Powdery Mildew is most likely to be found in shady areas or in areas of turf with poor air circulation.
Erysiphe Graminis is the fungus which causes powdery mildew. This fungus overwinters on the debris from the previous years growth and can also be found in the plant's tissue as dormant fungal strands. Unlike other fungi, powdery mildew uniquely grows on the surface of the grass tissue. By using specialized sucker-like structures, the fungus is able to grow on the outer leaf cells and acquire it's nourishment. Powdery mildew is most often found in shady areas within your lawn, generally speaking you will find it most often along the side of your house where grass is present. It appears as if someone has spilt white paint onto the surface of your grass and can be easily rubbed of using your fingers. As this disease progresses the entire area may become a dull white colour. Leaf blades that become infected more often than not turn a yellowish colour and wilt and die. The fungal spores which spread this disease are wind borne and can infect a stand of turf quickly, sometimes as quickly as 2-3 hours.
Conditions that Produce Powdery Mildew
1. poor air circulation
2. high humidity
3. poor or low sunlight conditions
4. air temperatures hovering around 20 degrees celcius
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