Disease Management

S. Bruce Martin, Extension and Research Plant Pathologist

To download the 2013 Pest Control Guidelines for Disease Control, please click here.  (572 KB, PDF)

Diseases are primary limiting factors to the successful culture of cool and warm season turfgrasses in South Carolina. The wide range of microclimates in the state allow culture of a wide variety of turfgrasses, but frequently the humid conditions and temperature extremes promote many diseases. 

Fortunately, grasses receiving proper cultural practices including proper irrigation, mowing, and fertilizing are less likely to develop diseases and are not as likely to be seriously damaged if a disease occurs.  By enhancing plant vigor, diseases will be minimized and the need for the use of costly fungicides will be reduced.  If used, alternate between classes of fungicides to prevent development of fungicide-resistant pathogens. NOTE: Products containing chlorothalonil, iprodione and vinclozolin are not labeled for use on home lawns and products containing thiophanate methyl are limited in their use on home lawns.

Table 1.  Disease & Affected Grasses, Symptoms & Cultural Controls, Trade Name, Fungicides, Rate & Application Interval. (536 KB, PDF)

Table 2.  Trade Names for Common Turf Fungicides. (556 KB, PDF)

Table 3.  Currently Available Pre-packaged Turf Fungicide Combination Products. (123 KB, PDF)

Table 4.  Turfgrass Fungicides Classified by Chemical Fungicide Group. (114 KB, PDF)