TechNotes Tips - 05.10.01

Kentucky bluegrass inflorescences (seedheads) are present in many northern homelawns this time of year. Some people think that if they let the bluegrass go to seed that the lawn “will seed itself”. In fact most of the seed produced is shattered and thus little viable seed is produced.

The potential for rust is still high. In areas where conditions have been dry and the turf is not growing as rapidly, rust is a potential problem. Shaded areas or around buildings will most likely be the places where rust shows first.

Cedar apple rust is apparent in some parts of the country. At this time of the year this disease is own junipers. The fungus produces colored galls or “spore horns” that are bright orange. For more information on this complex disease see: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/3000/3055.html

In areas where conditions have been warm and dry,necrotic ring spot is showing initial symptoms. This disease is more likely to occur on sodded Kentucky bluegrass growing on compacted soils.