Also known as...
Ophiosphaerella herpotricha
Ophiosphaerella korrae
Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis
Spring Dead Spot disease is common on bermudagrass lawns and usually shows up in late March, April, and May as the turf greens up. The disease is identified as circular spots of dead turf ranging from a few inches to several feet in diameter. The spots can overlap and form larger areas. The causal agent of spring dead spot attacks the roots, crown, stolons and rhizomes in the fall and predisposes the bermudagrass to winter-kill.
Managing Spring Dead Spot:
There is no definite cure for Spring Dead Spot but, through proper turfgrass management, it can be reduced. Bermudagrass spreads rapidly and will cover the dead spots if it is properly managed. Raking out the dead grass from the affected area can be helpful in getting the surrounding bermuda to grow into it. Proper irrigation, mowing and fertilization play a large role in recovery and may influence severity of the disease. Thatch removal and aeration may also help reduce the severity.
There are fungicides labeled for spring dead spot but they are very expensive and control is only sporadic. The use of fungicides for control of spring dead spot is not recommended.
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