The following key is patterned after Shurtleff (1987) in “Controlling Turfgrass Pests” but has been adapted to turfgrass diseases common in Massachusetts. The four sections include COLD, COOL/WARM, and HOT temperature diseases as well as problems not generally related to temperature.

Technical terminology has been minimized. The word “mycelium” (or hyphae) refers to the web-like growth of fungi on turf when wet. “Black specks” are the spore containers produced by a few of the disease causing fungi. “Sclerotia” are dark, pinhead-sized or slightly larger masses of mycelium that some fungi produce as survival structures.

How to use this key

Decide first the temperature when symptoms first appeared. Then read the subsections to decide which best describes the problem. Symptoms of diseases are often quite different on lawns than on highly maintained, low-mown turf such as putting greens. The most common diseases are indicated by a star (★).The diagnosis of turf diseases can be difficult even in the laboratory. Use this key only as a general guide. For information about disease diagnostic services available from UMass, refer to the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab at ag.umass.edu/services/plant-diagnostics-laboratory.

Section I. Cold Weather (32–45°F) Diseases and Disorders A. Irregular patterns or streaks in turf. Bleached or dead grass, especially in wind-swept areas free of snow with deeply frozen soil. WINTER DESICCATION New leaves killed back, often in yellow to white patches following freezing temperatures. SPRING FROST B. Turf killed (rotted or straw-colored) in wettest areas. May follow drainage patterns. WATER AND ICE DAMAGE Distinct circular patches of dead grass from 1” to 3” across. Wet grass is often covered with white to bright pink mycelium; NO sclerotia present. « MICRODOCHIUM PATCH (PINK SNOW MOLD) Wet grass covered with white to gray or bluish-gray lint-like mycelium; small yellow to dark brown or reddish sclerotia often present in or on grass leaves. « TYPHULA BLIGHT (GRAY OR SPECKLED SNOW MOLD) Section II. Cool-to-Warm Weather (45–75°F) Diseases A. Circular patches or rings in turf after grass greens up in spring. Yellow patches or “tufts” usually less than 1” across. Plants easily pulled from turf. DOWNY MILDEW (YELLOW TUFT) Sunken, straw-colored patches, 1” to 6” across. May be covered with dense white mycelium in moist weather. Whitish tan leaf spots with brown, reddish brown or purplish borders. ★ DOLLAR SPOT Turf wilted, killed, rotted or straw-colored. Often in poorly drained areas. PYTHIUM ROOT ROT Leaves yellowing and wilting; tiny black, spiny fungal hairs in tufts may be evident with a hand lens. ★ ANTHRACNOSE (CROWN/BASAL ROT) Patches from 1” to 3’ across. A prolonged cool rain commonly following melting snow. Wet grass is often covered with white to bright pink mycelium or may be greasy to coppery in color. ★ MICRODOCHIUM PATCH (PINK SNOW MOLD) Patches usually with green centers. Yellow to straw colored, sunken in high cut turf. Wet grass not covered with mycelium. ★ YELLOW PATCH (COOL WEATHER BROWN PATCH) Initially yellow, then reddish brown or bronzed, and finally sunken, tan rings. Centers often invaded by weeds. Most commonly found in cool, moist, coastal areas; most common in bentgrass. « TAKE-ALL PATCH Patches, rings, arcs, “frog-eyes” about 6” to 8” across, enlarging later. Most common in Kentucky bluegrass sod two to four years old and annual bluegrass. ★ NECROTIC RING SPOT Rings or arcs up to 15’ or more across; often with outer ring of dark green grass; may be mushrooms in rings; often dead turf on highly managed areas in golf course. ★ FAIRY RING B. Irregular patterns (usually) in turf. Colored fungus or spores on leaf surfaces; leaf spots not usually evident. White to gray powdery mycelium and spores on leaf surfaces; found mostly in shade. ★ POWDERY MILDEW Gray to black streaks of black powdery spores in leaves; leaves shred into ribbons and curl. Grass may later die in irregular patches or a general thinning; usually in turf three or more years old. LEAF SMUTS Pink to reddish and mycelium flecks on leaves; red thread-like growths beyond leaf tips; appears tan in patches; most common in low nitrogen turf. ★ RED THREAD/PINK PATCH Bright yellow, orange, or reddish-brown pustules of powdery spores on leaf blades; mostly late summer, usually on slow growing and low fertility turf. ★ RUSTS Slimy, superficial whitish gray to yellow fungus-like material in the early stages; turns powdery later. SLIME MOLDS Irregular patches