Pythium Root Dysfunction of Creeping Bentgrass

Abstract

Pythium root dysfunction (PRD), a disease of relatively young stands of creeping bentgrass turf, is commonly misdiagnosed as take-all patch. Symptoms of PRD typically appear during the summer months when creeping bentgrass is subjected to heat and drought stress, but patches may develop in the spring, fall, and winter during periods of warm and dry weather. This guide provides detailed information on PRD taxonomy, symptoms, range and distribution, isolation and storage, and more.Accepted for publication 29 October 2009. Published 25 January 2010.