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Foliar Anthracnose — Colletotrichum cereale
© 2012 MSU Plant Pathology
© 2012 MSU Plant Pathology
© 2012 MSU Plant Pathology
Anthracnose can occur as both a foliar infecting and crown infecting disease. Foliar infecting anthracnose is characterized by irregularly shaped patches of yellow-bronze turf, ranging in size form a few inches to several feet. Leaf lesions initially appear as elongated reddish brown spots on the leaves, which may enlarge, eventually encompassing the entire leaf blade. Black, pepper-like, fruiting bodies (acervuli) of the fungus can be seen on the foliage and crown as the disease progresses.
The fungus can overwinter as a saprophyte in plant debris or as a pathogen in infected tissue. It is most often seen in turf growing under low soil fertility and high temperature stress. The pathogen usually infects tissue from the tip down, especially on freshly mown turfgrass. The disease is most severe in areas of compactionm heavy traffic, and poor soil drainage, and can occur in a wide range of temperatures.
Anthracnose can occur as both a foliar infecting and crown infecting disease. Foliar infecting anthracnose is characterized by irregularly shaped patches of yellow-bronze turf, ranging in size form a few inches to several feet. Leaf lesions initially appear as elongated reddish brown spots on the leaves, which may enlarge, eventually encompassing the entire leaf blade. Black, pepper-like, fruiting bodies (acervuli) of the fungus can be seen on the foliage and crown as the disease progresses.
The fungus can overwinter as a saprophyte in plant debris or as a pathogen in infected tissue. It is most often seen in turf growing under low soil fertility and high temperature stress. The pathogen usually infects tissue from the tip down, especially on freshly mown turfgrass. The disease is most severe in areas of compactionm heavy traffic, and poor soil drainage, and can occur in a wide range of temperatures.
Also Known As...
anthracnose, foliar blight anthracnose- Location:
» Golf Course
- General Symptoms:
» Circle, Spot, Wilted, Irregular
- Foliar Symptoms:
» Spots, Yellow, Brown, Orange
- Time of Year:
» May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Irrigated:
» Yes, No
- Hosts:
» Kentucky Bluegrass, Creeping Bentgrass, Annual Bluegrass
Anthracnose can be managed by avoiding or relieving plant stress in the spring and summer with light nitrogen applications (1/2 lb per 1000 ft2) when it occurs. Reducing wear and tear stress by redirecting traffic, and promoting healthy turf development with common fall and spring practices such as aeration and topdressing also help turf tolerate extended periods of summer stress.
Creeping bentgrass seems to only be susceptible to anthracnose in warmer climate areas (near or south of the transition zone). A range of susceptibilities exist among the many cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and the fine-leaf fescues that are listed as susceptible.
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- Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases 2011
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
Turfgrass hosts include, but are not limited to: Annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, fine-leaf fescue, perennial ryegrass, and bermudagrass.
