Name two common signs of a turf disease caused by a fungal pathogen.

• A. Irregular colored patches and leaf or blade lesions with surrounding halo or water-soaked areas
• B. Uniform yellowing only
• C. Round spots with no halo
• D. No visible symptoms

Answer: (A)

A turf disease caused by a fungal pathogen typically shows tissue damage that shows up as patches and spots on the leaves. The best signs are irregular colored patches across the turf and leaf or blade lesions that have a surrounding halo or water-soaked areas. The irregular patches reflect how the fungus spreads unevenly through the turf, creating discolored zones rather than a uniform change. The leaf or blade lesions indicate direct tissue injury, and the halo or water-soaked margins around those lesions are common because fungi often cause localized decay and moisture buildup at the edge of the affected tissue.

Uniform yellowing by itself is more suggestive of nutrient deficiency or environmental stress rather than a fungal infection. Round spots without a halo can occur with some diseases, but the halo or water-soaked margins are more characteristic of fungal activity. No visible symptoms would not indicate a turf fungal disease.