Septoria Leaf Spot: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Septoria Leaf Spot and It’s Causes

Septoria leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of several grass species. The fungus that causes this lawn disease, also known as tip burn, affects most northern grass species and bermudagrass. Lawns that have not been fertilized are especially vulnerable. Around the leaf tips, gray-green specks appear, eventually fading to yellow and then grayish-white. The patches may develop to reach an inch or longer in length. In lifeless environments, the fungus frequently forms little brown to black fruiting bodies. The affected sections of the grass look to be burnt in general. Disease growth is aided by cool, moist weather, or long grass, and poor nourishment. Septoria leaf spot will not harm the grass during the summer heat, but it may reappear in October due to chilly, moist weather. The fungus often feeds on diseased plants and plant debris. It spreads by contaminated tools or splashing water, but it can also be transmitted to the seed.

Symptoms of Septoria Leaf Spot

Septoria is a fungus that endures harsh winter and summer conditions. The fungus thrives in chilly, wet environments. Undernourished and long grass is more vulnerable to injury. Spots frequently appear around the tips of the leaves. They are gray or gray-green at first, then fade to a light yellow and finally a white gray. They can grow to be 1 inch or more in length. The overall effect is a smattering of burned leaf tips.

Prevention and Control

Mow at the correct height and frequency using sharp mower blades, and avoid mowing while the grass is damp. Water in the day so that the grass can dry quickly, and avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening; keep the lawn healthy by dethatching and aerating as needed. When planting a lawn, use disease-resistant grass species that are tailored to the weather conditions, and be sure to provide a proper drainage system.

• Planting different variations of bluegrass
• Maintain healthy culture by carefully fertilizing, mowing, and irrigating.
• Grass that is vigorous and robust is more disease-resistant.
• Water in the morning to allow the grass to dry fast.
• As part of a balanced fertilizer schedule, provide appropriate nitrogen, particularly in the fall.
• Provide enough aeration and drainage.

Plant the only high-quality seed that is devoid of the Septoria leaf spot pathogen. To decrease pathogen overwintering and survival, bury crop trash deeply shortly after harvest. Avoid dense plantings, stake plants, and align rows parallel to the prevailing wind direction to promote quick leaf drying. If feasible, minimize overhead watering and timing irrigations to cease before sunset to avoid prolonged periods of leaf moisture. Reduce the number of leaves that come into touch with the soil.

Fungicides should only be used on lawns that have Leaf Spot in the early stages of the disease. Fungicides are applied at the time when diseases are at their peak; then, they will have little to no effect. For the greatest effects, fungicides should be applied twice in the spring, once in the early spring, and once in the late spring. Copper fungicide is a natural fungicide that helps to overcome septoria leaf spots. There are a number of copper-based fungicidal sprays on the market.