of turf lacking distinct fungal signs. Increased leaf senescing on annual bluegrass (indicated by tan patches) or purpling of bentgrass on putting green height turf. Turf may also be off-color, thin or slow-growing in variably-sized patches. PYTHIUM ROOT DYSFUNCTION Leaves distinctly spotted or with tip blight. Oval to eye-shaped, dark-bordered spots. In warm weather, turf may look thin and weak (melting-out). ★ LEAF SPOTS AND BLIGHTS/MELTING OUT Section III. Hot Weather (over 75°F) Diseases Occur from late spring to late summer. Possibilities from previous sections Circular patterns in turf: Dollar Spot Necrotic Ring Spot Irregular Areas: Rusts Slime Molds A. Circular patterns in turf. Straw colored patches often 6” to 8” across, but can be larger; centers often remain green. Most common on Kentucky bluegrass sod two to four years old and in annual bluegrass. Symptoms often appear in hot weather after heavy rains. Symptoms identical to necrotic ring spot. ★ SUMMER PATCH Patches up to 2’ to 3’ across; light brown; grass blades usually not matted. Patches appear during wet periods. Gray mycelium may be visible in moist conditions; most common on bentgrass greens (look for “smoke ring”) and tall fescue lawns (distinct tan or chocolate brown lesions on leaf blades). ★ BROWN PATCH Tan leaf spots without darker borders. Grass leaves matted and slimy. Copious amounts of dense gray/white mycelium in moist weather. ★ PYTHIUM BLIGHT Yellow/golden brown rings (3” to 12” in diameter) on annual bluegrass putting greens. Rare on creeping bentgrass. Rings may have scalloped appearance and enlarge over time. BROWN RING PATCH (WAITEA PATCH) Circular patches (1” to 2” diameter). Tan dead tissues with reddish-brown borders on young, sand-based bentgrass putting greens. BENTGRASS DEAD SPOT Circular copper or salmon colored patches less than 3” in diameter, during humid weather. Most common on golf course putting greens. COPPER SPOT B. Irregular patterns of weak, thin, dormant or dead grass. Large areas appear dry, then wilt, and turn brown. Turf is yellowish, then reddish brown. Leaves spotted to blighted. Tiny black, spiny fungal hairs in tufts on blades evident with hand lens. Most common in compacted, stressed turf. Most common on annual bluegrass golf course putting greens. ★ ANTHRACNOSE (CROWN/BASAL ROT) Oval or eye-shaped leaf spots with dark margins, mostly on Kentucky bluegrass. « LEAF SPOTS/BLIGHTS/MELTING OUT Irregular gray to brown leaf spots with dark margins and yellow halo. Mostly on perennial ryegrass and tall fescue. GRAY LEAF SPOT Recently seeded areas have irregular, empty areas due to poor germination. Dying and dead seedlings have dark or black coloration. DAMPING-OFF, SEED ROT Irregularly thinning turf, soil surface with has green or black coating that is slimy to the touch. ALGAE Irregularly thinning turf, soil surface has a thick, silvery green mat. MOSSES Section IV. Other Causes of Poor Turf Usually Independent of Temperature. A. Turf gradually becomes pale green to golden yellow and grows slowly; stand often thins out. Definite leaf lesions or mottling present. AIR or SOIL POLLUTION Yellow streaks may form parallel to the leaf veins. IRON or NITROGEN DEFICIENCY B. Turf suddenly appears scorched. Usually in patches, bands or streaks. CHEMICAL BURN or MOWER BURN Bands, streaks, or irregular patterns; grass is stimulated at margins. FERTILIZER BURN Ring of dark green grass at margins; patches up to about 1’ across. DOG INJURY Entire turf area or patches over slight elevations or mowing corners are yellow to brown. SCALPING INJURY Leaf tips are shredded; appear gray, then tan. DULL MOWER INJURY C. Round to irregular patches of dead or dormant grass; often follows dry periods. BURIED DEBRIS, INSECT INJURY or THICK THATCH D. Turf bare or thinned; often in traffic areas, dense shade, waterlogged soil, etc. Greenish to brown scum that later forms a black crust. ALGAE Small green plants that grow on soil in slight mounds. MOSS Soil hard in heavily tracked paths, under swings, etc. COMPACTION E. Turf dry, bluish green (footprints visible), wilts may later turn brown. DROUGHT, WILT or IMPROPER WATERING

 

Though it can be challenging to maintain intensively-managed turfgrass without fungicides, good cultural practices will reduce the need for fungicide applications and make necessary applications more effective. In fact, effective and well-timed cultural practices may minimize or eliminate the need for fungicide applications in lawns and other less intensely maintained turfgrass areas.

