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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Turfgrass
Stripe Smut
Pathogen: Ustilago striiformis
(Reviewed 6/03,
updated 6/03)
In this Guideline:
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASE
Plants infected with stripe smut are often
pale green and stunted with long, black
stripes of spore pustules. Infected leaves curl, then die and become shredded.
Fungal spores formed in the leaves can contaminate seed and infect seedlings
and young tillers. The fungus survives in the grass plant.
SUSCEPTIBLE TURFGRASSES
Bentgrasses, perennial ryegrass, fescues, and bluegrasses are susceptible to
stripe smut.
CONDITIONS FAVORING DISEASE
Stripe smut is favored by moderate temperatures and is prevalent in spring and
fall. Temperatures between 60° to 78°F are conducive to infection and
symptom expression. Infected plants may die in hot, dry weather.
MANAGEMENT
Cultural Control
Infected turf is generally under higher drought stress, so irrigate adequately
based upon evapotranspiration needs, but avoid extended periods of prolonged
leaf wetness. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertility during the summer months.
Treatment Decisions
Apply fungicides only if the disease is severe. Seed treated with a
broad-spectrum fungicide like captan can possibly prevent initial infections of
seedlings.
| Common name |
Chemical class |
Many of these products are available for use by licensed applicators only and cannot be used by home gardeners.
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| A. |
AZOXYSTROBIN |
QoI (strobilurins) |
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| B. |
CAPTAN |
Pthalamide (multi-site) |
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COMMENTS: Seed treatment for susceptible cultivars. |
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| C. |
CHLOROTHALONIL |
Chlorophenyl (multi-site) |
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| D. |
MANCOZEB |
EDBC (multi-site) |
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| E. |
MYCLOBUTANIL |
DMI |
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| F. |
PROPICONAZOLE |
DMI |
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| G. |
THIOPHANATE-METHYL |
Benzimidazole |
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| H. |
TRIADIMEFON |
DMI |
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| I. |
TRIFLOXYSTROBIN |
QoI (strobilurins) |
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Turfgrass
UC ANR Publication 3365-T
Diseases
F. Wong, Plant Pathology, UC Riverside
M. A. Harivandi, UC Cooperative Extension, Alameda Co.
J. Hartin, UC Cooperative Extension, San Bernardino Co.
Acknowledgment for contributions to the disease section:
M. E. Grebus, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
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