Seedlings are very susceptible, but older plants rapidly become resistant.
Affected seedlings wither, die, and turn brown.
The roots and crowns of infected plants may develop small lesions and rot. The disease occurs in irregular patches that range in size from 2 inches to 3 feet across. The pathogen survives in infected bermudagrass plants and debris and may be seedborne. The fungal spores are airborne. Healthy older plants will not be damaged.