.

Pythium Blight

SEASON: Summer.

APPEARANCE: The first indication of this disease is the occurrence of irregular patches a few inches in diameter. In those areas, the grass blades appear water-soaked, soft and slimy. The blades soon wither and fade to light brown or straw color, sometimes reddish brown, particularly if the weather is sunny and windy. Then the patches join to form large damaged areas, often several feet in diameter. In the early morning, a white, cottony fungus can be seen on the blades of diseased plants.

FAVORABLE CONDITIONS: High temperatures and excess moisture.