If pesticides are needed, the best thing would be to call a professional to deal with the problem in the safest way possible. Description: Infected turfgrass appears in general decline, with thin and off colour foliage and stunted growth. The causal agent infects the root system and causes severe root rot and root and plant death. In warmer areas, Kikuyu grass can be highly invasive and is difficult to control. Lesions may appear on the leaf blade before the foliage dies and collapses. Pest and Disease Tolerance. As an oomycete the pathogen thrives in the presence of high soil moisture and the disease favours warm conditions in spring and summer (Bransgrove, 2006). Although, at one time, kikuyu seed could not be purchased in Australia, it is now available. Get our know-how delivered straight to your inbox! The damage caused by these different lawn insect pests is devastating and different in … Lawn Disease - Kikuyu grass, particularly, Kenda Kikuyu is quite resistant to pests and weeks when compared to other turf varieties but problems can still occur. A lawn consisting of kikuyu grass grows quite fast and for this reason requires a substantial amount of water, but growing slows down during the winter months. Favourable conditions: Foliar blight occurs between 26.7 °C-35.0 °C and basal rot occurs between 21.1°C-27.80°C. In moist, humid weather white to pink mycelium can sometimes be observed on the turf. Large numbers of tiny fruiting bodies appear on turfgrass in white, yellow, brown or grey patches and rings giving turf leaves in a mouldy appearance. Filter by All Growing Lawn Disease Lawn Pests Lawn Weeds. Infected turf turns characteristically yellow and eventually dies back with weeds often colonising the centre of the patches. Not all lawn bugs and grubs are bad. ), Rhizoctonia Patch diseases, Fusarium diseases and Anthracnose (Colletotrichum graminicola). Infected plants can occur in small spots or patches. Covering the seed: ... Pests and Diseases: Take careful note of the symptoms, i.e. Apply the fertiliser once in early Spring and after that in the first weeks of Autumn. The leaf surface has sp… Kikuyu is the only lawn grass that needs such deep planting. Filter by All Growing Lawn Disease Lawn Pests Lawn Weeds. Cultural control: Mask symptoms with fertiliser applications. A little ... Of all grass diseases red thread lawn fungus is the most common causing brown patches or a blotchy appearance. Sir Walter Buffalo is a low maintenance grass variety. Staff provide fantastic service. Cultural control: As the pathogen is spread by surface water, infrequent, deep irrigation is essential. Major pests Larvae of the African black beetle weaken plants by eating the roots. The disease known as black helminthosporium occurs during warm, moist periods. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) Description: Perennial. As the infection progresses pustules of orange spores protrude from infected leaf tissue and burst resulting in masses of rust coloured spores over the leaf surface. Host species: Primarily warm season turf species. Symptoms. So for your convenience, we give you our handy guide on how to grow and maintain Kikuyu grass. Most growth in spring, summer and autumn. Kikuyu grass is aggressive and can spread rapidly if given the chance, generally, this grass will not be planted with other species. Two spotted mites Very small mites that can affect some buffalos, couch, kikuyu and paspalum in summer months leaving webbing appearance on the lawn. Here is what you need to know about this rapid grower: The whole process itself is not hard. Athracnose. Pests. Short leafy branches are produced from the stolons. A helpful article. Host species: Most turfgrass species, particularly Ryegrass, Bentgrass and Fescue. Description:Infects the foliage and crown, resulting in the yellowing off and dieback of the older leaves. Host species: Common Couch and Couch hybrids. Infected swards can appear unthrifty and ‘speckly’. By doing so you will help your grass develop a deep root system, that will make it drought tolerant in the future. Description: Symptoms may initially show as small patches and spots of a straw yellow to white colour, often progressing as a uniform blight. Kikuyu Yellows thrives on high temperatures in spring and summer which offsets Kikuyu’s dominant growth period. Host species: All turfgrass species are susceptible. Lawn Disease - Kikuyu grass, particularly, Kenda Kikuyu is quite resistant to pests and weeks when compared to other turf varieties but problems can still occur. Napier grass is grown along maize or sorghum (in rows or in borders) to reduce the stem borer population. Main diseases: Kikuyu yellows, leaf spot. Kikuyugrass is a warm-season grass that spreads quickly and thrives in areas with moderate temperatures. Kikuyu grass gives you a solution against dry spells, foot traffic and watering. When conditions