Algae: the silent killer

Algae (cyanobacteria) are commonly viewed merely as the symptom of larger problems such as poor drainage, shade and wet spots. But algae can also act to directly kill turf on bentgrass, bermudagrass and poa greens. The characteristic pattern of yellow spots and streaks that results on bentgrass greens was captured very well in a photo submitted by PACE member David Major, CGCS, of Shady Canyon Golf Club in Irvine California. Another photo on bentgrass greens illustrates additional symptoms of algae…