Pythium aristosporum
Pythium aristosporum is a species of pythium under the class oomycota (often referred to as water molds) that causes root dysfunction in creeping bentgrass. Hosts and symptoms Pythium aristosporum causes root dysfunction in creeping bentgrass. Creeping bentgrass is a cool season grass that is found mainly on the putting greens, fairways, and tees of golf courses in the Northern United States due to its ability to be cut at very low heights (an eighth of an inch) and survive winters relatively unharmed. It is ideal for golf courses because it grows stoloniferously (with above ground shoots). This allows the grass grow laterally relatively quickly and form dense ground covers, making it ideal for golf courses. Like the disease name suggests, Pythium aristosporum affects the roots of creeping bentgrass. While there are no macroscopic signs, there are a few above and belowground symptoms that plants infected with this disease will exhibit. Aboveground, there will be dieback on the tip of the grass blade and the grass will turn from the lush green to a yellow/brown color typically in circular patches. Symptoms aboveground are secondary, and a result of the necrosis of the roots. Belowground, the roots will die back, turn a