Anthracnose in lawns

Anthracnose is a disease caused by a fungus that infects the lawn already stressed by high temperatures and drought. Favourable temperatures for infection are between 25 and 35 º C with relative humidity close to saturation.

The lack of fertilizer, soil compaction and thick thatch promote disease virulence showing yellow foliage that turns reddish brown with black dots due to the presence of the fungus spores.

Among the cultural practices that reduce disease infection is the lack of nitrogen prior to infection. But once the infection is present, adding nitrogen is ineffective. Dethatch if necessary. Aerate the compacted soil. In addition to watering, practice syringing your lawn for a few minutes during the day to cool the leaves in hot weather. Seed dead spots.