Fairy ring disease of turfgrass

Fairy ring disease of turfgrass is a recurring problem in Georgia. Results of UGA plant pathology laboratory experiments reveal that Lycoperdon perlatum, a cause of fairy ring, is a weak competitor, an uncharacteristic trait of a successful soil-invading fungus. However, scientists believe that a tolerance to high temperature allows L. perlatum to inhabit a microbial suppressive niche in turfgass soils. These findings enhance understanding of L.perlatum and fairy ring disease in Georgia, and other states and regions.