Red Thread
Turf Disease
Susceptible turfgrass: All turfgrasses, but particularly severe on fine-leaf fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
Symptoms
Red thread causes patches that are reddish-brown in colour and 2.5 to 10 cm in diameter up to 0.5 m.
Conditions favouring disease
Red thread thrives in temperatures between 4°C to 29°C and in locations that are low in nitrogen. It also occurs in areas that experience more than 10 hours a day of foliar wetness for several consecutive days.
Integrated Turf Management
Mow turf frequently and collect clippings to remove diseased portions of the leaves.
Maintain adequate nitrogen and a balanced fertility.
Apply moderate to high amounts of phosphorous and potash.
Maintain the soil pH between 6.5 to 7.0.
Reduce shade.
Increase air circulation to reduce turf moisture retention.
Irrigate turf deeply and as infrequently as possible.
Use fungicides to control disease when it is a chronic problem.
Fungicidal Control
Heritage has label recommendation for red thread in South Africa.
