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Take-all Root Rot

Monica Elliott andPhilip Harmon


Release Date: 7/19/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-lh079-1994

Agriculture

Abstract

This document discusses the root rot disease affecting warm season turfgrasses, caused by the pathogen Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis. The disease is triggered by high rainfall and stressed turfgrass, leading to symptoms such as yellow patches and rotted roots. Cultural controls, including proper mowing and balanced nitrogen-potassium applications, are essential for managing the disease. Preventative fungicides can be used but are less effective once symptoms appear. The document emphasizes the importance of stress prevention and provides detailed guidelines for turfgrass management to mitigate the impact of the disease. First published: July 1994.

About this Publication

This document is SS-PLP-16, one of a series of the Department of Plant Pathology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 1991. Revised August 2014 and May 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Elliott, M. L., & Harmon, P. F. (2014). Take-all Root Rot. EDIS, 2014(8). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-lh079-1994

Authors

Monica Elliott
Monica Elliott
Specialist
University of Florida

professor emeritus, Department of Plant Pathology, UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center

Philip Harmon
Philip Harmon
Specialist
University of Florida

professor and Extension plant pathologist, UF/IFAS Department of Plant Pathology

Publication #SS-PLP-16