Spring dead spot
Ophiosphaerella korrae
What is Spring dead spot (Ophiosphaerella korrae)?
Spring dead spot is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Ophiosphaerella korrae, which affects couch grass (also known as Bermuda grass, Cynodon spp.). It manifests as bleached patches in lawns, ranging from small areas to large patches over a meter in diameter during the turf's regrowth in spring. The pathogen targets and damages the roots, stolons, and rhizomes of the grass, leading to decay and delayed recovery.
How does Spring dead spot (Ophiosphaerella korrae) occur?
Spring dead spot is caused by a pathogen that survives in debris like old thatch and roots as fungal threads and small, hard sclerotia. It spreads through sclerotia, infected plant parts, and infested sod. In late summer or fall, initial infections of new tissue occur when air temperatures are around 70°F to 75°F. During bermudagrass dormancy with temperatures of 50°F to 60°F or lower, the fungus continues to harm the affected tissue. Visible damage becomes apparent when bermudagrass emerges from dormancy.
Symptoms
1 - Effect on Plants
The disease impairs nutrient absorption, causing stunted growth and thinning in the grass, leading to unappealing bleached patches and delayed recovery, leaving bare soil.
2 - Impact on Soil Health
• Decaying roots and organic matter affected by the disease can disrupt nutrient cycling processes, affecting nutrient availability and uptake by grass and other plants. • Weakened root systems and turf thinning increase the vulnerability of soil to compaction, hindering water infiltration, root growth, and overall soil health.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Practices
• Use clean sod from unaffected areas and irrigate based on evapotranspiration needs. • Regularly dethatch and maintain the proper mowing height to discourage disease progression. • Apply potassium fertilizers in the fall for winter hardiness. Adjust nitrogen applications to reduce disease severity. • Replant dead areas with new grass or overseed with ryegrass. Manage mowing height and irrigation during pre-dormancy. • Maintain slightly acidic soil pH. Use ammonium-based nitrogen sources.
3 - Biological Control
Certain species of Trichoderma fungi have shown potential as biocontrol agents against Ophiosphaerella korrae. These fungi can help suppress the growth and spread of the pathogen by competing for resources and producing antifungal compounds.
4 - Chemical Control
There are various fungicides available to control Ophiosphaerella korrae including AZOXYSTROBIN (Heritage) MYCLOBUTANIL (Eagle 20EW) PROPICONAZOLE (Banner Maxx ). Please refer to the fungicide labels and consult with local experts for precise instructions and suitability for your specific region and situation.
Susceptible Species
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
