Lawn Fungus in Florida

Types

• The basidiomycete fungi is responsible for fairy rings in Florida lawns. Hot, rainy weather favors the development of these mushrooms. Dollar spot is caused by a fungus and is a common Florida lawn disease, as well as brown patch, anthracnose and leaf spot disease.

Symptoms

• Fairy rings produce rings in grass, which start small and expand each year. Mushrooms are often visible within the rings and are sometimes poisonous. Dollar spot causes patches of dead grass with lesions on grass blades. Leaf spot diseases typically produce dark brown leaf spots on grass blades, which often have halos. A crusty or slimy growth on grass blades, and yellow grass, characterize Anthracnose.

Control

• Cultural controls are important in preventing fungal diseases on Florida lawns. Providing adequate water and nutrition can prevent disease. Chemical control is another way to eliminate fungal diseases. According to the University of Florida, IFAS Extension fungicides inhibit the growth of fungus on grass.