Disease detection in turfgrass X. Yellow Tuft

The greens are the most problematic spots on any course and therefore also the most susceptible to diseases. In order to identify the disease that affects us at Tiloom we offer the most powerful analyses on the market with qPCR technology. Disease diagnostic tests allow to identify at low cost and with only one sample the diseases present in the green and the risk of development. In this post from Tiloom we explain the symptoms of Yelow Turf and some tips on its management.

On more than one occasion you may have been confronted with Yellow tuft, is a fungal disease caused by the water fungus Sclerophtora macrospora. It occurs on most grasses, but is most common on Agrostis and Poa Annua. Risk factors are poorly drained, excessively irrigated areas with high levels of thatch.

Yellow tuft is a fungal disease caused by the water fungus Sclerophtora macrospora.

Infected plants generally do not die from this obligate parasite, but their playability and appearance are compromised. The roots of infected areas are short and appear as 'bundles', which are easily pulled out. Weakened turf is also more prone to other problems, so with wear and tear, recovery is greatly compromised.

Examination of the area reveals that the affected areas are slightly raised compared to the non-infected areas. In addition to being easily pulled from the surface. They appear as dense clusters of plants emanating from the same crown, due to the production of hormones by the pathogen in the crown of the cespitose. Yellowing is the result of profuse spore production by the fungus. These spores swim (zoospores), hence the distribution follows the lines of highest humidity.

Symptoms are small yellow spots scattered over the entire surface of the plant, often following humidity or dew.

Sporangia are the producers of zoospores, which develop on the leaf surface in sub-stomatal cavities beneath the epidermis. In the early morning hours, the whitish sporangium is visible through simple hand lenses. In the summer months, affected plants appear green and healthy.

The fungus affects reseeding, hence it is often observed in spring where autumn reseeding was carried out.

The pathogen is active during periods of cold and wet weather, in poorly drained or over-watered areas. Cultural control involves improving drainage, avoiding excessive irrigation, thatch accumulation, aeration and increasing light topdressing.

Chemical control includes fungicides such as mefenoxam y metalaxyl. Others such as Fosetyl AlAs they are less effective than the previous ones, it is advisable to mix them with chlorthalonil for a more synergistic action. However, curative treatment is difficult, and preventive treatment at intervals of 14 to 21 days is the most appropriate when weather conditions indicate it.

If you would like to be tested for Yelow Turf or any other turf disease, please contact us at info@tiloom.com.