Pathogen:
Ustilago striiformis
Host:
Kentucky Bluegrass, Creeping Bentgrass, Colonial Bentgrass
Environmental Requirements:
cool wet weather foliar symptoms appear
Stand Symptoms:
clumps and tufts of upright growth, yellowing and stunting
Plant Symptoms:
leaves yellowed , shriveled, and shredded, reduced tillering
Fungal Signs:
black sooty spore masses between the veins
Environmental Modification:
balanced N-P-K fertilization, water to avoid drought stress
Plant Resistance:
plant currently resistant varieties, fungus mutates easily, substitute Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue
