Symptoms
Leaf spot and melting out are common diseases in bluegrasses and bermudagrasses caused by species of Drechslera and Bipolaris (formerly known as Helminthosporium). In the bluegrasses, this disease is most active during warm and humid weather. In bermudagrasses, most damage occurs during cool and wet periods in the fall and spring, especially during periods of prolonged cloud cover. Leaf spot symptoms are expressed in the early stages of the disease, but if left uncontrolled, the pathogen may progress into the basal portions of the plant to cause ‘melting out’. Leaf spot symptoms initially appear as small, brown or black spots or flecks on the leaves or sheaths. As the lesions expand, the center of the lesions becomes tan with a dark brown or black border. The lesions may also be surrounded by a yellow halo. As the lesions expand, they coalesce and cause dieback of entire leaves or plants. Melting out symptoms appear as a reddish- brown rotting of the sheaths, crowns, rhizomes, or stolons which initially leads to wilting, yellowing, or death of the foliage. Symptoms of leaf spot and melting out appear in irregular patterns, although localized ‘hot spots’ may be more severely damaged than others.
Development Factors
Leaf spot / melting out is one of several Helminthosporium diseases which survive in thatch during periods that are unfavorable for disease development. These fungi are most active during periods of cool (60-65°F) and wet weather, but some are able to cause disease whenever temperatures are above freezing.
Leaf spot/melting out is most severe on turf that is growing slowly due to adverse weather conditions or improper management practices. Shaded areas with little or no air movement result in weak turf and extended periods of leaf wetness that favor disease development. Deficient or excessive nitrogen, excessive thatch, extended periods of leaf wetness, drought stress, and low mowing heights are factors that encourage the development of Helminthosporium diseases. These fungi may spread to the crowns and roots and cause melting out, which is most severe during periods of hot weather.
Certain cultivars of turfgrasses are very susceptible to injury from Helminthosporium diseases while many of the newly released cultivars have exhibited good resistance.
Cultural Control
Use turfgrass cultivars with resistance to this disease when available. Planting resistant cultivars is one of the most effective and economical ways to manage leaf spot and melting out. Refer to the results of cultivar evaluation trials operated by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program or local Universities for cultivars with leaf spot resistance that perform well in your area. If planting cool-season turf, use blends and mixtures of multiple species and / or varieties when possible.
Fertilize to meet the nutritional needs of the turf but avoid over-stimulation and the development of lush, succulent growth. Do not apply more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in a single application. Mowing heights and frequencies should be within the recommended range for the turfgrass species being managed. Keep the mower blades sharp to prevent open wounds through which the fungus can enter.
Reduce extended periods of leaf wetness by watering deeply but infrequently to wet the entire root zone. Use the Turf Irrigation Management System available on TurfFiles to schedule irrigation based on weather conditions and turf needs. Do not irrigate just before sunset or after sunrise, because this will extend the leaf wetness period which favors disease development. Remove unwanted vegetation that impedes air movement and prune trees to allow for light penetration. Power rake or dethatch to remove excessive thatch and reduce the potential for pathogen survival. Regular aerification and topdressing of golf greens is also necessary to reduce thatch buildup.
Chemical Control
Leaf spot can be controlled on a preventative or curative basis. However, applications are most effective when made in the early stages of development. Once the disease reaches the melting out stage, fungicide may not cure infected plants but will help reduce further spread of the disease. Susceptible turfs should be monitored frequently for signs of disease activity during periods of cool and wet weather.
* Products marked with an asterisk are not labeled for home lawn use.
| Fungicide and Formulation1 | Amount of Formulation2 | Application Interval (Days)3 | Efficacy Rating | Resistance Risk | FRAC Code4 |
| azoxystrobin (Heritage) WG TL G |
0.2 to 0.4 1 to 2 2 to 4 lbs |
14 to 21 14 to 21 14 to 21 |
++++ | Medium | 11 |
| azoxystrobin + acibenzolar-S-methyl (Heritage Action)* | 0.2 to 0.4 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 11/P01 |
| azoxystrobin + chlorothalonil (Renown)* | 2.5 to 4.5 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 11/M5 |
| azoxystrobin + difenoconazole (Briskway)* | 0.5 to 1.2 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 11/3 |
| azoxystrobin + propiconazole (Headway) EC G |
1.5 to 3 2 to 4 lbs |
14 to 21 14 to 21 |
++++ | Medium | 11/3 |
| azoxystrobin + tebuconazole (Strobe T)* | 0.75 to 1.5 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 11/3 |
|
benzovindiflupyr + difenoconazole (Ascernity)* |
1.0 | 14 | ++++ | Medium | 7/3 |
|
boscalid + chlorothalonil (Encartis)* |
3 to 4 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 7/M5 |
| chlorothalonil (Daconil Ultrex)* | 1.8 1.8 to 3.25 3.7 to 5 |
7 to 10 7 to 21 14 |
++++ | Low | M5 |
| chlorothalonil (Daconil Weather Stik)* | 2 2 to 3.6 4 to 5.5 |
7 to 10 7 to 21 14 |
++++ | Low | M5 |
| chlorothalonil (Daconil Zn)* | 3 3 to 5 6 to 8 |
7 to 10 7 to 21 14 |
++++ | Low | M5 |
| chlorothalonil + acibenzolar-S-methyl (Daconil Action)* | 2 to 3.5 4 to 5.4 |
7 to 21 14 |
++++ | Low | M5/P01 |
| chlorothalonil + fluoxastrobin (Fame C)* | 3 to 5.9 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | M5/11 |
| chlorothalonil + propiconazole (Concert)* | 3 to 5.5 5.5 to 8.5 |
7 to 14 14 to 21 |
++++ | Low | M5/3 |
| chlorothalonil + propiconazole + fludioxonil (Instrata)* | 2.75 to 6 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Low | M5/3/12 |
| chlorothalonil + thiophanate-methyl (Spectro)* | 3.72 to 5.76 | 7 to 14 | ++++ | Medium | M5/1 |
|
cyazofamid + azoxystrobin (Union) |
2.9 to 5.75 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 21/11 |
| fluazinam (Secure)* | 0.5 | 14 | ++++ | Low | 29 |
| fluazinam + acibenzolar-S-methyl (Secure Action)* | 0.5 | 14 | ++++ | Low | 29/P01 |
| fluazinam + tebuconazole (Traction)* | 1.3 | 14 | ++++ | Low | 29/3 |
|
fluindapyr + flutriafol (Kalida) |
0.25 to 0.4 | 14 to 21 | +++ | Medium | 7/3 |
| fluoxastrobin (Fame) | 0.18 to 0.36 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 11 |
| fluoxastrobin + tebuconazole (Fame T)* | 0.45 to 0.9 | 21 to 28 | ++++ | Medium | 11/3 |
| iprodione (26GT)* | 3 to 4 | 14 to 28 | +++ | Medium | 2 |
| iprodione + thiophanate-methyl (26/36)* | 2 to 4 |
14 to 21 |
+++ | Medium | 2/1 |
| iprodione + trifloxystrobin (Interface)* | 3 to 5 | refer to label | ++++ | Medium | 2/11 |
| mancozeb (Fore)* (Dithane)* |
4 4 |
10 to 14 10 |
++++ | Low | M3 |
| mefentrifluconazole + pyraclostrobin (Navicon)* | 0.7 to 0.85 | 14 to 28 | ++++ | Medium | 3/11 |
| myclobutanil (Eagle) | 1.2 | 14 | + | Medium | 3 |
| penthiopyrad (Velista) | 0.3 to 0.5 | 14 | +++ | Medium | 7 |
| propiconazole (Banner MAXX) | 1 to 2 | 14 | ++ | Medium | 3 |
|
pydiflumetofen + azoxystrobin + propiconazole (Posterity Forte)* |
