This common fungus disease occurs on several grass types but is most severe on bermudagrass. It attacks neglected turf or areas that are under moisture or nutritional stress caused by a lack of nitrogen. 

 

Warm, humid weather and cool nights with heavy dew promote the disease. It kills the grass in small spots 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The spots may grow together into large areas. They appear first as small, circular, straw-colored spots of blighted turfgrass about the size of a silver dollar. Individual leaves develop lesions that have a bleached, straw-colored appearance, bounded by a tan to reddish-brown margin. A white, cotton-like fungal mycelium growth may be seen in early morning when dew is present. 

 

Pieces of diseased plants are spread by mowers, sweepers, and other lawn equipment.

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Control

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• Maintain adequate moisture and nutrients. Maintain a high level of nitrogen when the disease is prevalent. Prevent the buildup of thatch. 

• Do not water in late afternoon or evening. 

• Many strains of this fungus resist certain fungicides, so use several types of fungicides to control this disease.