Cyanobacteria (algae) on greens

Cyanobacteria (algae) can cause damage to bentgrass, bermudagrass and poa greens as long as temperatures are moderately warm (above 68F). The characteristic pattern of yellow spots and streaks that results was captured very well in a photo submitted by David Major, CGCS, of Shady Canyon Golf Club in Irvine California.

It is commonly thought that cyanobacteria do not damage turf plants directly, but instead are just a symptom of poor drainage, excessive moisture and other turfgrass stressors. However, there is…