Starting right 


Prepare the site well. Remove stumps, construction materials and other debris. Improve drainage where necessary, and fill in low areas. Test soil pH and adjust to 6.0 to 7.0 if required. Break up soil clumps to provide a uniform area for seed or sod.

Choose seed or sod carefully (see Turfgrass Selection: Species and Cultivars). Inspect sod for diseases or other problems. Choose high quality, pathogen-free seed. Many disease resistant cultivars are now available and should be included in blends and mixtures. Genetic variability in turfgrasses will reduce the chance for epidemics that kill or damage large areas of turf.

General landscaping decisions can have significant impacts on turf health. Pruning of tree branches may increase light penetration to allow better turfgrass growth. Trees, shrubs, and other plantings should be placed to allow good air circulation, so turf will dry quickly after rain or dew. In very shady areas, shade-tolerant turfgrass cultivars or other groundcovers should be planted.

Seed should be planted only in well prepared soil with good drainage when temperatures stay in the range to allow rapid germination and establishment. Keep soil and seed moist, but do not over-water.

Routine Care

Fertilizers - Apply according to current recommendations and based on a soil test. Excess nitrogen will cause succulent growth that is more susceptible to disease. Avoid nitrogen applications (especially water soluble/quick-release fertilizers) during leaf spot season early in spring, during hot, humid weather, and just before dormancy in fall, which may leave turf more susceptible to snow molds and winter injury. Be sure, however, to meet the minimum nitrogen requirement for the turfgrass species and use as some diseases (e.g. red thread, rusts, and dollar spot) are encouraged when nitrogen is deficient.

Herbicides - Herbicides can stress turfgrasses and make them more susceptible to diseases. Apply carefully according to label directions and with attention to environmental conditions.

Some herbicides may have fungistatic effect and provide some degree of disease control. Noting fungistatic occurrences may be useful for reducing the amount of fungicide applied, by applying fungicides in combination with fungistatic herbicides.

Liming - Adjust pH according to soil test recommendations. Disease occurrence may increase at pH extremes (too high or too low). Lime applied late in autumn can increase Microdochium patch (pink snow mold) incidence and high pH can predipose turf to take-all patch infection during the spring. 



Mowing - Mowing wounds turfgrasses and can spread pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Minimize wounding and shredding of grass blades by keeping mower blades sharp and adjusted properly. If possible, mow when the turf is dry. Mow as high as possible for species and the turf use, using the maximum mowing height in hot weather. Avoid mowing more than one-third of the total height at each cutting to reduce stress to the root system. Mowing in autumn until turf stops growing can help to reduce damage from snow molds.

Watering - Water is necessary for good plant growth, but too much water floods open spaces in the soil, depriving roots of oxygen. Disease-causing fungi reproduce by spores that, like seeds, need water to germinate and infect turf. Dry turfgrass blades reduce disease by reducing infection. Deep and infrequent watering is strongly preferred to shallow, frequent watering to minimize leaf wetness and to encourage an extensive root system. Every effort should be made to not extend the duration of time blades are wet from dew or irrigation. Do not water in late afternoon or early evening. Night irrigation after dew appears may help conserve water, but is not recommended on hot, humid nights because it can increase some diseases (Figure 2). Avoid light, frequent sprinklings (syringing) except to prevent wilting in close-cut or shallow rooted turf and during hot, dry weather. In certain situations, keeping upper soil layers moist may help to reduce the occurrence of necrotic ring spot and summer patch.

Figure 2. When NOT to water turf

 

Thatch - Thatch is mostly composed of partially decayed above- and below-ground lateral stem tissue (stolons and rhizomes). A thin layer is beneficial in most turf situations. When thatch is more than 1/2” thick, it reduces nutrient and water absorption and harbors insect pests and disease pathogens. Prevent excessive thatch formation by providing adequate fertility in combination with aeration, verticutting and topdressing when needed. Mechanical removal of thatch is disruptive and should be accomplished in spring and late summer when time and conditions will allow for sufficient turf recovery.

Compaction - Several diseases (e.g. necrotic ring spot, summer patch, or athracnose basal rot) are worse in areas with compacted soil. Core aeration can help relieve soil compaction and improve turf quality. On some sites, traffic management may also be appropriate to minimize soil compaction.

Targeted cultural practices

Some sites have a history of disease problems, while others exist in a growing environment conducive to certain diseases.  For some pathogens, targeted cultural practices can go a long way towards preventing disease occurrence, reducing severity of disease when it does occur, and promoting recovery from damage. Table 18 details cultural management strategies for some of the most common turf diseases encountered in the Northeast.

