Which fungal genus is associated with brown patch disease?

Which fungal genus is associated with brown patch disease?

• A. Rhizoctonia
• B. Pythium
• C. Fusarium
• D. Botrytis

Answer: (A)

Brown patch disease in turf is caused primarily by Rhizoctonia solani, a soil-borne fungus in the genus Rhizoctonia. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and penetrates leaf tissue to form circular patches that expand and turn tan or brown with a darker, irregular edge. Among the fungi listed, this genus best fits the typical symptoms and conditions of brown patch. The other fungi are associated with different diseases: Pythium often causes damping-off and root rot, Fusarium species cause wilt or crown rot and various leaf spots, and Botrytis leads to gray mold on damaged plant parts.

Brown patch disease in turf is caused primarily by Rhizoctonia solani, a soil-borne fungus in the genus Rhizoctonia. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and penetrates leaf tissue to form circular patches that expand and turn tan or brown with a darker, irregular edge. Among the fungi listed, this genus best fits the typical symptoms and conditions of brown patch. The other fungi are associated with different diseases: Pythium often causes damping-off and root rot, Fusarium species cause wilt or crown rot and various leaf spots, and Botrytis leads to gray mold on damaged plant parts.