Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia Solani) or commonly called “Rhizo”

Brown Patch disease occurs on cool season and warm season turf grass species.

Identification of Brown Patch

• Circular or irregular patches from 5cm to over 1m in diameter.
• Can have smoke ring or halo affect during “peak” fungal activity.
• warm season grasses can just look “weak” and thin particularly during dormancy or stressed periods.
• it can present with Mycelium- but don’t just rely on this as your identification, as a lot of diseases can.

Climatic signs to watch out for Brown Patch

• High humidity.
• Cool over night temperatures 10°C – 20°C.
• Prolonged leaf wetness from dew, fog, or overwatering.
• High Nitrogen applications particularly at the start of Autumn or Winter.

Management tips and Strategies

• Water Early in the morning – to avoid overnight leaf wetness.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen applications in autumn and winter – especially on warm season grasses.
• Improve air flow – grooming or dethatching – allowing the soil to breath.
• Aerate the soil if necessary – solid tines are useful coming into the cooler months

The most widespread of all turf grass diseases, Brown Patch is not commonly seen outside of closely mown areas.

It can take hold in a few hours and can ruin the aesthetics of the turf very quickly.

The team at Lawn Addicts can help manage Brown Patch with correct warm or cool season grass identification, followed by top-quality lawn care programs. Message us for further advice on other products.