Table 18. Cultural management strategies for common turf diseases.

Disease (Pathogens)	Turfgrass Hosts*	Season	Cultural Management Strategies
Algae, Mosses	all turfgrasses	Apr – Nov	Improve fertility and drainage. Alleviate compaction. Modify shade-causing agents to increase light penetration.
Anthracnose (Crown/Basal Rot) Colletotrichum cereale	bentgrasses, annual bluegrass	Mar – Sept	Provide adequate N fertility. Avoid stress from too little or too much water and compaction. Raise mowing height.
Bentgrass Dead Spot Ophiosphaerella agrostis	bentgrasses less than 6 years old on sand-based root zones.	June – Sept	Add N. Rake out and reseed.
Brown Patch Rhizoctonia solani	all turfgrasses, tall fescue, bentgrasses, perennial ryegrass	July – Sept	In hot weather, avoid excess N and excess water. Avoid night watering. Remove dew from putting greens.
Brown Ring Patch (Waitea Patch) Waitea circinata	annual bluegrass, rough bluegrass, creeping bentgrass	Dec – July	Apply adequate N for rapid recovery from damage. Dethatch and improve drainage. Symptoms can often be masked with N or iron.
Copper Spot Gloeocercospora sorghi	bentgrasses	June – Sept	Avoid excess N. Minimize leaf wetness. Plant resistant cultivars.
Damping-off, Seed Rot several fungi including Pythium spp., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia solani	all turfgrasses	Apr – Oct	Ensure careful seedbed preparation. Use good quality seed. Maintain soil moisture but avoid overwatering.
Dollar Spot Sclerotinia homoeocarpa	all turfgrasses, bentgrasses, annual bluegrass	June – Sept	Avoid N deficiency and water stress. Minimize leaf wetness. Relieve compaction and excess thatch. Raise mowing height.
Downy Mildew (Yellow Tuft) Sclerophthora macrospora	all turfgrasses	May – Sept	Avoid excess N and excess watering. Iron sulfate may mask symptoms. Improve drainage.
Fairy Ring (various fungi)	all turfgrasses	April – Nov	Mask symptoms with N or iron. Core aerate and water. Fumigate or remove soil in severe cases.
Gray Leaf Spot Pyricularia grisea	perennial ryegrass, tall fescue	July – Nov	Avoid excess N. Minimize leaf wetness. Reduce shade, lower mowing height.
Leaf Smuts Ustilago striiformis	bentgrasses, Kentucky bluegrass	April – Nov	Avoid excess N in spring. Avoid water stress. Plant resistant cultivars. Collect clippings and discard.
Leaf Spots and Blights/ Melting Out “Helminthosporium” spp. Ascochyta, Bipolaris, Curvularia, Drechslera, Nigrospora, Septoria, Leptosphaerulina	all turfgrasses, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrasses, fine fescues	April – Oct	Avoid excess N, especially in spring. Raise mowing height. Minimize leaf wetness. Plant resistant cultivars.
Necrotic Ring Spot Ophiosphaerella korrae	Kentucky bluegrass, esp. sod (3-4 yrs old), fine fescues, annual bluegrass	June – Sept	Avoid water and fertility stress. Avoid compaction and excess thatch. Utilize slow release N sources.
Powdery Mildew Blumeria graminis	Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues	July – Sept	Reduce shade and increase air circulation. Avoid excess N.
Pythium Blight Pythium spp.	all turfgrasses, perennial ryegrass, bentgrasses	June – Aug	Avoid excess N and night watering in hot weather. Do not mow when wet or when disease is active. Improve drainage and air circulation.
Pythium Root Dysfunction Pythium volutum	creeping bentgrass	Sept – June	Avoid excess N. Improve drainage. Aerate Regularly.
Pythium Root Rot Pythium spp.	all turfgrasses, bentgrasses and annual bluegrass in sand greens	Mar – Nov	Improve drainage. Increase soil organic matter.
Red Thread Laetisaria fuciformis and Pink Patch Limonomyces roseipellis	all turfgrasses, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues	April – Oct in mild, wet weather	Avoid N deficiency, water stress, and low pH. Minimize leaf wetness. Water deeply and infrequently. Improve light penetration and air circulation.
Rusts Puccinia spp.	all turfgrasses, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass	July – Oct	Avoid N deficiency and water stress. Minimize leaf wetness. Plant resistant cultivars. Reduce thatch. Raise mowing height and collect clippings. Water deeply and infrequently.
Slime Molds various organisms	all turfgrasses	June – Sept	Mow or hose away. Fungicide applications are not necessary.
Snow Molds: Pink Snow Mold (Microdochium Patch) Microdochium nivale and Gray or Speckled Snow Mold (Typhula Blight) Typhula spp.	all turfgrasses, bentgrasses	Nov – April	Avoid lush growth in fall. Continue mowing until autumn growth ceases. Avoid prolonged snow cover; do not allow excessive piling of snow on turf and reduce drifting with placement of snow fences. Fertilize lightly in spring to promote re-growth.
Summer Patch Magnaporthe poae	fine fescues, annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass	July – Sept	Avoid water stress and overwatering. Avoid compaction. Maintain adequate fertility. Lower pH in top inch of soil. Raise mowing height. Utilize slow release forms of N. Apply 2 lb/A MnSO4 annually in spring.
Take-all Patch Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae	bentgrasses	Mar – June Sept – Nov	Avoid heavy lime applications. Lower pH in top inch of soil. Improve drainage. Apply acidifying fertilizers.
Yellow Patch (Cool Weather Brown Patch) Rhizoctonia cerealis	bentgrasses, Kentucky bluegrasses, perennial ryegrass	Nov – April	Avoid excess N. Minimize leaf wetness. Improve drainage and air circulation.
* The most susceptible turfgrass species are in bold italics.

