what is askatida lawn disease?

Answer 1

I think what you're asking about is a disease called; "Ascochyta Leaf Blight". There was an interesting article written by by N. Tisserat and L.P. Pottorff called "Ascochyta Leaf Blight of Turf".

Here are some of the interesting excerpts from their article;


* Ascochyta leaf blight has become a common problem on Kentucky bluegrass lawns

* Large uniform areas of affected turf will turn straw-colored

* Leaves usually start dying back from the tips

* Ascochyta can occur throughout the growing season, but is more prevalent in the spring when there are extended wet periods

Ascochyta species can be found on senescing or dead leaves of several turfgrass species, however the disease appears to be most serious on Kentucky bluegrass.

The Ascochyta fungus likely survives as spores in pycnidia on dead leaves or clippings remaining in the thatch. These pycnidia are highly resistant to drought and extreme temperatures. Thousands of spores may ooze from a single pycnidium during wet weather and be dispersed by splashing rain, irrigation, mowing or other management activities.


Conditions that favor Ascochyta blight are poorly understood. The disease occurs in late spring and summer and appears to be enhanced by soil moisture fluctuations, especially drought stress caused by watering restrictions and poor irrigation system coverage. However, the disease may also develop during periods of hot weather preceded by unusually wet soil conditions caused by excessive rain or over-irrigation. Frequent mowing and dull mower blades may contribute to disease severity by creating more infection sites (wounds).

IF you go to their website, they'll also tell you how to manage your turf to minimize infestations.

GOOD LUCK!