Take-all root rot
Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis
A warm-season root-rotting disease that thins turf into yellow, irregular patches — common on stressed St. Augustinegrass and bermudagrass.
Identification
Circular to irregular yellow-to-light-brown thinning patches from ~15 cm to 1 m. Roots are short, dark, and brittle with greatly reduced density; the foliar yellowing reflects the root damage below.
Symptoms
Yellow to light-brown thinning patches. Short, dark, brittle roots with reduced density. Chlorosis and decline during heat/drought stress
Signs
Circular to irregular yellow-to-light-brown thinning patches from ~15 cm to 1 m. Roots are short, dark, and brittle with greatly reduced density; the foliar yellowing reflects the root damage below.
Biology
Take-all root rot is caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis, a soilborne root pathogen that infects turfgrass roots and reduces water and nutrient uptake, leading to decline during stress.
Epidemiology
High rainfall and prolonged wet soils on stressed turf; high soil pH aggravates it. Infection occurs in warm, wet periods with symptoms appearing under summer stress.
Favorable Conditions
High rainfall and prolonged wet soils on stressed turf; high soil pH aggravates it. Infection occurs in warm, wet periods with symptoms appearing under summer stress.
Cultural Management
Keep soil pH ~5.5-6.0 , avoid liming and use acidifying nitrogen sources. Provide adequate potassium and magnesium; avoid excess nitrogen. Irrigate deeply but infrequently and improve drainage to avoid prolonged wetness
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.