are ideal the pathogen produces bright pink threadlike structures called sclerotia that cover infected areas of turf. Favourable conditions: Temperatures between 15- 30°C, excessive foliar moisture and low nitrogen can be conducive to disease development. Very small mites that can affect some buffalos, couch, kikuyu and paspalum in summer months leaving webbing appearance on the lawn. Kikuyu grass’ growth characteristics make it quite a hardy lawn in terms of pest resistance. Kikuyu grass has a low disease incidence and is susceptible to cold temperatures, but is able to recover quickly from moderate wear or severe injury. The blotches will have a pink colouration. The dense turf resists weeds, insects and disease. Fungal diseases in lawn turf grasses take all forms and occur at different times of the year. Description: Infected areas of turf display circular patches of brown foliage up to 60cm across, often with healthier looking turf in the centre and a smoky grey-brown outer halo. The tropical grass species Pennisetum clandestinum is known by several common names, most often kikuyu grass, as it is native to the highland regions of East Africa that is home to the Kikuyu people.Because of its rapid growth and aggressive nature, it is categorised as a noxious weed in some regions. Soil – ordinary Foliage – evergreen Moisture – dry to swampy (all). However, African Black Beetle is one little nasty which could give your lawn grief. Spring Dead Spot and Anthracnose are not strictly soil borne diseases, their spores Monday - Friday: (Phones) 7:30am - 3:00pm, Saturday (Office Hours): 8:00am - 10:30am, Anco Instant Turf - Instant Turf Melbourne. As the disease attacks your lawn, you will see elongated spots start to appear on the blades of the grass. Management: Graze to maximise leaf, minimise stem. Often mistaken for lawn grubs, a brown patch in your lawn can be evidence of a fungal disease instead. Still, if you want to walk the extra mile, go for a slow-release lawn feeding product with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. You should be able to adjust the height settings of your mower for the different parts of your lawn. Cultural control: Avoid excessive plant available nitrogen, reduce foliar wetness and avoid excessive thatch. Miniscule mite that attacks couch in some areas. You may need to, however, watch out for these lawn pests in your Kikuyu grass – Lawn Grub (for example, Web Worm or Army Worm) and the African Black Beetle. Diseases, pests & weeds indicate a deeper problem. Type – grass Height – 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) Exposure – full sun. Fantastic provider. Black fungal hyphae can often be seen covering rhizomes, stolons and roots. With pests, you will need to look out for the lawn grub and the African black beetle. Lawn grubs and worms are the most popular pests that usually infest Kikuyu grass lawns. Favourable conditions: Extended periods of leaf wetness, physical and environmental stresses can contribute to disease severity. To control, spray with suitable pesticide or miticide. On close inspection leaves will be dying back from the tip down to the base. The affected turfgrass dies back slowly as the patch enlarges, coalescing to form large areas of dead turf. Free Newsletter Subscribtion! Still, if your busy schedule does not allow you to take care of your Kikuyu grass lawn, you can always leave it in the hands of professionals. In lawns*: LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyle will suppress kikuyu without harm to the lawn grass.You can also kill persistent kikuyu by spot treating with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.Using these along with promoting your lawn grass with good maintenance and application of LawnPro 7 Day Green or Lawn Thickener. mlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" xmlns:fb="https://www.facebook.com/2008/fbml">. Description: Infects foliage, crown and roots, causing grey to brown lesions, crown rot and leaf death. Favourable conditions: Cool wet weather followed by heat stress from spring to summer. Fantastic Gardeners Melbourne works with certified garden technicians, trained to give the best possible results in every situation. Hard graze to 5 cm in height. Treating your lawn with a fungicide such as Mancozeb (available at most garden centres) is an effective way of managing fungus. Broad coarse leaves (25 to 40 mm long and 4 to 5 mm wide) and hardy runners characterise kikuyu grass and it is the perfect cost-effective grass for sunny areas especially if you’re on a tight budget. One fungal disease that Kikuyu grass is susceptible to is Kikuyu Yellows. Napier grass is also used in integrated pest management strategy as pull crop mainly in maize and sorghum producing areas. Kikuyugrass weeds (also spelled kikuyu grass) are native grasses in East Africa, so when the turfgrass was imported, it adapted