Pythium

Scientific name

Pythium spp.

Common Names

Pythium Blight, Pythium Root Rot, Cottony Blight

Pythium is a destructive water mould (oomycete), not a true fungus, that affects turfgrass throughout Australia. It develops rapidly during hot, humid weather when soils remain saturated and air circulation is poor. The disease commonly affects golf greens, sports fields and highly irrigated lawns. Early symptoms include small, water-soaked patches that quickly collapse into greasy, brown areas, often covered with white, cotton-like growth in humid mornings. Severe infections can destroy large areas of turf within days if left untreated.

Similar Diseases

Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
Dollar Spot (Clarireedia spp.)
Take-All Patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae)
Pythium Root Rot (Pythium spp.)

SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS

At the first signs of greasy, water-soaked patches: Apply Segway 400SC immediately for rapid control of active Pythium infections.

During hot, humid conditions favouring Pythium: Apply ProForce Shrapnel 600SL Fungicide preventatively before prolonged periods of high disease pressure.

On golf greens and sports fields with recurring outbreaks: Rotate Segway 400SC with ProForce Shrapnel 600SL Fungicide to improve resistance management and maintain effective control.

Where multiple turf diseases are a concern: Include ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide or Azo-Force 250SC Fungicide in a broader fungicide program to manage other foliar diseases, noting these products are not primary controls for Pythium.