Helminthosporium Complex

Scientific name

Bipolaris spp., Drechslera spp. and Exserohilum spp.

Common Names

Helminthosporium Complex, Helminthosporium Diseases

Helminthosporium Complex is a group of fungal diseases affecting both cool-season and warm-season turfgrasses throughout Australia. The disease complex includes leaf spot, melting out and root decline caused by fungi in the genera Bipolaris, Drechslera and Exserohilum. It is most common during warm, humid weather and periods of prolonged leaf wetness, particularly where turf is stressed by drought, low mowing heights, excessive nitrogen or poor drainage. Symptoms include small brown to purple leaf spots, blighted leaf tips, thinning turf and, in severe cases, crown and root damage leading to widespread decline.

Similar Diseases

Leaf Spot (Bipolaris, Drechslera and Exserohilum spp.)
Grey Leaf Spot (Pyricularia grisea)
Dollar Spot (Clarireedia spp.)
Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)

SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS

At the first signs of leaf spotting or blighting: Apply ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to suppress active disease and protect healthy turf.

During warm, humid conditions favouring disease: Apply Azo-Force 250SC Fungicide preventatively to reduce infection during periods of high disease pressure.

On sports fields and golf courses with recurring outbreaks: Rotate ProForce Voltar 500SC Fungicide and ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to improve resistance management and maintain effective disease control.

Where disease progresses to crown or root infection (melting out): Apply ProForce Clean Sweep Trio Fungicide to provide broad-spectrum protection and support an integrated disease management program.