Red Thread/Pink Patch
Affected plants become bleached to light pink or red
Photo courtesy of Penn State University
These diseases are caused by the fungi Laetisaria fuciformis and/or Limonomyces roseipellis, repectively. They most commonly affect fine fescue and ryegrass, but also may occur on Kentucky bluegrass and bent grass. In our areas, disease can occur anytime in fall and spring to summer months.
Signs and Symptoms
Small patches of water-soaked plants about two to six inches in diameter appear first. These patches become bleached to light pink or red. If leaf tips or margins are covered with fine pink or red threads, the disease is red thread. However, pink patch may also be present.
Favorable Conditions:
Moist conditions caused by heavy dew, fog or drizzly rains favor disease occurrence. Red Thread/Pink Patch are more severe in cooler weather, but will occur under a variety of temperatures.
Cultural Prevention and Control
Increasing turf fertility and using Red-Thread resistant varieties can minimize disease occurrence.