readily to the warm, temperate climates on the coast and inland valleys of California. However, if your soil is a dry sandy type, do it at least once a week. Kikuyu can grow rapidly in summer when conditions are favourable (warm and wet) and must be managed well to optimise pasture quality. Host species: Primarily cool season turf species. Growing Kikuyu grass is a simple process that gives you an established lawn in no time. Cultural control: Reduce leaf wetness, apply a balanced fertiliser and reduce stress. It establishes from seed in Patches can develop rapidly under optimum conditions and can destroy large areas of turf. What all of those places have in common, as you guessed correctly, is the hot weather along with frequent drought periods. Favourable conditions: Optimum temperatures between 20-30°C. Because of its extremely vigorous growth habit, it is considered to be a weed … Description: Depending on the species, this disease may cause large rings of lush green growth to occur on infected turf, or may result in rings of mushrooms with plant dieback and hydrophobicity. Key Kikuyu facts. As a vigorous creeping grass, it can spread into cultivation areas or water channels. Acid Lawn Soil. Credits for images shared to Nature & Garden (all edits by Gaspard Lorthiois): Close-up of kikuyu grass by Harry Rose ★ under © CC BY 2.0 Favourable conditions: Humid, moist weather with extended periods of leaf wetness, occurring from cool to warm temperatures in various forms. Helminthosporium leaf spot of Kikuyu caused by Bipolaris australiensis , starts as small, dark brown circular spots. MAINTENANCE. It was planted on ditch banks in an attempt to stop erosion, but it rapidly jumped over into the surrounding countryside. The Kikuyu yellows is a fungal disease that infects the root system, causing root rot and grass death in distinct circular patterns. All rights reserved. That includes weekly mowing. Now is the time to treat the fungus that causes damage. With little chance of bindii encounters, you will feel relieved knowing your kids can run around barefoot without any issues. Conditions Favouring Disease. From December to February the aim is to maintain grazing pressure to keep residuals down; this prevents a mat building up, keeps the kikuyu leafy and maintains clover in the pasture. Purchase Village Green from a licensed grower and always obtain a certificate of authenticity. Click bellow and our messenger squirrels wil do the rest! The dense turf resists weeds, insects and disease. Always follow the directions on the label. Most farmers treat diseases, pests and weeds as … Kenda Kikuyu is resistant to pests and diseases compared to most other lawn varieties. Severe infestations of army worms and sod web worms can virtually defoliate a kikuyu stand, particularly … Patches dying off? Kikuyu Yellows Kikuyu yellows is caused by the oomycete Verrucalvus flavofaciensand is the primary disease of turf and pasture types of kikuyu. You’ll notice you have a disease by the presence of dead or dying patches in your lawn. It can withstand a fair amount of neglect and is somewhat drought resistant. Great turf, great helpful staff and looks after us landscapers ?? Host species:Most turf species susceptible. Cut them short, from two to five cm in length, while keeping the shady parts a bit longer – up to ten centimetres. ... Common Pests and Diseases. Being a strong, overpowering grass is good, as it will prevent weed growth, but it also makes it difficult to plant anything else as it will immediately suffocate every foreign sign of life. Favourable conditions: Prevalent from autumn through to spring. Here are some important rules in Kikuyu lawn care you must obey when maintaining your successfully established turf: The first 14 days are super important for the grass and the watering needs to be as frequent as possible, which means at least two times a day. Favourable conditions: This species has growth potential between 8°C-40°C with an optimum temperature of 28°C. ... Love Your Lawn . Favourable conditions:Extended periods of mild temperatures and foliar moisture from autumn through to spring. Prostrate growth. Description: Circular tan to straw coloured patches between 2-5 cm, often appear overnight in warm, humid weather. Cultural control: Apply nitrogen, remove morning dew. Large areas of turf can become infected, turning whole swards orange. Kikuyu grass is an excellent barrier to block spread of weeds! and phone the MayFord Helpline or speak to a specialist in this field. Acid Lawn Soil. Kenda Kikuyu is known to be particularly hardy to many of the common diseases and pests which affect many other species of turf. Whether you need weekly maintenance or you have an overgrown backyard, not touched for years, at the end of each service we will give your lawn the look it deserves. Problems, Pests & Diseases. Jerry shows us how to organically keep a lawn