What effect does Dollar Spot have on grass?

Dollar Spot is a common fungal disease that primarily affects turfgrass. The condition manifests itself as small, circular patches on the grass, often resembling dollar-size spots. These patches appear as blighted areas of leaf tissue, characterized by light tan or straw-colored grass.

When Dollar Spot infects turf, the pathogen attacks the leaf blades, leading to their discoloration and deterioration. This is why the correct answer highlights the impact on leaf tissue. The blighting of the leaf tissue is what gives the disease its distinctive appearance, making it one of the most recognizable turfgrass diseases.

While Dollar Spot can influence other aspects of the grass plant, such as contributing to overall stress or affecting growth, the direct symptom is primarily the damage to the leaf tissue. This understanding is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of the disease in turfgrass.