Red thread disease

Red Thread Disease is a common turfgrass disease caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis. It is characterized by the presence of red or pink thread-like structures that appear on the grass blades. The disease is most prevalent in cool, wet weather and in areas with poor nitrogen fertility.

Symptoms and Identification

The most distinctive symptom of Red Thread Disease is the presence of red or pink thread-like structures, known as sclerotia, that appear on the grass blades. These sclerotia can be up to 10mm long and are usually seen protruding from the tips of the grass blades. Other symptoms include irregular patches of brown or bleached grass, which can range in size from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter.

Causes and Conditions

Red Thread Disease is caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis. The disease is most prevalent in cool, wet weather, particularly in the spring and fall. It is also more common in areas with poor nitrogen fertility, as the fungus thrives in low-nitrogen conditions.

Management and Control

Management of Red Thread Disease involves maintaining proper lawn care practices and applying fungicides if necessary. This includes ensuring adequate nitrogen fertility, regular mowing, and proper watering. Fungicides can be used as a last resort, but are usually not necessary as the disease does not cause permanent damage to the grass.

See Also

• Lawn care
• Fungicides
• Turfgrass diseases

References

Red thread disease Resources
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