Spot It and Stop It: Brown Patch

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Brown patch Photo Credit : William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org 

Brown patch, one of the most common lawn and turf diseases, can appear suddenly and spread rapidly, making quick identification critical to successful treatment and containment.

How to Spot Brown Patch

First, understand the conditions that are conducive to brown patch development. Hot, humid weather, excessive rainfall or irrigation, or any other conditions that keep the grass damp for days can promote brown patch infections.

And while the visible symptoms of brown patch may indicate other common turf diseases, there are several telltale signs:

  • Roughly circular spots in the lawn, yellowish to brown in color
  • Spots may range from a few inches to several feet in diameter
  • Spots may have rings of dying grass at the edges; these rings may be vaguely purple in color
  • Individual blades of grass in infected areas may show white or gray fungal growth

 

How to Stop Brown Patch

Unfortunately, once you see brown patch, the infection is likely well-established. The best offense is a good defense; preventive measures may be more cost-efficient than curative treatments.

  • Seed lawns with disease-tolerant varieties. Brown patch loves cool-season grasses like tall fescue and ryegrass, but can also infect zoysia, bermudagrass and other warm-season grasses.
  • Avoid overwatering. Time your watering to ensure the grass will dry during the day. Ensure the turf is well-drained. Lawn care providers and homeowners may consider aerating lawns yearly to ensure a good flow of water and air.
  • Avoid overfertilizing. Be especially cautious about applying nitrogen during hot, humid conditions. While the grass may appreciate the nitrogen, brown patch will appreciate the growing grass!
  • Treat infected areas with an appropriate fungicide. If brown patch has become established, consider the application of a fungicide such as Floxcorfungicide. Floxcor fungicide is a powerful strobilurin fungicide that’s quickly taken up by growing grass and is rainfast in only 15 minutes, making it perfect for control of brown patch and other common turf diseases. For heavy infestations or for expanded control of most major soil and foliar diseases, consider mixing or rotating Floxcor fungicide with Eagle® 20EW fungicide.

While brown patch is unsightly and can be irritatingly persistent, prevention and control are fairly straightforward. For more information on control of brown patch and other turf diseases and weeds, contact your local Corteva Agriscience representative.

State restrictions on the sale and use of Eagle® 20EW apply. Floxcor is not for sale or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York. Other state restrictions on the sale and use of Floxcor apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.

 

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