Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) continues to test grounds managers, often appearing during the critical renovation period. Due to rising temperatures and increased humidity, GLS is spreading faster requiring a strategy from grounds teams to protect their surfaces from this aggressive fungal pathogen 🦠
GLS can cause rapid and severe damage to perennial ryegrass, the preferred species for football pitches due to its durability and recovery speed. Early symptoms may resemble drought stress, but within days, infected leaves develop purple‑bordered lesions and yellowing before collapsing entirely. If left untreated, GLS can destroy large areas of turf.
A proactive, integrated approach will reduce the the risks:
🌱 Log conditions to predict high-risk periods
🌱 Monitor moisture, and use wetting agents to reduce surface wetness
🌱 Enhance airflow
🌱 Avoid excess nitrogen applications and use controlled-release fertilisers to maintain steady nutrient availability
🌱Select ryegrass cultivars with proven GLS resistance
If you need advice on preventing or managing an outbreak of GLS, get in touch with your OAS Technical Manager.
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