Kikuyu Yellows
Causal Agent
Verrucalvus flavofaciens
What are Kikuyu Yellows?
Kikuyu Yellows is a water mould that infects roots and causes them to rot. Kikuyu Yellows kills out areas of turf which allows weeds to invade the infected areas. As part of managing Kkuyu Yellows, it is recommended to resow affected areas with suitable tolerant Kikuyu varieties such as Noonan.
What are the Symptoms of Kikuyu Yellows?
The general symptoms of Kikuyu Yellows include:
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Leaves turn uniformly yellow with brown flecking.
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Roots usually turn yellowish brown colour and rot.
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Infected areas range in size from 10cm to 1m in diameter.
Kikuyu Yellows INFO SHEETWhen do Kikuyu Yellows occur?
The general conditions that are favourable for disease are:
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High temperatures in spring and summer offsets Kikuyu’s dominant growth period.
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Since plant material and soil can bear spores of the fungus, it can be difficult to control.
What Turfgrasses are especially susceptible to Kikuyu Yellows?
Kikuyu grass
What can I do to manage or control Kikuyu Yellows?
Management practices that can help control or reduce instances of kikuyu yellows include:
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Prevent spread by not moving infected soils and grass to new areas.
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Nitrogen fertilisers mask symptoms, use a complete fertiliser to encourage root development.
