DISEASE
 
   NAME
     Dry Patch in Turf
     Fungal Dry Patch

Description
It is commonly seen as a non-pathogenic fungus that repels water in sandy soils.

Symptoms
Dead patches of lawn appear as the underling soil becomes dry and repels water. Only the dead grass is attacked by the fungus that produces a substance which coats the soil particles, making them water replant. This is known as hydrophobic (water-hating).

Source and Dispersal
The fungus is found in most soils and is a small layer of fungi mycelium which blocks the micro pores of the soil.

Favoured Conditions
It is more prevalent in sandy soil; types.

Affected Plants
Dry Patch affects all turf grasses.

   Early stage on a Green	

Non-chemical Control
Preventive measures such as aerating the soil with a garden fork and applying a wetting agent should be carried out before the warm weather. Care should be taken when using wetting agents to improve soil absorption as it may have a detrimental effect on the foliage. Coring and back filling with sandy loam in Turf Grasses reduces incidences of Dry Patch. 

Chemical Control
There is no satisfactory chemical control.