Spring dead spot is a serious disease affecting which type of grass?

Spring dead spot is primarily a disease that affects Bermudagrass, which is one of the most common warm-season turf grasses. This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens, particularly fungi such as Ophiosphaerella spp. During the spring, as temperatures begin to warm, the symptoms of this disease appear, leading to circular patches of dead grass that can significantly impact the aesthetic and functional qualities of a Bermudagrass lawn or turf.

The characteristics of Bermudagrass, including its growth habits and environmental conditions where it is commonly planted, make it particularly susceptible to spring dead spot. Understanding this relationship aids turf managers in developing effective strategies for disease management, including proper cultural practices, timely fungicide applications, and maintaining ideal growing conditions to mitigate the effects of this pathogenic threat.