Which grass types are affected by Yellow Patch?

Yellow Patch is a turf disease primarily caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia cerealis, which affects cool-season grasses. The grasses that are most commonly impacted by Yellow Patch include Kentucky bluegrass and annual bluegrass. These species are particularly susceptible due to their growth habits and environmental preferences, which create favorable conditions for the fungus.

Kentucky bluegrass is especially vulnerable because it thrives in lawns and athletic fields where yellow patch can develop due to the combination of humidity and cooler temperatures. Annual bluegrass, often seen in managed turf areas, also faces similar risks, particularly in transitional zones where the conditions can favor the pathogen's lifecycle.

The other grass types listed are generally more resilient to Yellow Patch due to differences in their biological characteristics and environmental tolerances. For instance, ryegrass and fine fescue may encounter other diseases but are not as commonly affected by Yellow Patch. Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and zoysia are typically not affected by this cool-season pathogen. Ornamental grasses and native species may also show different disease susceptibility profiles that do not typically include Yellow Patch.