BrowN pAtCH

BROWN PATCH
Brown patch is a fungal blight of cool-season grasses, which is most noticed during periods of hot weather. Short patches of blighted turf will usually have a purple edge or ring appearance. Initial patches may appear purplish-green and turn brown as the blight progresses. On taller turf plantings, patches will appear to turn dull tan to brown. The fungus causes lesions on leaves that may develop a reddish brown margin. Plants killed by blight will often have a light brown color, and turn brittle.The most susceptible grasses for blight are bentgrass, fescue, ryegrass, and bluegrass.

Blight is more severe under conditions of poor drainage, high compaction, thick thatch layers, long periods of leaf wetness, low mowing heights, excessive mechanical damage, and high nitrogen fertilization. It is most common when temperatures are in the range of 75-95°F. Managing irrigation and leaf wetness is an important part of controlling blight diseases.