Dollar Spot Disease Control Measures

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the recommended mowing height for Common Bermudagrass?

¾ to 1¼ inches (correct)

1½ to 2 inches

1 to 1½ inches

½ to 1 inch

Which of the following mowing practices should be avoided?

Mowing early in the morning

Removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade (correct)

Mowing regularly

Mowing with a dull blade

What contributes to the spread of Dollar Spot disease in lawns?

Frequent watering in the afternoon

Hot and humid weather (correct)

Cool and dry weather

High mowing height

How can infestations of Dollar Spot disease be managed?

By changing temperature and cultural practices Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a lawn is heavily damaged by Dollar Spot disease?

Use sod or the appropriate grass seed for repairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended mowing height for St. Augustine grass?

3 to 4 inches Signup and view all the answers

In order to effectively manage turf health, when is the best time to water?

Early morning Signup and view all the answers

To maintain a healthy lawn, what crucial mowing practice should be followed?

Keep the mowing height consistent with grass type Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the spots caused by Dollar Spot disease?

Small, round spots that resemble the size of a silver dollar Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended cultural practice to help reduce the spread of Dollar Spot disease?

Core aeration of the lawn Signup and view all the answers

Which grass types are most susceptible to Dollar Spot disease?

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass Signup and view all the answers

What fungus causes Dollar Spot disease?

Sclerotinia homoeocarpa Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal frequency for watering a lawn under normal conditions?

A few times per week for 30-45 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the conditions for Dollar Spot disease is true?

Warm, humid conditions favor its spread Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not following proper fertilization practices for lawns?

Increased risk of lawn diseases such as Dollar Spot Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using slow-release granular fertilizers for lawns?

They provide consistent nutrient release over time Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dollar Spot Disease

Fungal disease affecting lawns, particularly cool-season grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue)
Characterized by small, round, straw or tan-colored spots (similar to a silver dollar)
Spots may have reddish-brown borders
Spots can merge to form larger patches of dead/dying grass
Caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa fungus
Thrives in warm, humid conditions
Spreads via grass blades, equipment, shoes, and other lawn tools

Control Measures

Core Aeration: Improves soil drainage to reduce disease likelihood, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deeper
Fertilize Regularly: Use Weed Man's slow-release fertilizer for adequate nutrients, timing is important to avoid over-fertilizing
Watering: Water lawn regularly (30-45 minutes per zone) during hot/dry periods, watering in early morning allows turf to dry before nightfall
Mowing: Maintain regular mowing schedule with sharp blades, remove no more than ⅓ of the grass blade at any one time
Recommended Mowing Heights (specific heights for different types of grass)
- Common Bermudagrass: 3/4 to 1 1/4"
- Hybrid Bermudagrass: 1/2 to 1 1/2"
- Centipedegrass: 1 to 2"
- Zoysiagrass: 1 to 2 1/2"
- St. Augustine: 3 to 4"
- Fescue: 3 to 4"
Dollar Spot is difficult to control in hot, humid conditions, but cultural practices can help limit the spread.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the effects and control measures for Dollar Spot Disease, a fungal issue impacting cool-season grasses. Learn about its characteristics, causes, and practical solutions like core aeration, fertilization, and proper watering techniques.