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Lesson 15: It's A Disease

Situation

Actually, the turf didn't look all that bad. It was certainly wasn't as dense as it had been. The color wasn't as good. And, it seemed to grow differently, with some of the leaves more upright than normal. Closer examination of the leaves revealed long, dark streaks between the veins. When rubbing your hand across the turf, some black, sooty material clung to your skin. A few days later, the turf deteriorated further; it was more chlorotic, and thinner. As warmer temperatures signaled the coming of summer, some of the affected turf turned brown. Then, the lab tests came in: Ustilago striiformis was identified as the causal organism for "stripe smut" - a DISEASE.

As you reflect on this experience, consider the following questions:

• What is a disease, under what conditions does it occur, and how can it be controlled?
• What is the difference between biotic and abiotic diseases?
• How can a previously resistant turfgrass become susceptible to a particular disease?
• What is the difference between disease signs and symptoms?
• How might the fertility status of a turf influence disease serverity?

What to do...

In this lesson you will review information on Disease Control. When you are finished going through the lesson, access the Lesson 15 Quiz. You can take the quiz up to 5 times. Practice! The questions are just like those you will find on the exams.