Scientific name
Ophiosphaerella herpotricha, Ophiosphaerella korrae and Ophiosphaerella narmari
Common Names
Spring Dead Spot
Spring Dead Spot is a root and crown disease that primarily affects warm-season turfgrasses, particularly couch (Cynodon spp.) and hybrid bermudagrass. Infection occurs during autumn when soil temperatures begin to cool, but symptoms are not usually visible until spring as the turf emerges from dormancy. Circular patches of dead or slow-growing turf develop, often with healthy grass or weeds invading the centre over time. The disease is favoured by poorly drained soils, excessive thatch and turf stress.
Similar Diseases
- Take-All Patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae)
- Fairy Ring
- Large Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
- ERI (Ectotropic Root Infecting)
SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS
In couch lawns with a history of Spring Dead Spot: Apply ProForce Regiment 550EC preventatively during autumn before soil temperatures fall below approximately 20°C.
On golf courses and sports fields: Rotate ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide with ProForce Regiment 550EC during autumn to improve resistance management.
Where root diseases regularly occur: Include ProForce Clean Sweep Trio Fungicide in an integrated root disease management program to provide broad-spectrum protection.
In heavily thatched or poorly drained turf: Reduce thatch, improve drainage and apply fungicides preventatively, as spring applications are generally less effective once symptoms appear.
References
https://www.syngentaturf.com.au/disease-roots/spring-dead-spot
https://greenwayturfsolutions.com/problem-solver/spring-dead-spot/
https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/diseases-in-turf/spring-dead-spot-in-turf/
Spring Dead Spot photo courtesy of Will Bowden
