Seedling Disease (fungi – Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp.), Perennial Ryegrass(Lolium perenne)

Host Grass: Common Bermuda, Poa Series(Poa sp.)

Cause and Symptoms: Seedling blight kills the young plants either before or just after emergence, resulting in a reduced stand. Post-emergence attacks cause the seedlings to collapse and die soon after emergence..

Control and Management Seedling diseases are especially damaging during periods of adverse conditions, such as cool, wet weather. Improper planting such as covering the seed too deeply, also increases seedling blight.

Content edited by: Young-ki Jo, ykjo@tamu.edu , Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dept Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Texas A&M University, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, May 31, 2013