Pathogen:
Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae
Host:
Colonial Bentgrass, Creeping Bentgrass, Velvet Bentgrass
Environmental Requirements:
root infection occurs during cool wet weather, symptom expression during spring and fall when plants fail to make normal growth, and during heat and drought stress
Stand Symptoms:
irregular-shaped circular bronzed patches
Plant Symptoms:
foliage bronzed, roots dark brown
Fungal Signs:
dark brown to black ectotrophic hyphae on the roots and crown
Environmental Modification:
lower pH with sulfur or acidifying fertilizer, avoid lime and alkaline fertilizers
Plant Resistance:
replace Bentgrass with resistant species of turfgrasses if possible
