Major Diseases of Turf

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.

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