Leptosphaerulina australis

Other common names:

Not applicable.

 

Susceptible Turf:

Warm-season turfgrass including Qld Blue Couch (Digitaria didactyla) (Roche, 2018); yet predominantly cool-season turfgrasses including Poa (Poa annua), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Colonial and Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis spp.), tall, fine and red fescue (Fescue spp.) and both annual and perennial ryegrass (Lolium spp.).

 

Symptoms:

"Individual leaf symptoms develop as a yellow discolouration beginning at the tips. As the discolouration extends downwards towards the leaf sheath, the leaf progressively turns yellow and then brown. Necrosis may extend into the sheath. In the advanced stages of disease development, the affected leaves shrivel and die. Small brown fruiting bodies (perithecia) often develop on the upper and lower surfaces of the dead tissue" (Couch, 1995). Symptoms of the disease may be confused with Dollar Spot disease. The disease produces what looks to be water soaked patches or bleaching and the turfgrass can appear patchy.

 

Control options:

• Pesticides: See available tabs below for registered products. Use as per label instructions.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Use a combination of approaches listed on this page.
• Cultural:
  • Apply a balanced fertiliser to promote new growth.
  • Do not water the turfgrass in the late afternoon or evening.
• Mechanical: Nil.

 

References:

• Couch, H. B. (1995). Diseases of turfgrasses. Krieger Publishing Company.,Malabar, FL.
• Roche, M. B. (2018). Confirmation of Leptosphaerulina Leaf Blight on Qld Blue Couch (Digitaria didactyla) following laboratory testing through Australian Sports Turf Consultants.

 

Disclaimer:

Turf Finder or its developer accepts with no responsibility for any consequences whatsoever resulting from the use of any information or product(s) listed herein. Products are to be applied as per label instructions.