Maintaining turf at the recommended mowing height has what effect on disease incidence?

Maintaining turf at the recommended mowing height has what effect on disease incidence?

• A. Disease incidence increases
• B. Disease incidence decreases
• C. Disease incidence is unaffected
• D. Maintenance has no effect on diseases

Answer: (B)

Maintaining turf at the recommended mowing height keeps the grass vigorous and less stressed, which makes it harder for diseases to take hold. When turf is mowed at the proper height, it retains enough leaf area to photosynthesize and store carbohydrates, supporting a strong root system and quick recovery from any minor infections. A healthy, dense stand also crowds out pathogens and reduces the opportunities they have to invade. If you cut too short, the turf becomes stressed, weaker, and more susceptible to disease, so staying at the recommended height lowers disease incidence.

Maintaining turf at the recommended mowing height keeps the grass vigorous and less stressed, which makes it harder for diseases to take hold. When turf is mowed at the proper height, it retains enough leaf area to photosynthesize and store carbohydrates, supporting a strong root system and quick recovery from any minor infections. A healthy, dense stand also crowds out pathogens and reduces the opportunities they have to invade. If you cut too short, the turf becomes stressed, weaker, and more susceptible to disease, so staying at the recommended height lowers disease incidence.