Fast Facts: Now is the Time to Protect your Bermudagrass Greens from Pythium
November 2026
by the Green Solutions Team
The Fastest Facts
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Pythium blight is a devasting foliar disease that affects all turfgrasses grown in the Southeast. It becomes most active when nighttime temperatures are warm (>68F) with high relative humidity. The most severe outbreaks are typically associated with frequent rain events and extended cloud cover. Although all turfgrasses are susceptible, bermudagrass and bentgrass putting greens, and all overseeded areas, should be monitored more closely. In addition, saturated soil conditions will also favor the development of Pythium root rot. Current weather forecasts across much of the Southeast predict highly favorable conditions for Pythium development. Here are several key reminders:
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Figure 1. Pythium blight (left image) and Pythium root rot (right image) are among the most destructive diseases of bermudagrass greens.
Cultural Management
- Avoid high rates of quick-release nitrogen (>0.5 lb N/M) during environmental conditions favoring disease development
- Promote sunlight and air movement through selective tree removal and pruning
- Make sure drainage systems are working properly to help move water out of the profile
- Scout turf during the morning hours when environmental conditions are conducive for infection
- Do not mow or roll greens and fairways if mycelium is present as this will only spread the pathogen more
Chemical Management
- Pythium blight and root rot are not caused by a true fungus, thus requiring a specialty fungicide for control
- Preventative applications offer better results, but do not expect any product to provide longer than 10-14 days of protection when disease pressure remains consistently high
- When possible, save applications of Serata® and Segway® for Pythium root rot and not for Pythium blight
Envu Solutions
- Banol® is for blight. Banol has been a trusted Pythium blight solution for decades. For broader foliar disease protection consider tank-mixing Banol with Interface® Stressgard®
- Applications of Signature™ XTRA Stressgard® Liquid (SXSL) are also an excellent solution for Pythium blight. One of the advantages of SXSL is its fully systemic movement in the plant. This allows for simultaneous control of Pythium blight and Pythium root rot with foliar applications
- To protect your bermudagrass greens from Pythium root rot consider watered in applications of Serata. Consider tank-mixing Serata with the QoI fungicide Fame® for enhanced Pythium root rot control as well has bolstering your take-all root rot management program
- Need a fairway solution for Pythium blight? – Consider Fiata® Stressgard. This pigmented phosphite should be applied at 5 fl. oz./M every 10-14 days when disease pressure remains high
Always follow label precautions and reach out to your regional Envu Area Sales Manager for more information or contact your local.