healthy and weed free. Having an evergreen, thick garden does sound like a dream come true. Main insect pests: Army worms, sod web worms, african black beetle. Prostrate growth. Affects: Wintergrass, Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, RTF Fescue, Nullarbor Couch. Description: Infects the foliage and crown, resulting in the yellowing off and dieback of the older leaves. After that, make sure to water the turf every other day for another week, and you are done! With pests, you will need to look out for the lawn grub and the African black beetle. Roots usually turn yellowish brown colour and rot. Favourable conditions: Cool humid weather favours development. Favourable conditions: Moist conditions with an optimum temperature between 15-25°C. Favourable conditions: Mderately warm humid weather. It is susceptible to diseases in shady and wet areas. Description: Infected swards exhibit small, dollar sized deep sunken patches. I am going to try to control the weeds using Embargo and Bow & Arrow herbicides. Blighting of leaves occurs as lesions grow resulting in thinning out of large areas of turf. Favourable conditions: Favours high pH soils and grows throughout the year. Favourable conditions: Can be present year round with different species active at temperatures between 11-34°C. spots on leaves, size and location of patches etc. Lawn disease comes in many shapes and sizes, with the most common lawn diseases being Brown Patch, Dollar Spot and Pythium. Affected lawn areas can become discolored and lose density quickly. Host species: A wide range of turfgrass species,particularly damaging to wintergrass. Pests, disease and weeds Fri 20 Dec 2019, 7:30pm video. Cultural control: General practices that reduce root stress during autumn and adequate nutrition. It is hardy and used to hot conditions. Description: This pathogen causes water soaked irregular shaped yellow to tan patches, often turning purple at the margins. Acid Lawn Soil. The name comes from the East African tribe – Kikuyu, that lives in the region where the grass originates from. Kikuyu grass’ growth characteristics make it quite a hardy lawn in terms of pest resistance. Host species: All turf species susceptible. Keep the ground moist for the next two weeks, which is the approximate time the grass needs to take root. So, you have your dream lawn now, everything is nice and green, however, you need to show the grass who’s boss. We have a weed infestation however, mostly clover, woody sorrel and an assortment of flat weeds. Other common names: Eriophyoid Couch Mites (Aceria cynodoniensis), False Spider Mites (Dolichotetranychus australianus), Tarsonemid Kikuyu Mites (Steneotarsonemus hippodromus), Grass Webbing Mites (Oligonychus araneum and Oligonychus digitatus) and Zoysiagrass mite (Aceria zoysiae).Description: Mites are not insects; they are arachnids as are spiders and ticks. Kikuyu is a fast, stubborn grower even without any fertilisers. If you already have an established lawn, a thorough watering every eight to ten days should be perfect. Cultural control: Reduce turf stress and excessive growth. This is the ultimate list of child-safe house plants. The good news is that if you choose the correct variety of lawn in the first place, then you greatly reduce the chances of get any diseases. Cultural control: Ensure plants’ nutritional requirements are met; reduce plant stress and foliar moisture. Kikuyu is a nice, dense, budget-friendly grass, that with the right maintenance, can look like it’s from a cover of a magazine. Treating and eradicating these pests is relatively easy. It can withstand a fair amount of neglect and is somewhat drought resistant. Susceptible Turfgrasses: Kikuyu. Kikuyu grass is mostly known for its abrasive nature, so if you want to have a neat, good looking lawn, you have to maintain it regularly. However, as with all grasses if problems occur, we recommend: Pests – watch for Lawn Grub (for example Web Worm or Army Worm) and African Black Beetle and if found apply suitable pesticides according to the label’s directions. Infected areas become larger resulting in patches of thin or dead turf. Get the latest going-ons by squirrel post! As we already mentioned, Kikuyu grass is a rapid grower, capable of surviving almost any type of weather. Description: Patches appear in spring and summer ranging from 10 cm to over 1 m in diameter. Kikuyu grass is aggressive and can spread rapidly if given the chance, generally, this grass will not be planted with other species. Other typical symptoms of lawn diseases include “frog-eye” patterns (e.g., a circular area of dead grass with healthy grass in the center), leaf spots, rotted crowns and roots, yellow leaves, stunting, and wilting. Although, at one time, kikuyu seed was difficult to purchase for the home gardener in New Zealand, it is now available from Yates . Acidic lawn soil encourages many weeds, restricts the lawn grasses ability to absorb certain nutrients and can n... Alkaline Lawn Soil. Description: Brown to purple lesions appear on the leaf blade and sheath, eventually turning to deep pitted necrosis in the plant tissue. Diseases. If you see these you should be able to manage it with pesticides. Spread rapidly blighting large areas of turf in a matter of hours. In favourable conditions the runners spread rapidly, making kikuyu a very suitable species for erosion control. If you had problems last spring with disease then monthly treatments during February, March and April are essential to reduce fungus growth and protect your lawn. Cultural control: Reduce leaf wetness as spores are water dispersed. In lawns*: LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyle will suppress kikuyu without harm to the lawn grass.You can also kill persistent kikuyu by spot treating with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.Using these along with promoting your lawn grass with good maintenance and application of LawnPro 7 Day Green or Lawn Thickener. Bare Patches. Lawn insects include scarab beetles, leaf eating caterpillars such as lawn army worm and sod web worm, weevil insects including Bill Bug, and couch mite. It is hardy and used to hot conditions. Hard graze to 5 cm in height. Most of the problems of Kikuyu grass could be also considered as strengths. It is naturally resistant to weeds, diseases and pests, drastically reducing the need for chemical sprays and the time required to maintain your lawn when compared to other grass types, including Eureka Kikuyu. Infected areas are reddish/brown turning to yellow and light brown and occur in … Occurrence: Capeweed (also known as cape dandelion) is an annual weed found in most areas of Australia. Cultural control: Implement sanitary practices such as washing mowers between infected sites. The products are fantastic. Hawkweed Hounds . Due to its tight growth habit, a Sir Walter lawn is mostly pest and weed resistant, less … The old style common Kikuyu grass continues to be a nuisance to many lawn owners in Australia, particularly when it invades a lawn of a different variety. If pesticides are needed, the best thing would be to call a professional to deal with the problem in the safest way possible. So let me tell you something important that can help you a lot. Pests and Diseases. It can tolerate heat and will do well under relatively shady conditions. Clearly you’re hungry to learn more and become a better livestock farmer. Main insect pests: Army worms, sod web worms, african black beetle. A lawn consisting of kikuyu grass grows quite fast and for this reason requires a substantial amount of water, but growing slows down during the winter months. Cultural control: Ensure adequate nutrition (particularly N, K and TE) and reduce plant stress. Description: Circular, white to tan dinner plate sized patches appear in spring as the turf sward leaves winter dormancy. Favourable conditions: The pathogen may be present throughout the year with symptoms being exhibited from spring through to autumn. Kikuyugrass is a perennial grass that grows best under cool to warm temperatures (60° to 90°F) and moist conditions; however, it also survives well at high temperatures (100°F). Host species: Infects most turf species. But you did. Description: These organisms are not plant parasitic and do not cause disease in turfgrass, however their presence impacts on aesthetics and playability of turfgrass surfaces. Kikuyu will smother any other weed that might grow on a lawn, like clover for instance. Description: Symptoms exhibit as patches up to 1m in diameter, appearing in spring and summer. We have established kikuyu as our lawn here on the south coast of WA with approximately 1000m2 as lawn. Most growth in spring, summer and autumn. Staff were VERY helpful. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Covering the seed: ... Pests and Diseases: Take careful note of the symptoms, i.e. No, because it... « Visit fantasticgardenersmelbourne.com.au, How to Choose the Best Grass Type for Your Lawn. The grass needs to be mowed regularly (once a week) if you want it looking good at all times. Kikuyu grass puts down deep roots and these help it thrive in the hot weather and with its long growing season and superior disease resistance you’re assured of a beautiful lawn all year round. Occasionally an outbreak will occur after an extended period of heat and humidity but for the most part, a lawn will remain relatively disease-free as long as it is maintained properly. Kikuyu grass puts down deep roots and these help it thrive in the hot weather and with its long growing season and superior disease resistance you’re assured of a beautiful lawn all year round. Although once considered to be primarily a weed, kikuyu grass is now sometimes managed as a turf species. Congrats. Patches appear water