You Are Here: Management Updates 2004 Archive November 1, 2004

Date: November 1, 2004
Category: Diseases
Subject: Robert Wick Takes Over Disease Diagnostic Duties, Fusarium Patch

I personally want to take a little of the space here to thank my colleague and outstanding turfgrass pathologist, Dr. Gail Schumann for her many years of excellent service to the UMass Turfgrass Program. As of now, responsibility for diagnoses and recommendations fall to me, and it will take a little time for me to get back into the swing of turfgrass pathology. I welcome your comments and concerns; I can be reached by email: rwick@pltpath.umass.edu, or by phone: 413-545-1045. For additional information, visit the Disease Diagnostics section of this site.

Fusarium patch (pink snow mold) occurs during cool (less than 60 F) rainy weather. The disease is also known as Microdochium patch because the name of the fungus was changed from Fusarium to Microdochium. Patches are usually from 1 to 5 inches in diameter and the grass will appear water-soaked, similar to Pythium blight. The overall coloration of the affected turf is usually tan but in the spring, after snow melt, a pink to salmon-coloration is often evident. The disease is favored by nitrogen applications so if you have a history of Fusarium patch, go easy on the nitrogen this fall. The fungus is easily spread with mowers so do not mow diseased grass when wet. A wide range of fungicides will control this disease. Fludioxonil, iprodione, PCNB, propiconazole, and trifloxystrobin should give excellent control.

Submitted by: Dr. Robert Wick