Fungus on grass stem

Yesterday I came across this microfungus on a grass stem in my garden. It appeared to have killed the end of the grass stem, although the rest still seemed very healthy. There was a yellow band separating the dead bit and the healthy green bit. If anyone knows what this could be then that would be great!

Thanks, James

Hi James

there are far too many things that cause black spots on leaves and stems to merit even the guess of a name. You have to do the microscopy with these fellows.

regards

Chris

PS it also helps to know the exact host

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your response. What sort of microscopy is necessary? I will try and work out the exact host tomorrow. Grass ID is something I’ve been really working on recently although I’ve barely made any progress and I really am helpless at it!

James

Don’t worry too much about which grass it is. A gentle squash (in water) of as small a piece of a ‘black bit’ as possible would be a good start (i.e. as little plant tissue as possible. Sharp forceps can be useful in these cases – something like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Micro-Forceps-Surgical-Dental-Eye-Jewelry-15-cm-Forcep-Sharp-GOLD-/161463344544?epid=854509416&hash=item2597f71da0:g:N-EAAOSwZkJUTMzF” class=”bbcode_url”>http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Micro-Forceps-Surgical-Dental-Eye-Jewelry-15-cm-Forcep-Sharp-GOLD-/161463344544?epid=854509416&hash=item2597f71da0:g:N-EAAOSwZkJUTMzF.

Another technique would be to wet the stem and then remove a “black bit” with a sharp needle and mount on a drop of water on the microscope slide, leave for a few minutes then pop on cover slip and gently squash.