Introduction Disease cycle
The disease becomes evident in the 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 60°F) weather of spring and fall. Infected plants growing at higher temperatures for extended periods will usually die, leaving only the noninfected shoots; consequently, visual symptoms are seldom present during midsummer. The dark spores produced in "stripes" along the leaf blades serve as a survival stage for the smut fungus during the summer and winter. Also, the fungus may survive as mycelium in infected crowns and rhizomes. In spring and fall, when environmental conditions are satisfactory, the dormant spores will germinate and produce another form of spore which can infect the grass plants. Spores are spread by wind, water, maintenance practices, animals, and people. Management Strategies Some varieties of bluegrass survive the
effects of the disease better than others. Merion Kentucky bluegrass,
for instance, is very susceptible to stripe smut, while Park and Newport
are fairly resistant. Other more resistant varieties are A-20, A-34,
Aquila, Baron, Birka, Bonnieblue, Fylking, Geary, Glade, Nugget, Pennstar,
South Dakota Certified, Sydsport, Vantage, and Victa. Additional products may be available for use in commercial plant production. Commercial applicators should refer to the appropriate pest management guidelines for more information. Updated , SLJ, 4/05 This publication contains pesticide recommendations. Changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly, some materials mentioned may no longer be available, and some uses may no longer be legal. All pesticides distributed, sold, and/or applied in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Questions concerning the legality and/or registration status for pesticide use in New York State should be directed to the appropriate Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialist or your regional DEC office. READ THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE. __________________________________________________________________________________ The Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic at Cornell University is located at 334 Plant Science Building, Ithaca, NY, 14853. Phone: 607-255-7850, Fax: 607-255-4471, Email: kls13@cornell.edu or slj2@cornell.edu |