Scientific name
Microdochium nivale (formerly Fusarium nivale)
Common Names
Fusarium, Fusarium Patch, Microdochium Patch
Fusarium, now more accurately known as Microdochium Patch, is a common turf disease affecting cool-season grasses throughout Australia. It develops during cool, wet and humid conditions, particularly where turf remains damp for extended periods due to poor airflow, excessive thatch or overwatering. Symptoms begin as small orange-brown or water-soaked patches that enlarge into circular tan patches, often with white or pink fungal growth visible around the edges during humid weather. Severe infections can result in significant turf thinning and loss of surface quality.
Similar Diseases
- Dollar Spot (Clarireedia spp.)
- Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
- Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis)
- Pink Patch (Limonomyces roseipellis)
SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS
At the first signs of orange or tan patches: Apply ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to suppress active disease and protect surrounding healthy turf.
During cool, wet conditions favouring Fusarium: Apply Azo-Force 250SC Fungicide preventatively before prolonged leaf wetness and high disease pressure.
On golf greens and sports fields with recurring outbreaks: Rotate ProForce Voltar 500SC Fungicide with ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to support resistance management and season-long control.
In shaded or poorly ventilated turf: Improve airflow, reduce thatch and leaf wetness, and apply ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide as part of an integrated disease management program.
References
https://www.syngentaturf.com.au/disease-foliage/microdochium-patch
https://greenwayturfsolutions.com/problem-solver/microdochium-patch/
https://extension.psu.edu/microdochium-patch-on-home-lawns
https://www.rhs.org.uk/disease/fusarium-patch
Fusarium photo courtesy of Will Bowden
