Necrotic ring spot is probably the most damaging disease that occurs on home lawns in Ontario. Necrotic ring spot is usually found on sodded lawns in the first five years or so after establishment. Necrotic ring spot is caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria korrae. This disease is also one of the most noticeable diseases out there as well, it is defined by rings of dead grass which eventually fill out to become full patches of dead grass.
To control necrotic ring spot the best bet is to maintain good turf health and care, however this is only a preventitive that will also help mitigate the damage cause by the disease. Their are no chemical or biological agents used to get rid of it once it has appeared however some cultural techniques you could use are reducing the clay content of the soil, increasing the mowing hiehgt, irrigating deeply but infrequently, and overseeding never hurts.
To be frankly honest this is a pretty annoying disease, big brown splotches of dead grass all over your lawn, golf course, sports fields, its just a pain in the butt. That being said the only thing you can do is maintain good turf health, keep your lawn healthy and it’ll fight off most pests and diseases on its own. I’m finding that this is the single most effective method at controlling disease is turf health. So keep your lawns lush, green and healthy and I’ll see you next time! Ciao!
