PYTHIUM BLIGHT

Pathogen: Pythium spp.

Pythium blight kills turf in small circular spots (2 to 6 inches). Leaf blades turn dark and then wither eventually turning a rusty brown color. Leaf blades frequently lie flat, stick together, and appear shiny. If left untreated roots may begin to discolor and rot. 

In high humidity conditions mycelia can be observed on the surface of the diseased turf. The diseased areas sometimes follow water flow or mowing paths. Symptoms can appear very rapidly and kill large areas of grass when conditions are ideal.  A fast diagnosis and implementation of a treatment plan is important to reduce and control the spread of this pathogen.

PYTHIUM ROOT ROT

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Pathogen: Pythium spp.

This type of Pythium attacks the roots impacting plant growth. Small dead patches are first observed in the turf that will continue to grow if not treated. This is a difficult disease to diagnose in a non-laboratory setting.  Symptomatic roots can vary in appearance from the late stages of rot to the seemingly normal.