The Rhizoctonia species thrives in temperatures ranging from 70 °F to 90 °F but can survive in freezing temperatures. Brown patch is most common when night temperatures fail to drop below 68 °F and during extended periods of high humidity or prolonged leaf wetness. The Rhizoctonia species has two specific fungi that affects the turf plant at different times of the year. In most cases Rhizoctonia solani will cause Brown patch in June throughout early July. While when temperatures begin to heat up and the air becomes more humid Rhizoctonia solani will be replaced by Rhizoctonia zeae. It has been found that the Rhizoctonia species is capable of surviving in the soil for many years without affecting turfgrass. During the winter months the fungus will lie dormant in the grass tissue or soil and form into resting bodies called sclerotia.