 

At this time, many research programs are investigating biological controls for turf diseases. The two main areas of emphasis are the use of organic composts and the use of specific microbes that inhibit disease-causing fungi. There are some new commercial products for the biological control of turf diseases that consist of specific microbes, and many potential products are currently under study. Several organic composts have exhibited some suppression of certain diseases, but much more research is needed before recommendations can be made. Such composts are thought to contain microbial populations that inhibit disease-causing fungi. Different composts inhibit certain diseases but not others; other composts do not appear to suppress disease at all.

Genetic resistance can also be considered a form of biological control because certain turfgrass cultivars are resistant to or tolerant of some diseases. Selection of disease-resistant cultivars or disease-immune species is a priority in many turfgrass breeding programs. If a certain disease is a continuing problem, it can be helpful to investigate the availability of new disease-resistant cultivars that can be used for over-seeding or reestablishment of damaged areas. See Turfgrass Selection: Species and Cultivars for information on disease tolerant cultivars that are well-adapted to Massachusetts conditions.

There is little doubt that the use of biological control products and improved genetic resistance will become a more significant part of turfgrass disease management in the near future. However, these new alternatives will work best as part of an integrated disease management program that includes a strong cultural approach to reduce stress factors and minimize opportunities for infection by pathogenic fungi.

Most common turfgrass diseases are caused by fungi. Fungicides kill or inhibit the growth of fungi.

There are two general categories of fungicides:

• contact/protectant
• penetrant

Contact/protectant fungicides remain on the outside of the plant and protect the plant from new infection. They must be applied at comparatively short intervals that can range from 5 to 14 days, because the fungicides are degraded by ultraviolet light, washed from the leaf surface by irrigation or rain, or mowed away. These fungicides do not have curative activity and new growth is not protected. Thorough coverage of plant tissue is critical to successful protection. Examples of contact/protectant fungicides commonly used in turf include captan, chlorothalonil, chloroneb, etridiazole, fluazinam, fludioxonil, mancozeb, maneb, PCNB, and thiram. 


Penetrant fungicides are absorbed into plant tissue and may provide some curative action. The duration of control afforded by penetrant fungicides is often much longer than that offered by contact fungicides, and some redistribution into new tissue may occur as the plant grows. Application intervals vary, but often range from 14 to 21 days and longer. According to specific topical modes of action, penetrant/systemic fungicides can be further divided into three sub-categories:

• Localized penetrants form a protective barrier on the plant surface and permeate into the leaf in the area where deposition occurred. These fungicides have some curative activity, but do not move upward or downward inside the plant. Examples include iprodione, polyoxin D zinc, trifloxystrobin, and vinclozolin.

• Acropetal penetrants form a protective barrier on the plant, permeate into the plant, and move upward in the plant’s xylem. These fungicides have protective activity including new growth, and have good curative activity. Examples include azoxystrobin, fenarimol, mefenoxam, and triadimefon.

• Systemic penetrants form a protective barrier on the plant, permeate into the plant, move upward in the plant’s xylem, and move downward in the plant’s phloem. These fungicides have protective activity including new growth, and have good curative activity. Of the currently available penetrant/systemic fungicides, only fosetyl-Al (Aliette Signature) is truly systemic and moves both upward and downward in the plant.

Refer to Table 20 for a list of available fungicide materials and their respective topical modes of action.

