Fusarium patch

Fusarium Patch is a common turfgrass disease caused by the fungus Fusarium. It is also known as Microdochium nivale or pink snow mold. This disease is prevalent in cool, wet conditions, particularly in the late fall, winter, and early spring.

Symptoms and Identification

The initial symptoms of Fusarium Patch are small, circular, orange-brown patches of grass. These patches can expand up to a foot in diameter. As the disease progresses, the patches may merge to form larger areas of infected turf. The grass within these patches often appears water-soaked and may have a pink or white fungal growth at the edges, especially during wet or humid conditions.

Causes and Conditions

Fusarium Patch is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale, which thrives in cool, wet conditions. The disease is most active when temperatures are between 0 and 15 degrees Celsius and there is plenty of moisture, either from rainfall, dew, or irrigation. The fungus can survive in the soil during the summer and become active again in the fall when conditions are favorable.

Management and Control

Management of Fusarium Patch involves a combination of cultural practices and fungicide applications. Cultural practices include improving drainage, reducing shade, and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization. Fungicides can be used as a preventive measure in the fall or as a curative treatment when the disease is active.

Impact

Fusarium Patch can cause significant damage to turfgrass, particularly on golf courses and other sports turf. The disease can reduce the aesthetic and functional quality of the turf and require costly treatments to control.

See Also

• Turfgrass diseases
• Fungicides
• Golf course management