Scientific Name: Rhizoctonia solani
Turfgrass host: Annual Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue
Time of Year: June thru September
Brown patch is a fungus that attacks all types of turfgrass across the United States when night time temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees in the summer. The most common types of grass that Brown Patch attacks is perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, bentgrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass. Symptoms are often disguised by actively growing turf. Infected turf almost immediately shows damage during hot, moist , overcast weather. The first sign that your lawn has brown patch is spots on the blades of the grass. As time goes on, these spots will start to grow into each other which will make your lawn look like it has brown spots in it. It usually appears when the grass has been wet for at least 10 to 12 hours which can occur from over watering, excessive dew, or poor drainage.
How to Get Rid Of Brown Patch
First, avoid high nitrogen levels as nitrogen will help Brown Patch spread with the increased nitrogen. The dew that appears early in the morning should be removed to increase air circulation. You can also increase air circulation by aerating your lawn to help your soil receive an increase in air and water drainage. Fungicides will only be effective if they are applied immediately when the symptoms occur.
Brown Patch Fungicide
Fungicides work well if they are applied during the early stages of brown patch and as a preventative. Fungicides can also cure brown patch after it has taken over your lawn, but may not be effective during hot weather because the grass is growing slowly during hot weather. Honor Guard PPZ Fungicide is a cheap effective fungicide that will stop brown patch in its tracks. If you want to cure brown patch disease, apply Honor Guard Fungicide at 2 0z per 1000 square feet using a back pack sprayer. We recommend using the Chapin Four Gallon Backpack sprayer to treat these areas. Following the fungicide application, be sure to irrigate the treated areas with 1/2 inches of water within 24 hours. In order for this fungicide to be effective, be sure to read the label and follow the directions before applying. Also be sure to wear the proper protective gear including Nitrile Chemical Resistant Gloves and the proper safety glasses for industrial applications.