Fungicide resistance

Some fungicides are site specific in their mode-of-action. This means that it takes very little genetic change on the part of a fungus for resistance to occur. Resistance may result in poor disease control, meaning that higher application rates or shorter intervals are needed to maintain healthy turf, or complete control failure. Resistance may develop suddenly or gradually depending on the fungicide involved. Once resistance has developed in a fungal population, it may last for a long time or gradually disappear if the fungicide is no longer used, depending on the fungicide and site-specific factors. Resistance is common for some diseases, but not observed for others. Fungicide resistance has been documented for anthracnose, dollar spot, Microdochium patch, gray leaf spot, and Pythium blight. 


The best strategy is to try to prevent, or at least delay, resistance. All penetrant fungicides are at risk for resistance development due to their “single-site” mode-of-action. Contact/protectant fungicides are unlikely to result in resistance because most of them have “multi-site” modes-of-action with the exception of fludioxonil (Medallion) and a few others which have a “single-site” mode-of-action. There are multiple chemical groups with different biochemical modes-of-action for broad-spectrum disease control in turfgrass that are at risk for resistance. Fungicide resistance has already been reported in five of these groups (Benzimidazole, Dicarboximide, Demethylation Inhibitor (DMI), Strobilurin (QoI) and Phenylamide). 


Table 19. Turfgrass pathogens and chemical classes with documented fungicide resistance.

Turfgrass Disease (causal agent)	Resistance to chemical classes (see Table 20)
	Benzimidazole	Dicarboximide	DMI	QoI	Phenylamide
Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale)	X		X	X
Dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa)	X	X	X
Gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea)				X
Microdochium patch/pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale)		X
Pythium blight (Pythium aphanidermatum)					X

Mix or alternate between different site-specific chemical groups or with multi-site contact/protectant fungicides, indicated by different FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) code numbers, to prevent or delay the development of resistance. Changing fungicides by brand or trade name will not prevent resistance if the active ingredient or chemical group is the same. Fungicide labels list the active ingredient(s) in smaller letters below the brand name. Be especially careful when using combination (pre-mixed) products, which may include fungicides subject to resistance prevention strategies. Tables 20-22 list fungicide materials along with their corresponding FRAC codes for ease of reference.

Guidelines to prevent or delay resistance to turf fungicides Minimize disease conditions Employ good cultural practices. Choose resistant turfgrass cultivars or species. Make proper fungicide choices Be sure of the problem. Decide if it warrants treatment. Read the label, calibrate, and apply properly. Know the material Read the label to determine the active ingredient. Is repeated use likely to lead to resistance (i.e. does it have a single-site mode-of-action)? Determine the fungicide group to which it belongs. Mix or alternate between fungicide groups with single-site mode-of-action or with contact/protectant fungicides. Do not use fungicides with the same FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) code number in combination or rotation. Make sure all pesticides being applied in tank-mixtures are compatible prior to mixing.

Table 20. Chemical classes, trade names and topical modes of action of fungicides registered for use on turf.