0.63 to 0.84 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 7/11/3 |
|
pydiflumetofen + azoxystrobin + propiconazole (Posterity XT)* |
1.5 to 3 | 14 to 21 | ++++ | Medium | 7/11/3 |
| pyraclostrobin (Insignia) WG SC |
0.5 to 0.9 0.4 to 0.7 |
14 to 28 14 to 28 |
++++ | Medium | 11 |
| pyraclostrobin + boscalid (Honor)* | 0.55 to 1.1 | 14 to 28 | ++++ | Medium | 11/7 |
| pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad (Lexicon Intrinsic) | 0.34 to 0.47 | 14 to 28 | ++++ | Medium | 11/7 |
| trifloxystrobin + triadimefon (Armada) (Tartan)* |
0.6 to 1.5 1 to 2 |
14 to 28 14 to 28 |
++ | Medium | 11/3 |
| triticonazole (Trinity) |
0.5 to 1 |
14 to 28 |
++ | Medium | 3 |
| 1 Other trade names with the same active ingredients are labeled for use on turfgrasses and can be used according to label directions. 2 Units are oz, fl oz, or lb depending on formulation. Apply fungicides in 2 to 5 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet according to label directions. Use lower rates for preventive and higher rates for curative applications. 3 Use shorter intervals when conditions are very favorable for disease. 4 Fungicide Resistance Action Committe code. Products with same code have the same mode of action and are in the same chemical class. * Products marked with an asterisk are not labeled for home lawn use. |
|||||
| Efficacy Rating ++++ = excellent control when conditions are highly favorable for disease development +++ = good control when disease pressure is high, excellent control when disease pressure is moderate ++ = good control when disease pressure is moderate, excellent control when disease pressure is low + = good control when disease pressure is low ? = not rated due to insufficient data |
|||||
| Resistance Risk Low = Rotate to different chemical class after 3-4 applications; tank mixing not necessary Medium = Rotate to different chemical class after 1-2 applications; tank-mixing with low or medium risk product recommended High = Rotate to different chemical class after EVERY application; tank-mix with low or medium risk product for EVERY application ? = not rated due to insufficient data |
|||||
Species Data
- HOST SPECIES
- bluegrasses, bermudagrass
- MONTHS WITH SYMPTOMS
- March to June, Sept to November
- STAND SYMPTOMS
- irregular distribution across turf stand
- FOLIAR SYMPTOMS LOCATION / SHAPE
- oval leaf spots
- FOLIAR SYMPTOMS COLOR
- yellow, tan, brown
- ROOT / CROWN SYMPTOMS
- none
- FUNGAL SIGNS
- none
Figure 9. Leaf spot.
Figure 10. Leaf spot.
Figure 11. Leaf spot.
Figure 12. Leaf spot.
Figure 13. Leaf spot.
Figure 14. Leaf spot.
Figure 15. Leaf spot.
Figure 16. Leaf spot.
Figure 17. Leaf spot.
Figure 18. Leaf spot.
Figure 19. Leaf spot.
Figure 20. Leaf spot.
Figure 21. Leaf spot.
Figure 22. Leaf spot.
Figure 23. Leaf spot.
Figure 24. Leaf spot.
Figure 25. Leaf spot.
Figure 26. Leaf spot.
Figure 27. Leaf spot.
Figure 28. Leaf spot.
Figure 29. Leaf spot.
Figure 30. Leaf spot.
Figure 31. Leaf spot.
Figure 32. Leaf spot.
Figure 33. Leaf spot.
Figure 34. Leaf spot.
Figure 35. Leaf spot.
Figure 37. Leaf spot.
Figure 38.Leaf spot.
Figure 39. Leaf spot.
Figure 41. Leaf spot.
Figure 42. Leaf spot.
Figure 43. Leaf spot.
Publication date: Nov. 15, 2017
Revised: Dec. 16, 2019
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.