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Take All Root Rot

Identification

Initial activity of the fungus on the roots can only be observed by looking at the roots. If the turfgrass is not stressed, or if it is under low levels of stress, leaf symptoms may never be observed. Initial symptoms above ground are irregular, yellow or light green patches ranging in diameter from a few inches to a few feet. Roots are initially thin and off-white in color with isolated black lesions. Eventually, roots become very short, black, and rotted. Stolons and rhizomes may have black lesions and, under severe disease conditions, begin to rot.

Environment

The pathogen very common on warm-season turfgrass roots. High rainfall and stressed turfgrass trigger the disease. It is observed during the summer and early fall months when Florida receives the majority of its rainfall. Prolonged periods of rainfall are most conducive to this disease. Any stress placed on the turfgrass can encourage or worsen the disease.

Threats

All warm-season turf-grasses are susceptible to Take-All Root Rot.

Treatment

The best defense is a good offense. Nothing works better at prevention than a regularly maintained and healthy yard against most turf diseases. We recommend regular monthly maintenance programs for the prevention of Take-All Root Rot. By the time symptoms are noticeable, severe damage could already have occurred. Because the roots do not function properly and are unable to obtain nutrients efficiently from the soil, frequent foliar (leaf) feeding of all nutrients (N, P, K, and micronutrients) in small amounts is necessary until the root system recovers.