My Centipede Grass Has Brown Spots

Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a coarse, yellow-green grass with a slow growth rate. A native of Southeast Asia and China, the grass grows into a thick turf with creeping stolons. A fungal infection leads to brown spots on centipede grass turf.

Identification

Centipede grass is susceptible to dollar spot disease caused by Lanzia sp., Sclerotinia homeocarpa and Moellerodiscus sp. Dollar spot frequently appears on centipede grass during the summer. Poorly growing centipede grass lawns are more prone to the disorder.

Damage

The disease starts with the appearance of 1- to 5-inch-round, water soaked circles on the lawn. The spots gradually turn brown. Grass blades often have red bands running across the width. Very fine, cobweb like threads are visible on grass in the early morning. With disease progression, the spots get larger and more irregular in shape, merging to create large patches of dead grass.

Control

Irrigate and fertilize grass adequately for vigorous growth. Top dress with compost. Avoid thatch buildup and increase mowing height to the maximum. Water lawns earlier in the day. Fungicidal control options include the use of iprodione or chlorothalonil.

References

• Texas A&M University Extension: Centipedegrass
• North Carolina State University Extension: Problems on Centipedegrass
• University of California Extension: Dollar Spot
• Colorado State University Extension: Dollar Spot Disease of Turfgrass