IPM Strategies for red thread

The disease red thread (caused by Laetisaria fuciformis) typically starts causing problems this time of the year. Luckily, it is an example of a problem that can usually be managed without the use of pesticides. It occurs when soil nitrogen levels are too low, and can usually be managed by application of nitrogen (0.2 lb/1000 sq ft nitrogen per week). Nitrogen appears to act not so much by killing the fungus, but instead by stimulating plant growth so that it…