(Lanzia and Mollerodiscus (formerly known as Sclerotinia)
Dollar spot disease occurs during periods of cool, humid weather with low soil
moisture. The incidence of this disease is often higher in low-rainfall seasons.
A fungus-produced toxin affects water and nutrient uptake, which causes the roots
to thicken, stop growing, and turn brown.
Thus, dollar spot is severe in dry soils.
Signs and Symptoms:
Dollar spot appears as a straw-colored, somewhat circular area about six inches in diameter. These spots may overlap to give the diseased turf a drought-stricken appearance. Dollar spot is most evident by the "cobweb" fungi growth in the affected lawn areas on mornings when dew is present. Though these may be confused with spider webs, the "cobweb" fungi growth is three dimensional among the grass blades, while spider webs are in a single plane. At the margin of the affected area, grass blades will have bleached-white to tan girdling lesions with a dark-purple border.
Cultural Practices for Control:
Seed or sod with dollar spot-resistant cultivars.
Avoid light, frequent watering.
Avoid watering during evening hours.
Mow the lawn at a height of 2" to 3" and at a frequency that removes no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.
Remove dew in the morning by dragging a garden hose over the wet grass or by watering the lawn just enough to remove dew.
Pro Care Practices for Control:
Proper fertilization for lawn. This disease occurs particularly on turf which is deficient in nitrogen. Aeration will remove excessive thatch, which harbors the fungi.
Treatment:
For severe outbreaks, it may be necessary to combine a fungicide with the other practices listed. Contact Pro Care's customer service department or your county cooperative extension agent for recommendations.
The Pro-Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call us if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.
Signs and Symptoms:
Dollar spot appears as a straw-colored, somewhat circular area about six inches in diameter. These spots may overlap to give the diseased turf a drought-stricken appearance. Dollar spot is most evident by the "cobweb" fungi growth in the affected lawn areas on mornings when dew is present. Though these may be confused with spider webs, the "cobweb" fungi growth is three dimensional among the grass blades, while spider webs are in a single plane. At the margin of the affected area, grass blades will have bleached-white to tan girdling lesions with a dark-purple border.
Cultural Practices for Control:
Seed or sod with dollar spot-resistant cultivars.
Avoid light, frequent watering.
Avoid watering during evening hours.
Mow the lawn at a height of 2" to 3" and at a frequency that removes no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.
Remove dew in the morning by dragging a garden hose over the wet grass or by watering the lawn just enough to remove dew.
Pro Care Practices for Control:
Proper fertilization for lawn. This disease occurs particularly on turf which is deficient in nitrogen. Aeration will remove excessive thatch, which harbors the fungi.
Treatment:
For severe outbreaks, it may be necessary to combine a fungicide with the other practices listed. Contact Pro Care's customer service department or your county cooperative extension agent for recommendations.
The Pro-Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call us if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.