Lawn Diseases

Dollar Spot of Bermudagrass

Dollar spot is a common fungus disease that occurs on several grass types but is most severe on bermudagrass. It attacks neglected turf or areas that are under moisture or nutritional stress caused by a lack of nitrogen.

Warm, humid weather and cool nights with heavy dew promote the disease. It kills the grass in small spots 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The spots may grow together into large areas. They appear first as small, circular, straw-colored spots of blighted turfgrass about the size of a silver dollar. Individual leaves develop lesions that have a bleached, straw-colored appearance, bounded by a tan to reddish-brown margin. A white, cotton-like fungal mycelium growth may be seen in early morning when dew is present.

Pieces of diseased plants are spread by mowers, sweepers, and other lawn equipment.

Control: (1) Maintain adequate moisture and nutrients. Maintain a high level of nitrogen when the disease is prevalent. (2) Prevent the buildup of thatch. (3) Do not water in late afternoon or evening. (4) Many strains of this fungus resist certain fungicides, so use several types of fungicides to control this disease. Alternate contact fungicides with systemic fungicides. Suggested fungicides include chlorothalonil, mancozeb, propiconazole, triadimefon,and thiophanate-methyl. Follow label instructions. Mancozeb products are labeled for golf courses, sod farms, industrial or municipal turf areas, and professional applications to residential lawns. Not for use by homeowners.