Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a typical opportunistic pathogen that primarily infects weakened turfgrasses. The disease occurs mainly between spring and fall.

The symptoms are often difficult to recognize because they closely resemble those of drought damage, and as a result, the disease is frequently not immediately identified as a fungal disease.

How can you tell if a plant has anthracnose?

Typical symptoms of anthracnose include:

• irregular, sometimes ribbon-like patches

• yellowish to reddish-brown discoloration

• The lawn is becoming increasingly patchy

• Particularly noticeable are thorn-like, black growths on the infested stalks

These black structures are a clear distinguishing feature from pure drought stress.

Factors That Promote Infestation

The following conditions promote the occurrence of anthracnose:

• Nutrient deficiency

• long-lasting moisture

• watering too often or incorrectly

• Stress, such as that caused by deep cuts, heat, cold, or environmental stress

• Soil Compaction and Waterlogging

• high humidity

• severe thatch

Preventive Measures

To prevent anthracnose or reduce the risk of the disease, we recommend the following measures:

• A balanced and consistent supply of nutrients

• Improve air circulation in the soil (e.g., by aerating)

• Optimize watering and do it preferably in the early morning hours so that the lawn dries quickly

• Remove dew from the lawn regularly

• Reducing Thatch

• Eliminate soil compaction

• At very high temperatures—starting at about 27 °C—cool the turf selectively with short bursts of water

• Raise the cutting height to avoid additional stress