Pathogen: Ustilago striiformis

Host: Kentucky Bluegrass, Creeping Bentgrass, Colonial Bentgrass

Environmental Requirements: cool wet weather foliar symptoms appear

Stand Symptoms: clumps and tufts of upright growth, yellowing and stunting

Plant Symptoms: leaves yellowed , shriveled, and shredded, reduced tillering

Fungal Signs: black sooty spore masses between the veins

Environmental Modification: balanced N-P-K fertilization, water to avoid drought stress

Plant Resistance: plant currently resistant varieties, fungus mutates easily, substitute Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue