Centipedegrass anthracnose

The disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum eremochloae, which is identified as a primary agent of anthracnose in specific turfgrass species. This fungus acts as an aggressive parasite, colonizing the plant tissue and causing cellular necrosis that interrupts the water and nutrient uptake.

The primary host for this fungus is Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides). While it is highly adapted to this specific host, its ability to persist in plant debris and soil allows it to re-emerge during favorable environmental conditions in successive growing seasons.

Key symptoms include the appearance of small, irregular yellow patches on the grass blades, which eventually transition to a reddish-brown or dark brown color. If observed under a magnifying glass, tiny black fruiting bodies known as acervuli appear on the leaf surfaces, which serve as the primary source of secondary infection.

The development and spread of Colletotrichum eremochloae are heavily influenced by environmental stressors. High humidity, warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, and limited air movement across the turf canopy create optimal conditions for fungal colonization and rapid disease progression.

To effectively manage the disease, integrated pest management practices are essential. Key preventative measures include:

• ensuring adequate soil moisture without causing waterlogging;
• implementing regular aeration to reduce compaction;
• avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization during high-risk seasons;
• applying systemic fungicides as a preventative or curative measure.