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RedThread [Laestisaria
fuciformis]
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| Red Thread is one of the most common diseases and is often seen
during the summer and autumn months in the UK and is caused by the fungus Laestisaria fuciformis
formerly known as Corticium fuciforme. Most types of grass can be attacked by red thread but red
fescue and ryegrass are very susceptible. Red thread is most likely to occur in soils deficient in
nitrogen during cool wet weather conditions. Fortunately red thread is not usually a harmful
disease. |
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Identification of Red Thread
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| The first signs of a red thread attack are patches of
grass with a tan or pink colour about 20cm in diameter. These patches increase in size when growth
slows down, due to lack of nitrogen especially if the conditions are moist. Red needles or pink
webs can be seen between the leaf blades hence the name red thread. |
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Conditions that favour Red Thread
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There are various conditions that this disease favours. These are as
follows.
- A lawn with a high percentage of rye grass or red fescue will be
susceptible to red thread disease.
- A lawn deficient in nitrogen.
- Red thread favours cool and moist conditions.
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Prevention and control of Red Thread
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Any kind of chemical control with a
fungicide is now not allowed for use in the UK. However there are effective cultural methods to
control this lawn disease. These cultural methods include:
- Maintain adequate fertility levels
especially nitrogen to keep the grass growing consistently.
- Improve the drainage to move water
through the soil profile and eliminate any water soaked areas.
- Ensure your mower blades are kept sharp
so they cut the grass properly to prevent any damage to the grass leaf.
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