Striped Smut

Stripe Smut is a fungus that turns grass blades pale yellow-green to black and causes stunting. Stripe Smut spores are identifiable by the long yellow-green streaks that gradually turn black on grass blades, eventually causing blades to curl, sometimes shred and die. The disease is more common in northern states, and it affects mostly cool-season grasses during spring and fall. However, it can also arise in summer in Southern states.

Cultural Solutions

• Water regularly to reduce drought stress (Summer Lawn Watering Guide).
• Water early in the morning so grass dries out before night.
• Reduce nitrogen fertilizers in mid-summer.