Pink Snow Mold Fungicides

Microdochium patch, also called pink snow mold or Fusarium patch, can develop with or without snow cover during cool, wet weather. It affects many cool-season grasses.

What to Look For

Small orange-brown or water-soaked spots expand into tan patches. Pink or white mycelium may be visible at the edge, and patches can merge into large blighted areas under persistent moisture.

Why It Develops

Cool temperatures, frequent rain, long leaf wetness, poor drainage, excess fall nitrogen, and prolonged snow cover favor infection.

Reduce Disease Pressure

• Improve drainage and airflow and remove fallen leaves.
• Avoid excessive late-fall nitrogen.
• Mow until growth stops so turf does not mat under snow.
• Reduce extended leaf wetness and disperse persistent snow piles.

What University Research and Extension Guidance Says

University evaluations show that preventive late-fall programs and repeated applications during prolonged cool, wet weather are more reliable than rescue treatment. Resistance and regional performance vary, so rotate FRAC groups and use current local trial data when building high-value programs.

Choosing and Using a Fungicide

Use the products below as a starting point, then match the active ingredient, FRAC group, turf species, use site, timing, rate, interval, and watering directions to the current product label. Preventive or very early applications are usually more reliable than rescue treatments after extensive injury. Rotate effective FRAC groups and combine fungicides with the cultural changes above.

Research and label note: University research may identify useful activity even when a current product label does not name this disease. That is research evidence, not a label direction. Apply a product only where the turf or application site and use pattern are permitted, and follow the complete label and applicable state requirements.

University sources: University of Kentucky: Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases 2024; Penn State Extension: SDHI Fungicides for Turfgrass Diseases.