 RED THREAD ON TURF
RED THREAD ON TURF PDF Print E-mail
The disease is especially severe on slow-growing turfgrass. This is often the case on nitrogen and/or phosphorous deficient lawns. Bluegrasses (Poa sp.), fescues (Festuca sp.), ryegrasses (Lolium sp.), and bentgrasses (Agrostis sp.) can be affected. Fine-leaved fescues and some ryegrasses are particularly susceptible. In moist humid moderate weather, the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis, grows visibly on the infected grass blades and leaf sheaths. The fungus produces thread-like strands or web-like masses of coral-pink to reddish hyphae (fungal strands) on the grass blades. Even though brown spots may develop in the lawn, the disease does not kill the crown (growth point of the plant) and the turfgrass will eventually recover.

Management Strategies:

Maintain adequate soil fertility. Low levels of nitrogen can increase disease severity. Phosphorous deficient soils have been found to significantly increase the severity of red thread; by correcting this dramatic improved turf health can be achieved. The actual fertilization rates will depend upon the types of grass(es) grown, soil texture, and the specific rates recommended in your area. Test your soil if there are questions.

Avoid overwatering and wet conditions. Do not water the lawn in the late afternoon or evening. Provide good soil drainage. Prune trees and shrubs to increase sun light to promote faster drying of the turfgrass and increase growth.

Use resistant varieties of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue. For the latest information on resistant varieties check the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program web site at- http://www.ntep.org/

Where disease is severe, fungicide applications may be considered. Red thread is not often a severe problem on lawns. If it does become troublesome, an application of a registered fungicide to manage this disease may be considered. Products are often more available to the commercial applicator than the homeowner. Products that are labeled for residential lawns include Heritage, ProStar, Endorse, Bayleton, Banner, Insignia, and Disarm. Other materials are available for non-residential turfgrass areas, check the label.

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:08 )
 

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