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Plant Diseases
Turf Diseases in Arkansas
Several turfgrass types are grown throughout the state of Arkansas. For the
home lawn, bermuda (common and hybrid varieties), Zoysia, Centipede, St.
Augustine, and Tall Fescue constitute the vast majority of turfgrass types.
Bermuda and Zoysia may be found in virtually any part of the state. The tall
fescues are predominate in the northern tier counties and are quite common in
the Northwest portion of the state. St. Augustine is better suited for the
warmer areas of the state, so it is more common in the southern one-third of the
state. Centipede, which resembles St.Augustine, is grown primarily in the
southern one-half of the state.
Biotic diseases of turfgrass result from infection by a living organism such
as a fungus, bacteria, virus, or nematode. A susceptible plant, favorable
environment, and a plant disease causal agent must be present over a period of
time for a disease to occur. Most biotic or infectious diseases of turfgrass are
caused by some kind of a fungus. Some disease are turfgrass specific whereas
others may attack multiple turfgrass types. There are very few important virus
diseases of turf. Nematodes are often a problem on golf courses or other
situations where turf is grown in sandy soil conditions. Abiotic diseases result
from a stress imposed by non-living agents such as mechanical or chemical damage
and adverse environmental conditions.
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Prepared by Stephen Vann
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