Common Name	FRAC 1	Group Name	Trade Name(s)	Topical mode of action 2
azoxystrobin	11	Strobilurin (QoI)	Heritage (50WG, TL, G)	Acropetal Penetrant
boscalid	7	Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor	Emerald 70EG	Acropetal Penetrant
captan	M4	Phthamlimides	Captan (50W, 50WP, 4L), Captec 4L	Contact
chloroneb	14	Aromatic Hydrocarbon	Terraneb SP, Teremec SP, Andersons Fungicide V, Proturf Fungicide V	Contact
chlorothalonil 3	M5	Chloronitrile	Andersons 5% Daconil 5G, ArmorTech (825 DF, CLT 720), Concorde SST 6F, Daconil (5G, 2787, Zn, Ultrex, WeatherStik), Echo 720F, Ensign 720, Equus 500ZN, Manicure (6FL, Ultra), Lebanon Daconil 5G, Legend, Pegasus (6L, DFX, HPX)	Contact
cyazofamid	21	Quinone inside Inhibitors (QiI)	Segway	Localized Penetrant
etridiazol (ethazole)	14	Aromatic Hydrocarbon	Koban, Terrazole 35WP, Truban	Contact
fluazinam	29	Uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation	Secure	Contact
fludioxonil	12	Phenylpyrrole	Medallion (WDG, WP)	Contact
fluoxastrobin	11	Strobilurin (QoI)	Fame 480SC	Acropetal Penetrant
flutolanil	7	Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor	ProStar 70WP, Moncut 70-DF	Acropetal Penetrant
fluxapyroxad	7	Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor	Xzemplar	Acropetal Penetrant
fosetyl-Al (Aluminum tris)	33	Phosphonate	Autograph, Chipco Aliette, Chipco Signature, Chipco Signature Xtra, Lesco Prodigy Signature, Viceroy 70DF	Systemic Penetrant
iprodione	2	Dicarboximide	Andersons Fungicide X, ArmorTech IP 233, Chipco 26 GT, Chipco 26019, Iprodione Pro, Lesco 18 Plus, Proturf Fungicide X, Raven	Localized Penetrant
isofetamid	7	Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor	Kabuto	Acropetal Penetrant
mancozeb	M3	Dithiocarbamate	Dithane 75DF, Fore Rainshield 80WP, Junction, Lesco Mancozeb DG, Lesco 4 Flowable Mancozeb, Manzate Pro-Stick 200, Protect DF, WingMan (4L, DF)	Contact
mandestrobin	11	Strobilurin (QoI)	Pinpoint	Acropetal Penetrant
maneb	M3	Dithiocarbamate	Maneb 80WP, Maneb 75DF, Pentathalon (LF, DF)	Contact
mefenoxam	4	Phenylamide	Andersons Pythium Control, Mefanoxam, Subdue MAXX	Acropetal Penetrant
metalaxyl	4	Phenylamide	Subdue 2E, Subdue GR, Subdue WSP, Apron (seed treatment), Vireo MEC	Acropetal Penetrant
metconazole	3	Demethylation Inhibitor	Tourney	Acropetal Penetrant
myclobutanil	3	Demethylation Inhibitor	Andersons Golden Eagle, Eagle 20EW, Siskin	Acropetal Penetrant
PCNB (pentachloronitrobenzene or quintozene)	14	Aromatic Hydrocarbon	Andersons FFII 15.4G, Defend 4F, Engage 75W, Fluid Fungicide II, Lesco Revere 4000 4F (10G), Parflo 4F, PCNB 12.5G, Penstar 75WP, Terraclor 400F (75WP), Turfcide 400F (10G)	Contact
penthiopyrad	7	Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor	Velista	Acropetal Penetrant
phosphite (salts)	33	Phosphonate	Appear, Alude 5.2F, Biophos, Fiata Stessguard, Fosphite, Jetphiter, Magellan, Phostrol, Reliant, ReSyst 5F, Vital 4L	Systemic Penetrant
polyoxin D zinc salt	19	Polyoxin	Endorse 2.5WP, Affirm 11.3WDG	Localized Penetrant
propamocarb	28	Carbamate	Banol 6S	Localized Penetrant
propiconazole	3	Demethylation Inhibitor	ArmorTech PPZ 143, Banner GL, Banner MAXX II, Kestrel, Lesco Spectator, Procon-Z, ProPensity, Propiconazole Pro 1.3MEC, PropiMax, Strider	Acropetal Penetrant
pyraclostrobin	11	Strobilurin (QoI)	Insignia Intrinsic SC, Insignia	Localized Penetrant
tebuconazole	3	Demethylation Inhibitor	Clearscape, Mirage Stressguard, Tebuconazole 3.6F, Torque, Skylark,	Acropetal Penetrant
thiophanate-methyl	1	Benzimidazole	Allban, Andersons Systemic Fungicide 2.3G, ArmorTech TM 462, Cleary's 3336 (F, WP, DG lite, G, GC, Pro-Pak, Plus), Fungo (Flo, 50WSB), Lesco T-Storm 2G, Systec, T-Bird (4.5L, WDG), Tee-Off 4.5F, T-Methyl SPC 50 WSB, TM (4, SF, 85WDG)	Acropetal Penetrant
thiram	M3	Dithiocarbamate	Defiant 75WDG, Thiram, Spotrete F	Contact
triadimefon	3	Demethylation Inhibitor	Accost 1G, Bayleton (50WSP, Flo), Andersons Fungicide VII 0.59G, Andersons 1% Bayleton 1G, Lebanon Bayleton 1G	Acropetal Penetrant
trifloxystrobin	11	Strobilurin (QoI)	Compass 50WDG	Localized Penetrant
triticonazole 5	3	Demethylation Inhibitor	Trinity, Chipco Triton (70WDG, Flo)	Acropetal Penetrant
vinclozolin	2	Dicarboximide	Curalan 4F, Touché EG	Localized Penetrant
1 Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) Code: fungicides with the same FRAC code have the same mode of action. M-codes indicate multi-site chemicals with low risk of resistance development. It is recommended to rotate applications by FRAC code and not to make sequential applications of fungicides with the same FRAC code. 2 See above text for information on topical mode of action. 3 Use of chlorothalonil is regulated in Massachusetts under the Public Drinking Water Supply protection regulations, see the Pesticide Regulations section of this guide for details. 4 Phosphite (salts) is also commonly referred to as phosphorus acid or phosphonate. 5 Use of triticonazole is regulated in Massachusetts under the Public Drinking Water Supply protection regulations, see the Pesticide Regulations section of this guide for details.
Updated October 2017

Table 21. Pre-mixed fungicide products registered for use on turf.

