Pathogen: Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae
Host: Colonial Bentgrass, Creeping Bentgrass, Velvet Bentgrass
Environmental Requirements: root infection occurs during cool wet weather, symptom expression during spring and fall when plants fail to make normal growth, and during heat and drought stress
Stand Symptoms: irregular-shaped circular bronzed patches
Plant Symptoms: foliage bronzed, roots dark brown
Fungal Signs: dark brown to black ectotrophic hyphae on the roots and crown
Environmental Modification: lower pH with sulfur or acidifying fertilizer, avoid lime and alkaline fertilizers
Plant Resistance: replace Bentgrass with resistant species of turfgrasses if possible