Dusty Purple Grass

robk115 – posted 06 August 2002 07:04

I have a weird problem, I noticed a few days ago purple patches of grass, if i touch the patches its dusty like the grass is turning to dust. It seems to have spread a little bit. I think i have a mixture of grasses, i used scotts sunny mix in the spring. Does anyone know what is causing this. I live in New York and its been 90 degrees everyday for the last two or three weeks….

seed – posted 12 May 2004 20:50

robk115, it could be a fungus disease called “rust.” I don’t know what kind of grass you have, but it sounds like it might be some cool season mixture with perennial ryegrass and other species.

If you check the individual leaf blades, you may notice raised, elongate pustules where the rust spores are coming out.

The high temperature may be adding stress to a species which is ready vanish. If it’s a short-lived species such as perennial ryegrass that is affected, it may not be economical to save it with fungicide.

Phil

jacek – posted 13 May 2004 07:47

I am sure rob can use this advice after waiting for response whole 2 years.

This board is pathetic with its low volume.

ted – posted 13 May 2004 13:01

most responses get quite a few answers. once in a while they’re correct!

danielprior – posted 13 May 2004 19:40

Yes, I had much the same problem with my lawn, where my own lush verdant turfage became slightly pigmented with a mauve shade. I have recently contacted a friend of mine at the institute of turf research international, and he has told me that the problem is related to the type of soil. This particular soil, called ‘Indigo-Class54A’ is acidic with a pH value of around 5.6. As such, many of the common plants grown thereupon will have a slightly purple appearance. The best remedy is to rip up all of your turf, and replace it with concrete. For the best results, use Portland cement mix with 45% water content, with asphalt topping to prevent early weathering. There should be plenty of concrete suppliers near you.Happy Concreting!Daniel Prior, Vermont

seed – posted 25 May 2004 21:10

Old queries can be useful to people with the same problem.

Phil