Fairy ring is caused by which group of organisms?

Fairy ring is caused by which group of organisms?

• A. Fungi in group of basidiomycetes and can occur in all species of turf
• B. Bacteria in the genus Pseudomonas
• C. Nematodes that feed on roots
• D. Molds that decompose thatch in all grasses

Answer: (A)

Fairy ring is caused by fungi in the basidiomycete group. These fungi spread as a circular mycelial mat beneath the turf, and under the right conditions they form mushrooms around the outer edge. Their activity is tied to breaking down organic matter in the thatch and soil, which can boost growth at the ring’s edge or create bare patches inside the ring as nutrients and water are redistributed. Basidiomycetes can affect many turfgrass species, so this problem isn’t limited to one type of grass. The other organisms listed don’t produce the classic ring pattern associated with fairy rings and aren’t the typical cause.

Fairy ring is caused by fungi in the basidiomycete group. These fungi spread as a circular mycelial mat beneath the turf, and under the right conditions they form mushrooms around the outer edge. Their activity is tied to breaking down organic matter in the thatch and soil, which can boost growth at the ring’s edge or create bare patches inside the ring as nutrients and water are redistributed. Basidiomycetes can affect many turfgrass species, so this problem isn’t limited to one type of grass. The other organisms listed don’t produce the classic ring pattern associated with fairy rings and aren’t the typical cause.