Bottom rot disease in grass, Pythium attacks all cool season grasses. But the onset of this disease is particularly damaging on agrostiz, annual poa and perennial lolium. Pythium occurrence can also occur on poa and festuca. However, disease severity is usually limited and damage can be controlled. Among turfgrass diseases, Pythium attracts more attention. This is because it spreads very quickly. It affects the leaves and crown of the grass. It also kills plants and causes significant losses in the turf area.
Pythium grass disease, Pythium usually occurs during the summer when dew periods are long and temperatures are 20 degrees Celsius or higher during the evening hours of the day. The disease occurs mostly in the lower zones where soil moisture is high and dew starts in the early evening and stops until the morning hours. During these humid periods, sprinkler irrigation in the late afternoon can exacerbate the disease and allow the pathogen to disperse quickly. Grass growing in areas of high humidity and excessive nitrogen fertilization increase susceptibility to infection. Hot and humid weather should be considered a sign of Pythium outbreak.
Remedies for bottom rot in lawns
How to prevent lawn disease?, The first symptoms are water-soaked leaves and interlocking circular patches on the stems in short mowed lawns. In the early morning, cottony white mycelium can also be seen in the affected area. If the favorable conditions for the disease persist and no action is taken to prevent the development of the disease, the grass will die in as little as one or two days. Pythium is found as a fungus in the soil and among plant residues during the winter season. Its spread is realized by water movement. Surface water spores may be carried as runoff to areas with signs of disease. The fungus can also spread to the lawn through the materials we mow the lawn with. This disease can be dealt with by chemical or cultural control.
Fighting bottom rot in lawns, Cultural and chemical control methods can be used for bottom rotting of grass. Organizing the lawn area in grasses with bottom rot can contribute to reducing the severity and effects of the disease. Good drainage to prevent water accumulation in the plant root areas, especially in the summer season, significantly reduces the effects of the disease. Avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization in summer seasons will increase the resistance to the occurrence of bottom rot disease in grass. When we look at the ability of the pathogen to persist and spread, it is seen that the outbreaks of the disease normally occur in the same areas as long as humid and hot weather conditions continue. In this shade, mowing should be postponed until the grass surface is dry. How to prevent bottom rot in lawns? >>
How do you get rid of bottom rot in lawns?
It seems there might be a confusion in terminology. “Bottom rot” is not a common term used in the context of lawn diseases. However, if you are referring to a condition where the lower parts of grass blades or the base of the grass plant are affected by a rotting or decaying issue, there are a few possibilities, and I’ll provide some general advice:
- Fungal Diseases:
- Identification: Determine if the problem is caused by a fungal disease. Common lawn fungal diseases include brown patch, dollar spot, or even certain root diseases.
- Fungicides: In cases of fungal diseases, fungicides may be necessary. Choose a fungicide labeled for the specific disease affecting your lawn and follow the application instructions carefully.
- Cultural Practices:
- Proper Watering: Ensure that you are watering your lawn correctly. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and discourage the development of fungal diseases.
- Aeration: Aerate your lawn to improve soil drainage and reduce compaction, which can contribute to fungal issues.
- Soil Conditions:
- Improve Soil Drainage: If the soil is consistently soggy or poorly draining, it can lead to root diseases. Improve soil drainage by amending the soil with organic matter.
- Avoid Excessive Fertilization:
- Balanced Fertilization: Over-fertilizing can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to diseases. Follow recommended fertilization guidelines for your specific type of grass.
- Remove Infected Material:
- Dethatching: If the lawn has a thatch layer, consider dethatching to remove the build-up of dead grass and debris, which can harbor diseases.
- Resistant Grass Varieties:
- Choose Resistant Varieties: When planting or reseeding, consider using grass varieties that are resistant to common diseases in your area.
If you’re experiencing specific symptoms in your lawn and are uncertain about the cause, it’s advisable to consult with a local lawn care professional or extension service. They can provide accurate identification of the issue and recommend appropriate treatments based on your specific circumstances and the type of grass you have in your lawn. What is the medicine that prevents bottom rot in grass? >>