Turf Talk
Bermudagrass Decline:
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Figure 1: Symptoms of bermudagrass decline (BD) on an ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green. Symptoms of BD occur along the margins of putting surfaces and, in early stages, show a general thinning of the turf. It is common to observe algae growing in thinned areas where canopy density has decreased and can serve as an indicator of BD. Figure 2: Turf loss caused by bermudagrass decline (BD). In this ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green, BD has caused large areas of turf loss. What was once a general thinning has progressed to total loss of turf and is extremely problematic to the superintendent. The current best option to correct this issue is to replace areas of turf loss.
By Matthew Aaron Tucker
B
ermudagrass decline (BD), is caused by the pathogen Gauemannomyces graminis var. graminis. It was first reported by Dr. Monica Elliot, University of Florida, in 1991. BD is a destructive disease of ultradwarf bermudagrass (UDB) putting greens. Symptoms begin as yellowing areas of turf, typically along the margins of putting greens. As the disease progresses, yellowing areas will become thin and in extreme cases, lead to turf loss (Figs. 1 and 2). Turf symptoms of BD become apparent in late summer and may progress into early fall (August – October). If symptoms persist into dormancy, scarring (lack of turf density) may appear during spring green-up. Affected roots of bermudagrass plants appear black and brittle (Fig. 3). 14 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Spring 2019
Figure 3: Ectotrophic root-infecting fungi damage ultradwarf bermudagrass roots. Symptoms consist of black, necrotic roots affected at the crown of the plant. These roots are dysfunctional and restrict the movement of nutrients and water resulting in loss of turf density.
