Lawn and Turf: Anthracnose/Basal crown rot

• Categories: Lawn and Turf Lawn and Turf Diseases
• Last review date: 2026-06-24 09:53

Biology

Anthracnose of turfgrass is a fungal disease with two phases:

• Phase I affects the leaves and is active in the summer. Typical symptoms include yellow to tan or brown lesions on the blades of older leaves and sheaths, followed by small black fungal fruiting bodies on killed tissues. The fruiting bodies are covered with black hairs. The diseased grass appears as blighted or thinned areas a few inches to a foot or more in diameter. Warm, humid summer weather favors spread of the disease, especially on stressed lawns.
• Phase II occurs in fall and winter on basal portions of the stems. Leaves on affected stems turn yellow to orange-red beginning at the tip. Blighted areas of grass in this instance are typically small, seldom exceeding an inch in diameter. Grass wounded by aeration or other treatment is more susceptible to fall infection. The disease is more severe on bentgrass, annual bluegrass, and red fescues.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Provide proper culture. Adequate, balanced fertilization and deep, infrequent watering will help prevent disease. Water in the morning so grass can dry quickly.
• Remove thatch and aerify lawns as needed to help reduce stress on plants.
• For more information on proper care of lawns, including mowing heights and fertilizer recommendations, see Home Lawns | WSU Extension Publications.

Chemical Management

Make applications when disease is first noticed. Do not repeatedly apply the same fungicide or fungicides with the same active ingredient as tolerant strains may result. Carefully check product labels.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• ferti-lome Liquid Systemic Fungicide II R-T-Spray
  Active ingredient: propiconazole
  EPA registration number: 53883-184-7401
• Spectracide IMMUNOX Multi-Purpose Fungicide Spray Concentrate
  Active ingredient: myclobutanil
  EPA registration number: 9688-123-8845
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.