Lawn Disease
Turf diseases can be serious when weather and/or lawn management favor disease development. Plant diseases develop when several conditions occur simultaneously and persist. Fungi, the most common cause of lawn diseases, are microscopic, thread-like organisms that spread by means of air- or water-borne spores. The spores function like seeds, producing new infections whenever the environment is favorable for a period of time and the host is susceptible. Disease develops when the pathogen (fungus) is present on a susceptible host (bluegrass) in a favorable environment (temperature, moisture/water, light, nutrients, and stress factors).
Lawn diseases are not always easy to diagnose. Some key factors and symptoms to help recognize disease include: size and shape of dead and dying plants, specific spots on leaves, quality of root system, leaf color and growth characteristics, time of year, and temperature when disease developed. When diagnosing a lawn disease it is helpful to have a record of treatments such as fertilizer, herbicides, mowing height and frequency, watering frequency and amounts.
Grass disease can ruin a lawn’s appearance. However, good turf management practices usually are adequate to prevent serious damage. Integrated cultural practices for turf management and pest control will limit the need for fungicides. Disease development often is associated with the lack of proper application of these turf management practices: 1) selection and planting of an adapted grass variety, 2) sufficient water at the correct time, 3) timely fertilization with the right amounts and balanced nutrients, 4) regular mowing at the recommended height, 5) provision for adequate sunlight and air movement, 6) maintenance of good soil aeration and drainage, and 7) thatch management.
For more information and diagnosing specific diseases, please refer to http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/landscap/pp950w.htm
Fungus Control
Cure lawn diseases and prevent new ones with professional lawn fungicides. A good quality lawn fungus control product can be applied to any stage lawn, including freshly seeded/sodded lawns and can be used on any type of grass. Common lawn diseases caused by fungus include brown patch, dollar spot, leaf spot, pink patch, red thread, stripe smut, copper spot and anthracnose.
For a more organic approach, many farmers and home owners have had success using cornmeal for root or soil borne fungus problems. Cornmeal works as a disease fighter in the soil by providing and stimulating existing beneficial microorganisms that feed on pathogens such as brown patch. It also works on seedlings to prevent damping off, as well as on any other soil borne fungal diseases. Multiple applications are okay if necessary because cornmeal serves as a mild organic fertilizer and soil builder. The cornmeal needs moisture to activate. Rain won’t hurt cornmeal’s efficacy because, like all organic products, it is not water soluble.