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Spring Dead Spot
Ophiosphaerella korrae and Ophiosphaerella herpotricha
Spring Dead Spot is a lawn disease that commonly affects Bermudagrass in the southern parts of the United States. Caused by various lawn fungi, damage typically occurs from spring through early summer.
Identify
Root
Spring Dead Spot is notorious for its bleached, straw-colored circular patches and spots in your lawn that can reach several feet in diameter. Grass may also experience blackened roots. Yards infected with this lawn disease will be symptomatic as grass emerges from dormancy in the late spring.There are many different types of lawn fungi that can cause Spring Dead Spot.
Life Cycle
A Spring Dead Spot infection can occur only if all of the following conditions are present: 1. Pathogen: Various lawn fungi in the Ophiosphaerella genus 2. Host: Bermudagrass 3. Environment: Cool, wet soils with poor drainage and temperatures less than 60°F
Control
Because you can't change your environment, the best way to control Spring Dead Spot is to create conditions that will foster a healthy lawn. Not only will this make your yard unfavorable for Spring Dead Spot growth, but it will also lower your risk of extensive damage should the lawn disease develop—plus you'll have the type of lawn you'll want to live on. For Spring Dead Spot control and lawn fungus treatment, TruGreen® recommends the following cultural control tips: • Too much nitrogen late in the season may increase the severity of an infection • Apply moderate to high levels of phosphorous, potash and micronutrients • Increase the drainage of the lawn, and reduce the amount of thatch with core aeration • Convert to hybrid varieties of Bermudagrass
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