Pythium Root Dysfunction

Common Name

Pythium Root Dysfunction

Seasons of Activity

Symptoms may appear at any time of year, but are most severe during periods of hot and/or dry weather.

Areas of Plant Infected

Foliage and Roots.

Cultural Methods of Control

Decrease thatch levels, increase drainage, review watering practices.

Scientific Name

Pythium volutum

Key Distinguishing Feature

Pythium root dysfunction appears in circles or irregular patches up to 2ft in diameter that initially show signs of wilt or nutrient deficiency. As the disease progresses, affected areas turn orange and decline, eventually collapsing to the ground. Infected roots are tan in color and lack root hairs, which causes the sand to fall easily from the roots when examining a soil sample.

Pythium root dysfunction is a disease of creeping bentgrass putting greens, and is most damaging to greens that were constructed within the last 10 years. The pathogen infects bentgrass roots during the fall and spring and reduces their ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Key Products for Control:

Impala - 60mL/100sqm in 5L of water (sprayer only) or 6mL/10sqm in 9L of water (watering can)