Which type of grass is most commonly affected by brown patch?

The most commonly affected type of grass by brown patch is warm-season turfgrass, which includes species like Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Brown patch is a fungal disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani, which thrives in warm, humid conditions frequently encountered in the spring and summer months.

Warm-season grasses are particularly susceptible due to their growth patterns and environmental preferences. In addition, these grasses often experience the ideal conditions for brown patch development, which include high temperatures and excessive moisture. While fine fescue, Bermudagrass, and ryegrass can also be impacted, especially under specific circumstances, warm-season turfgrasses are the ones most commonly associated with extensive outbreaks of this disease.

Understanding the susceptibility of different turfgrass types to brown patch is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies in lawn and ornamental pest control. Recognizing that warm-season grasses are more prone allows for timely interventions, such as adjusting irrigation practices or applying fungicides when environmental factors become favorable for the disease's development.