Gaeumannomyces graminis Associated with Spring Dead Spot of Bermudagrass in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

Three isolates of a dark-gray, slow-growing fungus isolated from bermudagrass cultivar Tifway with spring dead spot (SDS) symptoms were tested for pathogenicity on bermudagrass. One isolate produced typical SDS symptoms on bermudagrass when potted plants were inoculated in the fall and grown outside during the winter. Of plants inoculated with isolate B, top weight was 92% and root weight was 71% less than for the control. Of those inoculated with isolate A, top weight was 55% and root weight was 42% less than for the control