![]() Alkaline soil and soil deficient in calcium are also conducive to the disease. Many grass varieties are favored by the disease due to high nitrogen fertility. If the weather is hot and humid, this spread can be rapid. Grass areas that become infected become staging posts from which the fungus spreads. This is called Pythium root and crown rot. This results in much-reduced growth and turf thinning. The fungus may also invade grassroots and crowns. Pythium fungi can also cause ‘seed decay’ in turfgrasses. ![]() It also thrives in over-fertilized alkaline-rich soil where there are high levels of nitrogen and low levels of calcium. The pathogen can also be transported from one location to another through wind, soil movement, the use of garden equipment such as mowers, human foot traffic or water. This pathogen can lie dormant as resistant spores over the winter and other periods when disease development is hampered by climatic conditions. Secondly, the proper host is needed which unfortunately is the most common turfgrasses Lastly the day/night temperatures are greater than 55☏. Firstly the pathogen needs to arrive or to be already dormant in your lawn. When Does Pythium Blight Occur?įor Pythium blight disease to take hold three factors need to be present. When conditions are favorable for the development of Pythium blight, these infections can affect extensive damage to a grass blade very quickly. The disease spreads quickly often along with drainage flows or mowing directions and can be traced using the right equipment. When the leaves are wet or the humidity is high, grey, cottony mycelium can be seen in the infected areas. The grass blades in affected regions are tangled, orange or dark grey in color, and greasy to the touch. These symptoms are sometimes confused with dollar spot, so it is important to have an accurate diagnosis. Pythium blight chemical control Symptoms of Pythium Blightĭuring hot, humid weather, Pythium blight initially shows up as small, sunken, circular patches up to six inches in diameter and can spread into significantly bigger irregular areas, particularly during extended periods of humid, rainy, and/or cloudy weather at any time of year.Pythium blight treatment – cultural management.How to Prevent and Treat Pythium Blight.Generally, the disease thrives in wet, humid conditions. ![]() This disease can strike at any time, whether the weather is hot, warm, or cool. Pythium root and crown rot occur when root and crown tissue is attacked. Although a predominantly hot weather fungus, it can also take hold during cool wet weather periods from 55☏ to 65☏. The disease is destructive and can spread quickly, killing large areas of already established turf or seedings in a couple of days. Turfgrass is particularly susceptible when conditions combine high temperatures (between 80☏ to 90☏), wet soil, and minimal air movement over the turf. There are several species of the disease and it tends to be most prevalent during hot, humid weather. Pythium blight (also referred to as grease spot or cottony blight) is a grass fungal infection that can affect the majority of the most common cool-season turfgrasses. From a jobbing gardener to running his own landscaping services. Keith has been involved in the gardening and landscaping industry for the past 21 years. ![]()
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