Brown Patch Fungus
Brown Patch fungus is a serious summer disease. It is occurs during periods of high heat and humidity.
On closely mowed turf, such as golf course greens, the circular pattern is very well defined. On higher mowed turf, such as residential lawns, the pattern may be a bit less circular. The leaf blades will have irregularly shaped purplish-brown lesions. In the early morning, when the dew is still on the grass, there may be gray, web-like mycelia around the outer edges of the circles, giving it a “smoke-ring” appearance. This usually disappears as soon as the dew dries out.
Conditions that favor the disease are hot and humid. Days in the 90s and nights in the high 60s are perfect for brown patch development. This disease can spring up rapidly and what was green, healthy looking turf the day before can have well-developed patches the next day.
Excessive irrigation is a culprit in increased disease severity. Daily watering will usually cause greater disease problems.
Excessive water-soluble nitrogen applications, before hot weather, can create succulent growth which will be very susceptible to this disease.
We can apply fungus controls for more serious cases. Bear in mind that fungus control applications are not a complete cure. They simply control it for a period of about 1 month.
