ALGAE

Causal Agent

Nostoc spp., Oscillatoria spp., Chlamydomonas, Anabaena spp.    

Susceptible Turfgrass

All turfgrasses can be affected.However; inherent soil characteristics and moisture levels governs incidence. 

Symptoms

• Scum mats occur on greens and low-cut turf areas
• These mats multiply rapidly forming multi-layered, filamentous mats, black in colour
• At the intermediate-stage outbreak, algal scum forms a mat which begins to expand, causing turf to thin
• A larger mat then forms, causing significant turf damage
• Left untreated, algal mats can grow to 30 cm in diameter

 

Conditions Favouring Disease 

• During prolonged periods of wet conditions or overcast skies, algal scum can develop in both sunlit & shaded areas.
• Turfgrasses cut to below 40 cm are particularly vulnerable to the development of algal scum.

General Comments

• Algae are plants, which photosynthesis to obtain nutrients, competing with turfgrasses for available nutrients.
• Algae do not attack turf plants, but they do attack the turf environment, occupying soil surfaces.
• Algae scum mats are capable of drying out then reviving after absorbing moisture.

Distribution

Found in all States

Management Tips

• Improve air circulation.
• Improve sub-surface  drainage.
• Use irrigation scheduling, to avoid prolonged wetting of turf.
• Maintain appropriate soil pH and nutritional levels.
• Increase mowing height.
• Increase sunlight penetration, to reducing shading of turf surfaces.

Control

At present there are no Syngenta products with label recommendation for control of algae in turf.