Turf melting out is caused by the fungal pathogen Drechslera poae, in the family Pleosporaceae.

The disease infects all parts of the plant most commonly on golf course roughs, sports fields, and home lawns.

[4] Drechslera poae thrives during spring conditions and affects many cool season turfgrass species such as bluegrasses (Poa spp.

Outbreaks are most common on golf course fairways and residential lawns consisting primarily of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis).

[7] Drechslera poae fungus overwinters on the lower portion of the grass plant in the crowns and roots.

Sporulation then occurs on the infected leaves and continues to reproduce as long as the cool, wet conditions persist.

After weeks of germination, spores tend to wash down to the crown and root areas which eventually induces the melting out phase of the turf by late spring or early summer.

Once there is a prolonged period of moisture present along with cool temperatures, the disease will be more likely to cause significant damage to a turf stand.

[10] Since melting out likes lush, nitrogen-filled plants, making sure there is not a large application of nitrogen in spring is important to reduce the risk of infection.

In turn, a nitrogen-hungry plant is weak, also making it susceptible, so a good fertility plan is key in reducing risk of a melting out outbreak.