DISEASE

NAME
Red Thread, Turf Red Thread
Laetisaria fuciformis

Description
This is a fungal problem in cool climate fine turf grasses and was formally known as Corticium fuciforme.

Symptoms
Mottled dead patches of lawn appear up to 80mm across with some of the leaf blades turning tan-coloured. A jelly-like fungal thread that is pink to pale red can be seen in the thatch. The thread becomes fluffy in appearance when fruiting bodies appear.

     
Image by Cornell University

Source and Dispersal
The fungus is commonly found in most soils and is dispersed by wind or water or on clippings.

Favoured Conditions
It is more prevalent in sandy infertile soils, low in nitrogen. It is prevalent from late spring to early autumn preferring wet humid conditions and heavy dews. Under dry conditions the fungus can remain dormant for up to two years and becoming active when optimum conditions occur.

Affected Plants
Affects fine turf grasses including, Bent, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue and rye grass.

Non-chemical Control
Apply a nitrogen fertiliser to the affected areas and aerate by spiking the soil.

Chemical Control
Areas may be sprayed with a fungicide such as carbendazium.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.