Abstract
Turf grasses are extensively planted for ornamental landscaping or
decorative purposes and for upgrading outdoor grounds in tropical and warm temperate
regions. Most of the important turf is known by various common names such as
Bermuda, couch, kweek and Doob. They are also valuable for soil stabilizing and
livestock herbage. Turfgrass experiences a variety of disease problems, many of which
result in a significant damage to turf appearance. In many instances, diseases are
considered for low-quality turf, although other factors may also be responsible for this.
Turfs are affected by several algal, fungal, and bacterial pathogens. This chapter
provides a detailed account of the symptomatology, aetiology, biology, and
management of a few important prevalent turf diseases viz., algae problem,
anthracnose, Rhizoctonia patches, leaf and sheath spot, blight, Pythium damping off,
rust and powdery mildew.