Red tipped
A lawn disease that occurs around the world and is caused by fungal infestation ( Laetisaria fuciformis , Corticium fuciforme ) is referred to as red tipped skin . It is mainly found on ornamental lawns and sports lawns, but other types of lawn can also be affected.
Infestation is possible all year round, as infection takes place at temperatures between 5 ° C and 30 ° C. The fungus is favored by longer periods with warm, humid weather and insufficient nitrogen supply . When the weather is dry, the red tip disappears again. The antler-like, red fungal stroma appearing at the tips of the infected leaves makes the determination of the disease relatively easy.
Be particularly prone to this disease in the is grasses of Ordinary red fescue ( Festuca rubra ), but also Agrostis ( Agrostis ), bluegrasses ( Poa pratensis ) and ryegrass ( Lolium ) can be attacked. Since the plants do not die, the damage is relatively minor, especially since the infestation is quickly overgrown.
Symptoms
The first signs are irregularly shaped spots with partially dead grass, whereby the upper part of the stalk is already reddish in color. In the further course, a cotton-wool-like, pink-colored mycelium appears , which develops into a red, antler-hard mushroom tissue and sticks the leaves together.
Combat
As a preventive measure, the fungal infestation can be prevented or reduced by not too frequent and not too short mowing and by improving the nutrient supply through fertilization (nitrogen, potash, phosphorus). Furthermore, excessive moisture and high humidity, for example through watering, should be avoided. Scarifying in spring reduces the thatch, which is an ideal place to stay for fungal diseases and is a possible source of infection.