Anthracnose hits at different times. Be ready with different solutions.
Anthracnose is a common fungal disease (Colletotrichum graminicola) that often infects annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass and other turfgrass species. Anthracnose strikes in warm or cool weather with different symptoms. In summer, it typically appears as foliar damage in irregularly shaped patches with reddish-brown, tan or yellow discoloration. The patches may range from an inch to several feet in diameter.
 Anthracnose in cool, wet weather develops as a basal rot at the stems of individual plants, usually as grayish-tan clusters scattered throughout the turf. Eventually the leaves turn yellow and brown, and then die.
Anthracnose is worsened by stress conditions, including excessive heat, drought, nutrient deficiencies or soil compaction. Anthracnose severity can also increase with more frequent mowing and lower heights of cut, possibly because of added stress to the root mass and wounding of susceptible blades.
Untreated anthracnose can cause serious damage to the turf stand, but fortunately you have many effective options for prevention and control:
- Use adequate water and nutrition: Promoting healthy turf fights anthracnose, especially in hot weather. Irrigate early in the morning, as deeply and infrequently as possible, and syringe vulnerable turf during the heat of the day to relieve stress. Avoid deficiencies of potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen, but be mindful of application rates because excessive nitrogen can also cause problems.
- Let your turf breathe: Reduce compaction on greens by changing pin placement regularly to redirect traffic, and aerate the turf more often. It also helps to raise mowing heights, even just slightly.
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TURF DISEASES
Anthracnose
Dollar Spot
Snow Mold
Spring Dead Spot
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