Fusarium

Garden Problems , Lawn Problems

Fusarium is a fungal disease of lawns. It causes grass leaves to loose colour, brown and die. Fusarium patches are circular and can grow to 50 cm in diameter.

Identify the problem
Fusarium patch usually appears in orange/brown circular spots up to 50 cm in diameter. Spots will quickly increase in size under favourable conditions for the disease. They are quite noticeable during periods of early morning dew. During long periods of damp weather a pink ring of mycelium can be seen around the infected area of lawn or turf.
Snow mould is a form that is often found after snow thaw and can be identified by a pink tinge to the edge of the dead patch caused by red spores.
Warm and humid conditions in autumn encourage fusarium.
How to solve the problem
- Treat with LawnPro Fungus Control.
- LawnPro Mossclear can also be used to control fusarium in lawns. It will kill the spores of the fungus and prevent spread. Spray for control of red thread, mould, mildew, brown patch, smuts and other fungal diseases. Note: Fungal disease on lawns is exacerbated by stress caused by draught, poor drainage, low soil fertility, soil pH and excessively low cutting.
- So as well as treating with LawnPro Fungus Control and/or LawnPro Mossclear add fertiliser such as LawnPro Lawn Thickner, improve drainage if over wet, water if over dry, adjust soil pH to 6.5-7.0 and raise the cutting height of your lawn mower.
- Once cured apply LawnPro Smart Patch Mix to repair the affected patches of lawn.
Did you know?
- Fusarium disease is caused by a variety of fungi and infects more than just turf grasses. The turf grass species are Fusarium roseum and Fusarium tricinctum.
Helpful tips
- Do not apply high nitrogen fertilisers in autumn.
- Application of potash can help strengthen grasses against disease.
- Download the Kiwicare Lawn Maintenance Calendar