Conquering fairy ring disease with new tools

Types of fairy ring fungi

Fairy ring diseases can be classified into two groups: edaphic and lectophilic. Edaphic fungi primarily colonize the soil, whereas lectophilic fungi primarily colonize thatch and leaf litter. Edaphic fungi can extend mycelia 2 to 3 feet deep in the soil. Lectophilic fairy rings are more likely to develop on putting greens and other closely mowed, high-maintenance turf.

Types of edaphic fairy ring

Type I -- Turf dead or severely damaged

Type II -- Turfgrass stimulated, dark green rings evident

Type III -- Ring of mushrooms present, turfgrass not stimulated or damaged

Types of lectophilic fairy ring

Type A -- Mushrooms may be present, no other effect on turf

Type B -- Turfgrass stimulated, dark green rings evident, thatch degradation apparent

Type C -- Turf dead or severely damaged

Turfgrass researchers have identified the most-common types of fairy ring fungi (5). Edaphic fairy rings are attributed to Marasmius, Chlorophyllum or Lepiota (this fungus produces the "really big" mushrooms), and Agaricus species ("meadow mushroom"). Recently, many cases of lectophilic fairy ring have been attributed to Lycoperdon species ("puff-ball mushroom"). Some other species responsible for fairy ring include Scleroderma, Tricholoma and Clitocybe.