Pythium Blight
Common Name
Pythium Blight
Seasons of Activity
Hot, humid or rainy weather.
Areas of Plant Infected
Foliage.
Cultural Methods of Control
Balanced nutrition, increase height of cut, reduce thatch levels, improve drainage.
Scientific Name
Pythium spp.
Key Distinguishing Feature
Pythium blight is most readily recognized as small spots or patches of blighted grass that suddenly appear during warm, wet periods. In the early stages the grass leaves appear water-soaked, slimy (greasy) and dark. As the disease progresses, the leaves shrivel and the patches fade from green to light brown.
Pythium Leaf Blight appears suddenly during hot, humid weather.Patches occur these patches can enlarge at a rapid rate. In the early morning, grass leaves appear water-soaked and dark in patches.
When rubbed between the fingers, these water soaked patches feel oily. Infected leaves become light tan to brown, shriveled and matted when dry.
When humidity remains high, especially at night, the collapsed leaves become matted and covered with a fluffy white mass of fungal mycelium.
Key Products for Control:
Impala - 60mL/100sqm in 5L of water (sprayer only) or 6mL/10sqm in 9L of water (watering can)