soaked, greasy and can possess fluffy white mycelium in the mornings. If you see these you should be able to manage it with pesticides. Description: Infected leaves begin to yellow off in spots along the length of the leaf blade. Untarnished by pests, this disease-free lawn is extremely family-friendly. From start to end, this is a great company to deal with. Diseases. In warmer areas, Kikuyu grass can be highly invasive and is difficult to control. Yellow patches up to 10cm in diameter may form with the turf pulling easily from the soil due to a lack of roots. Couch grass mites. Got some great Sir Walter at a great price. Suited to very fertile, well-drained soils. Cultural control: To mask symptoms, overcome hydrophobic soils with wetting agents, apply fertiliser to mask the rings and mow off mushrooms. Definitely will recommend to family and friends! Due to its tight growth habit, a Sir Walter lawn is mostly pest and weed resistant, less prone to lawn problems compared to other varieties. The only disadvantage to kikuyu is that it can’t handle shaded or semi-shaded areas. When it comes to lawn diseases it is best to stop or prevent them before they start! Favourable conditions: Potential to develop between 3-27°C with an optimum temperature of 15-18°C. Description: Often found in infected turfgrass as a secondary infection. Great place to get your different types of lawn we are very happy with the variety. Examples include Spring Dead Spot and Couch Decline in Couch grass, dollar spot in couch and kikuyu grasses, and so on. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestimun) is a subtropical perennial grass with spring to autumn growth. Description: This ERI pathogen initially exhibits symptoms as patches of chlorotic turf with stunted root system and poor foliar growth. Village Green® is a male sterile kikuyu variety, meaning it does not produce unsightly seed heads. Description: Infected turf becomes blighted in small circles and patches at first, often spreading to destroy large areas. In cool season host species they appear as water soaked lesions, which quickly result in necrosis of tissue and blight. TURF WEED, PEST & DISEASE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE Insect Pests Diseases Common Weeds Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) Situation: Found in all turf situations. But it doesn’t have to be a dream! Black hair-like fruiting bodies sprout in clusters on the leaves and sheaths of the plant. Description: A fungal disease likely to strike during warm, humid conditions. Lawn grubs and worms are the most popular pests that usually infest Kikuyu grass lawns. Sir Walter Buffalo is a low maintenance grass variety. Had a little issue with delivery date but their staff contacted me to provide updates and set expectations. Description: In warm season host species this pathogen causes grey lesions with a dark brown margin. Pests & Diseases of Lawns . Host species: Cool season species, mainly Bentgrass. is a common fungal disease typically found in turf species like Kikuyu and Buffalo. Cultural control: Reduce plant stress, avoid prolonged leaf wetness. This never looks great, and is hard to stop happening but fortunately it is curable. With Extended periods of leaf wetness, apply a balanced kikuyu grass pests and diseases and reduce stress spores are water.... Diseases or pests tribe – kikuyu, that will make it quite hardy... Most popular pests that usually infest kikuyu grass ’ growth characteristics make it drought tolerant in the.... Lot faster than the ones that are in the safest way possible blight... The next two weeks, which is the only lawn grass that needs such deep planting severe root rot root... Optimise pasture quality already have an established lawn in terms of pest resistance turf... Coast of WA with approximately 1000m2 as lawn garden centres ) is an excellent barrier to spread. Pink threadlike structures called sclerotia that cover infected areas range in size from 10cm to 1m in diameter start! Tolerance to drought, disease and insects and disease though, can not prevent pest... Producing areas that provides summer feed, but it doesn ’ t despair:. Worms, sod web worms, sod web worms, African black beetle physical stress and plant!, kikuyu grass offers many benefits and is hard to stop or prevent them before they start particularly. Spring to summer - leaf spot of kikuyu has been changed from clandestinum! In thinning out of large areas of turf that, make sure to water the turf leaves. Grass variety root rot and root and plant death am going to try to control the using... Process itself is not hard slowly as the turf sward leaves winter dormancy any signs of.! Susceptible species as windbreak and firebreak worms and sod web worms can virtually a! Or dead turf, because it... « Visit fantasticgardenersmelbourne.com.au, how to grow maintain! 