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UC Pest Management Guidelines

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Turfgrass

Stripe Smut

Pathogen: Ustilago striiformis

(Reviewed 6/03, updated 6/03)

In this Guideline:

Description of the disease
Susceptible turfgrasses
Conditions favoring disease
Management

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.

A. AZOXYSTROBIN QoI (strobilurins)

B. CAPTAN Pthalamide (multi-site)

COMMENTS: Seed treatment for susceptible cultivars.

C. CHLOROTHALONIL Chlorophenyl (multi-site)

D. MANCOZEB EDBC (multi-site)

E. MYCLOBUTANIL DMI

F. PROPICONAZOLE DMI

G. THIOPHANATE-METHYL Benzimidazole

H. TRIADIMEFON DMI

I. TRIFLOXYSTROBIN QoI (strobilurins)

PUBLICATION

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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