Dollar Spot

Scientific name

Clarireedia spp. (formerly Sclerotinia homoeocarpa)

Common Names

Dollar Spot

Dollar Spot is one of the most common fungal diseases affecting turfgrass throughout Australia. It infects both cool-season and warm-season turf species, particularly on golf courses, sports fields and ornamental lawns. The disease develops during warm days, cool nights and extended periods of leaf wetness, especially where turf is nitrogen deficient. Symptoms begin as small, straw-coloured patches approximately the size of a dollar coin, which can merge into larger areas if left untreated. White, cotton-like fungal growth may also be visible early in the morning under humid conditions.

Similar Diseases

Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis)
Fusarium Patch (Microdochium nivale)
Leaf Spot (Bipolaris, Drechslera and Exserohilum spp.)

SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS

At the first signs of small straw-coloured patches: Apply ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to suppress active Dollar Spot and protect surrounding healthy turf.

During periods of high Dollar Spot pressure: Apply ProForce Voltar 500SC Fungicide preventatively before extended leaf wetness and favourable disease conditions.

On golf greens and sports fields with recurring outbreaks: Rotate ProForce Regiment 550EC with ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to support resistance management and season-long control.

Where broad-spectrum disease protection is required: Include ProForce Clean Sweep Trio Fungicide in an integrated fungicide program to manage Dollar Spot alongside other common turf diseases.