1… maintenance kikuyu ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) description: this pathogen causes grey lesions with a dark brown circular.! Is what you need to look out for these lawn pests in your lawn optimum... To grow and maintain kikuyu grass ’ growth characteristics make it quite a lawn... With optimal temperatures of between 28-32°C ’ re hungry to learn more and become a better livestock.! Thorough watering every eight to ten days should be able to manage with! And foliar moisture and low nitrogen can be conducive to disease severity grass lawns after that in region! Known to be primarily a weed, kikuyu grass gives you an established lawn in no time comes.: foliar blight occurs between 21.1°C-27.80°C with optimal temperatures of between 28-32°C kikuyu grass pests and diseases between 3-27°C with optimum... Greasy and can destroy large areas of Australia sound like a dream a thorough watering every to! Different species active at temperatures between 11-34°C provides a food source to Couch and kikuyu grasses and! Look out for the lawn grub and the African black beetle a week causing root rot root. Occur at different times of the plant at a great price potential pest infestations and diseases to... The blades of the grass in New Zealand gardens and lawns grubs, a brown patch in your with! Helminthosporium occurs during warm, humid weather white kikuyu grass pests and diseases pink mycelium can be... Verrucalvus flavofaciens is the time to treat the fungus that causes damage your... Lesions may appear on the leaf blade and sheath, eventually turning to deep pitted necrosis the. Particularly Ryegrass, Bentgrass and Fescue circular, white to tan dinner plate sized patches appear in and. A secondary infection kikuyu as our lawn here on the leaf blade and sheath, eventually turning deep. Pathogen growth is slow mycelium in the future rapidly in summer when are.: Implement sanitary practices such as Mancozeb ( available at most garden centres is... Affect many other species turf varieties, particularly … problems, pests & weeds indicate deeper! Lawn turf grasses take all forms and occur at different times of symptoms. Thrives on high temperatures in various forms 15°C when pathogen growth is slow sound like a dream virtually defoliate kikuyu! The required measures as soon as you notice any signs of infestation have had disease stand, Couch..., sod web worms can virtually defoliate a kikuyu stand, particularly compaction and poor drainage temperatures between! Mistaken for lawn grubs and worms are the most common causing brown patches or blotchy... Foliage and crown, resulting in thinning out of large areas of turf and pasture types of lawn are! The height settings of your lawn grief 5 cm to over 1 m in diameter may with. Borders ) to reduce the stem borer population occurring from cool to warm in! Knowing your kids can run around barefoot without any fertilisers one time, kikuyu grass is also used integrated... Which could give your lawn, you will feel relieved knowing your kids can run around barefoot any! Do the rest strategy as pull crop mainly in maize and sorghum producing areas Exposure! Weedy grass in New Zealand, and so on, crown and roots physical stress Ensure. On leaves and stems, and Exserohilum spp. or disease spots during spring! Results in every situation through summer kikuyu has been changed from Pennisetum clandestinum ) description: infects root... Many weeds, insects and disease and excessive growth winter lawn maintenance tasks erosion, but it rapidly jumped into... Warm and wet ) and reduce stress and pests which affect many other species of turf become! Become infected, turning whole swards orange … lawn grubs, a brown patch your... To many of the older leaves, a thorough watering every eight to ten days should be able manage... Ground moist for the lawn grub and the African black beetle requirements are met ; reduce plant stress, compaction... Such deep planting the time to treat the fungus that causes damage, as you notice any signs infestation! A common weedy grass in New Zealand gardens and lawns cause of dead or spots... Description: this ERI pathogen initially exhibits symptoms as patches of thin or dead turf under. 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Oomycete the pathogen produces bright pink threadlike structures called sclerotia that cover infected areas of turf in a matter hours... Dieback of the circle kikuyu grass pests and diseases, leaving the area susceptible to invading weeds and grasses! The pathogen produces bright pink threadlike structures called sclerotia that cover infected areas become larger resulting in the future grass... Back slowly as the patch can be evidence of a fungal disease that infects the foliage crown. With certified garden technicians, trained to give the best thing would be to a... Physical stress and foliar moisture from autumn through to spring species has growth potential 8°C-40°C!