Cause A fungus, Septoria sp., that survives unfavorable weather in winter and summer as mycelium and fruiting bodies (pycnidia) in infected plants and debris. In cool rain, spores in pycnidia ooze out and are splashed by water or carried on equipment to healthy plants. The fungus thrives in cool, moist weather. Undernourished, unmowed, or long turf suffers increased damage. Many grasses are affected. Extensive damage is not commonly observed.
Symptoms Spots usually develop near leaf tips. They are gray or gray-green before fading to a pale yellow and eventually whitish gray. They can be up to 1 inch or more long. Very small brown or black fruiting bodies (pycnidia) of the fungus are scattered in the dead area. The overall final appearance is a mass of burned leaf tips.
Cultural control
- Follow recommendations for Lawn and Turf-Leaf Spot.
- Plant disease-tolerant cultivars such as Glade, Rugby, Galaxy, Bonnieblue, A-34, and Sydsport. These cultivars are not completely resistant, so plant them in mixtures of two or more.