Why Does Fescue Grass Turn Yellow?
Fescue (Festuca spp.) is a cool-season grass well adapted to growing in cooler regions. The low-maintenance grass has low water and fertilizer requirements. Fescue is susceptible to a fungal disease that gives the grass a yellow look.
Identification
Rust is a fungal disease caused by Puccinia spp. The disease is most common on tall fescue grass. Rust fungi are prevalent in hot weather when grass growth rate is slower.
- is a cool-season grass well adapted to growing in cooler regions.
- Fescue is susceptible to a fungal disease that gives the grass a yellow look.
Symptoms
The disease starts with the appearance of long, yellow-orange pustules on grass blades. These pustules are filled with fungal spores that are released in the form of orangish powder when the grass is cut. As disease progresses, the blades turn entirely yellow and start to die. Rust-infected lawns take on an overall yellow appearance.
Management
Keeping lawns in vigorous health with proper watering and fertilization is among the best defense strategies as the disease favors weak and poorly growing grass. Mow lawn frequently and remove all clippings. Fungicides are not generally recommended for rust control.
- The disease starts with the appearance of long, yellow-orange pustules on grass blades.
- As disease progresses, the blades turn entirely yellow and start to die.
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Writer Bio
Irum Sarfaraz is a freelance writer with over 20 years of nonfiction writing experience in newspaper op-eds and magazine writing, book editing, translating and research writing. Sarfaraz is originally from Pakistan and has been published in both American and Pakistani newspapers and magazines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, and diplomas in nonfiction writing.
