Which disease is associated with pink fungal strands on the edges of spots after snow melt?

• A. Microdochium (snow mold)
• B. Fairy rings
• C. Stripe smut
• D. Powdery mildew

Answer: (A)

Pink snow mold shows pink, threadlike growth at the margins of turf patches after snow melts. This is caused by Microdochium nivale, which thrives in cool, wet conditions under snow cover and continues growing as the ground thaws and leaf wetness persists. The pink, filamentous edge is a distinctive sign that sets it apart from other turf diseases. Powdery mildew produces a white powder on leaf surfaces, fairy rings form ring-shaped turf with often mushrooms, and stripe smut creates striped, discolored areas within the blades. So, the presence of pink fungal strands along patch edges after snow melt points to pink snow mold caused by Microdochium nivale.