Curvularia blight (fading-out)
Curvularia spp.
A heat- and stress-driven root/crown rot and leaf blight that fades turf into mottled green, then irregular reddish-brown dead patches.
Identification
Yellowed or dappled (mottled) green patches that “fade out,” later forming irregular reddish-brown dead spots 5–8 cm across that can merge into areas 30 cm or more wide. Usually a secondary/stress pathogen on already-weakened turf, with leaf-tip dieback.
Symptoms
Mottled green-to-yellow "fading" patches. Irregular reddish-brown dead spots that coalesce. Leaf-tip dieback on heat/drought-stressed turf
Signs
Yellowed or dappled (mottled) green patches that "fade out," later forming irregular reddish-brown dead spots 5-8 cm across that can merge into areas 30 cm or more wide. Usually a secondary/stress pathogen on already-weakened turf, with leaf-tip dieback.
Biology
Curvularia blight is caused by Curvularia species, which commonly behave as opportunistic or secondary foliar pathogens on turf weakened by heat, drought, low fertility, shade, thatch, compaction, or poor drainage.
Epidemiology
Hot weather (≥29°C) and high humidity on turf stressed by drought, low fertility, thatch, compaction, shade, or poor drainage.
Favorable Conditions
Hot weather (≥29°C) and high humidity on turf stressed by drought, low fertility, thatch, compaction, shade, or poor drainage.
Cultural Management
Reduce stress , irrigate to ET, avoiding both drought and waterlogging. Maintain moderate, balanced fertility and the highest practical mowing height. Manage thatch, relieve compaction, and improve drainage/air movement
Further Reading
University extension resources — open in a new tab.
Related Reports
No published reports yet for this pest.
Reports will appear here as they are peer-reviewed and published.