Turf Abnormality - Ask Extension
I’m reaching out for guidance about a turf abnormality suddenly appearing in neighboring lawns. I have included 3 photos, 2 of which were taken aro...
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Turf Abnormality #878641
Asked July 24, 2024, 6:18 PM EDT
I’m reaching out for guidance about a turf abnormality suddenly appearing in neighboring lawns. I have included 3 photos, 2 of which were taken around 0800 (heavy morning dew). The last photo was taken of one of the same abnormalities around 1800, and better shows apparent, associated turf damage. I did not see any obvious insect activity above ground. I do not know the cultivar(s) of grass in this lawn.
What is this abnormality, and what action, if any, do I need to take regarding my lawn of Kentucky Bluegrass?
Thank you.
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
I suspect you have photographed evidence of Pythium Blight in neighboring lawns. The 0800 photos show the mycelia (white cottony fungal threads) that are present in the early morning hours. Infected leaves become tan to brown, shrivel, and mat when dry as in the 1800 photo. Pythium Blight affects all cool season turfgrass species (including KBG). Good soil drainage, minimal thatch, good airflow over the lawn, minimal nitrogen in hot moist weather help prevent its occurrence. Fungicides can be applied preventatively. More info in the attached links:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/pythium-blight#gallery
https://turfpestlab.psu.edu/pest-profiles/pythium-blight/
http://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/series400/rpd410/
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-109-W.pdf
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/turfgrass-diseases-pythium-blight-fs-2024-0707/extension.umd.edu/resource/turfgrass-diseases-pythium-blight-fs-2024-0707
If you haven't done so I suggest you do a soil test. You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/pythium-blight#gallery
https://turfpestlab.psu.edu/pest-profiles/pythium-blight/
http://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/series400/rpd410/
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-109-W.pdf
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/turfgrass-diseases-pythium-blight-fs-2024-0707/extension.umd.edu/resource/turfgrass-diseases-pythium-blight-fs-2024-0707
If you haven't done so I suggest you do a soil test. You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
