2015 Snow Mold Update
Snow molds continue be a major problem for many superintendents across the country. Pink snow mold is caused by Microdochium nivale. When this fungus causes disease in the absence of snow it is referred to as Microdochium patch. The symptoms of pink snow mold and Microdochium patch are slightly different (see here), but both are caused by Microdochium nivale. For many areas of the country, Microdochium patch is more common than pink snow mold because the disease can develop anytime of the year during periods of cool, wet weather.
Gray snow mold is caused by Typhula incarnate or T. ishikariensis. Snow mold caused by T. ishikariensis is sometimes called speckled snow mold. Snow molds caused by Typhula spp. require extended periods of snow cover to develop and will develop small, round structures called sclerotia on or in the plant tissue.
Fortunately, there are several good options available for managing snow molds and Microdochium patch. Here are a couple of the latest reviews for snow mold control. These articles or videos were originally posted on www.turfdiseases.org.
- Dr. John Kaminski of Penn State University provides an excellent video review of his 2014/2015 snow mold trials.
- Dr. Paul Koch reviews snow mold control in Wisconsin.