Overseeded Turf Blighted
05/21/2012
With storms enhancing the warn humid weather throughout much of the southeastern United States, pythium blight is active. The disease is most severe on perennial ryegrass (especially overseeded turf slow to transition) and creeping bentgrass. Pythium blight is most severe on thatchy and compacted soil sites. On perennial ryegrass, pythium symptoms are often confused with brown patch. It is difficult to tell the two diseases apart on perennial ryegrass without the help of a diagnostic laboratory. If in doubt send a sample to confirm your diagnosis. Pythium blight can cause severe problems on creeping bentgrass. Often times this disease is found in low areas where wet conditions persist. Interestingly, pythium blight can also appear around small damaged areas like divots. Preventative fungicide applications are the most effective means for controlling Pythium blight