Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

During which season do symptoms of large patch most commonly appear?

1. Summer

2. Fall

3. Spring

4. Winter

The correct answer is: Spring

The symptoms of large patch, a turfgrass disease primarily caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, are most commonly observed in the spring season. This timing is attributed to favorable environmental conditions that support fungal growth, such as increased moisture and moderate temperatures that occur as the weather begins to warm after winter. In spring, turfgrass is typically transitioning from dormancy to active growth, creating a conducive environment for pathogens. The presence of dew and higher humidity levels can also promote the spread of disease, making the spring season particularly susceptible to the development of large patch symptoms. While it is possible to see some disease symptoms at other times of the year, such as during hot and humid periods in the summer or in cool, wet conditions in the fall, the hallmark of large patch appearance is typically linked to spring temperatures and moisture conditions.