Pre-mixed Products (Common Name)	FRAC 1	Trade Name(s)
azoxystrobin + chlorothalonil 2	11 + M5	Renown
azoxystrobin + difenconazole	11 + 3	Briskway
azoxystrobin + propiconazole	11 + 3	Headway, Headway G, Contend B
Benzovindulflupyr + difenconazole	3 + 7	Contend A
chlorothalonil 2 + acibenzolar-S-methyl	M5 + P1	Daconil Action
chlorothalonil 2 + propiconazole	M5 + 3	Concert II, Echo Propiconazole Turf Fungicide
chlorothalonil 2 + tebuconazole	M5 + 3	E-Scape ETQ
chlorothalonil 2+ thiophanate-methyl	M5 + 1	Broadside, ConSyst, Peregrine, TM/C WDG, Spectro
chlorothalonil 2 + fludioxonil + propiconazole	M5 + 12 + 3	Instrata
chlorothalonil 2 + iprodione + tebuconazole + thiophanate-methyl	M5 + 3 + 3 + 1	Enclave
fluoxastrobin + chlorothalonil 2	11 + M5	Fame C
fluoxastrobin + tebuconazole	11 + 3	Fame T
fluopyram + trifloxystrobin	7 +11	Exteris
iprodione + trifloxystrobin	2 + 11	Interface Stressguard
mancozeb + copper hydroxide	M3 + M1	Junction
mancozeb + myclobutanil	M3 + 3	MANhandle
propamocarb + fluopicolide	28 + 43	Stellar
pyraclostrobin + boscalid	11 + 7	Honor
pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad	11 + 7	Lexicon
pyraclostrobin + triticonazole 3	11 + 3	Pillar G Intrinsic
thiophanate-methyl + chloroneb	1 + 14	Proturf Fungicide IX
thiophanate-methyl + flutolanil	1 + 7	SysStar
thiophanate-methyl + iprodione	1 + 2	ArmorTech TMI 20/20, 26/36 Fungicide, Dovetail, Lesco Twosome, Proturf Fluid Fungicide
thiophanate-methyl + mancozeb	1 + M3	Duosan (WP, WSB)
triadimefon + flutolanil	3 + 7	Prostar Plus
triadimefon + trifloxystrobin	3 + 11	Armada
triadimefon + trifloxystrobin + stress guard	3 + 11	Tartan Stressguard
1 Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) Code: fungicides with the same FRAC code have the same mode of action. M-codes indicate multi-site chemicals with low risk of resistance development. It is recommended to rotate applications by FRAC code and not to make sequential applications of fungicides with the same FRAC code. 2 Use of chlorothalonil is regulated in Massachusetts under the Public Drinking Water Supply protection regulation, see the Pesticide Regulations section of this guide for details. 3 Use of triticonazole is regulated in Massachusetts under the Public Drinking Water Supply protection regulations, see the Pesticide Regulations section of this guide for details.
Updated October 2017

To get the most from a fungicide application within an IPM program, it is important to proceed in an informed and intelligent manner. Keep in mind that fungal pathogens of plants are dependent on a susceptible host and specific, favorable environmental conditions in order to cause disease. Planting resistant turfgrass cultivars (see Turfgrass Selection: Species and Cultivars) and modifying the growing environment to help reduce disease will make fungicides more effective. The most important aspect of disease control is correct identification of your target pest. It is imperative to be certain of the identity of the pathogen prior to any fungicide application. If in doubt, send a turf sample to the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab (ag.umass.edu/services/plant-diagnostics-laboratory). Knowing the pathogen allows you to know which grass species are susceptible or resistant, the optimum conditions for disease development, and the sensitivity of the pathogen to specific fungicides.

If you experience reduced efficacy or complete failure from fungicide applications to control dollar spot and athracnose, the UMass Pathology Lab offers both in vitro and molecular assays to assess potential fungicide resistance in the disease population.  See the Fungicide Resistance Assay page of this web site for information.

Table 22. Commonly used turf fungicides and the diseases they are labeled to control or suppress.

Click to download Table 22