Fusarium patch is a fungal disease that occurs on grass. It is a very common disease of golf courses, and is due to the fungus Michrodochium nivale. Golf courses are very favourable environment for fusarium development, as greens are usually well watered, sheltered by trees, with high levels of nitrogen, compacted and have rather alkaline soil. Michrodochium nivale development can be controlled through different management methods. The Chemical method is the most widely used. Other cultural controls are possible, such as the use of Fusarium resistant turf varieties, using soil bacteria to improve soil, practices to reduce thatch, improve drainage, mowing and raking infected patches to dry them. In this photo the disease has just started. The typical orange/brown ring can be seen on the edge of the scar indicating activity.
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