Red thread

Red thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) can occur anytime of the year, in shady, poorly aerated, compacted soils and a lack of nitrogen.

Particularly summer and autumn under warm moist conditions. The main symptoms are irregular patches of light brown or bleached leaves covered with distinctive red threads. Pink patch lacks the characteristic ‘Red threads’. Instead leaves may become coated with pink mycelial growth. Whilst Red thread may occur alone, it often occurs as a disease complex with pink patch.

Severe outbreaks may kill the grass but generally affected turf will recover adequately.