Ryegrass is more severely damaged by rust than St. Augustinegrass or Bermudagrass. Seedling blight kills the young plants either before or just after emergence, resulting in a reduced stand. Post-emergence attacks cause the seedlings to collapse and die soon after emergence. Seedling diseases are especially damaging during periods of adverse conditions, such as cool, wet weather. Improper planting such as covering the seed too deeply, also increases seedling blight.
Leaves begin to dry, turn brown, and become crisp.
Young spots are uniformly colored but tend to develop a tan center as the disease develops. It is recognized by the grayish-white fungal growth on the leaves. The white fungal growth can be observed on the upper surface of the leaves and leaf sheaths. As the disease progresses, the leaf turns yellow and is gradually killed.