TechNotes Tips - 09.21.01

Orange pants and shoes? Rust (Puccinia graminis) is quite active on perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass turfs throughout the Midwest. Heavily infested lawns can cause concern to homeowners because they will often notice their shoes or pant legs getting an “orangish” color. The spores come from orange pustules on the leaf blade. If infestation is severe, thinning of the turf can occur and may justify a fungicide spray. In general, however, nitrogen applications along with adequate moisture will promote growth reducing the severity of this disease. For more information see:

http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/plantdisease/g1119.htm

Sod webworm adults are emerging in many homelawns in the northern United States. These moths are obvious during the first few weeks of September. When walking or mowing their lawns,homeowners often get concerned when these moths pop-up and flutter around. However, turf damage nor damage to clothing is associated with these moths!