A new pathogen that infects creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), a common golf course turf, has emerged, Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae.  A. avenae is a bacterial pathogen that also infects other members of the Poaceae (grass) family.  A. avenae is considered to be a weak pathogen of creeping bentgrass and is associated with stress conditions, particularly heat stress.  While A. avenae is currently not a widespread problem it has caused playability problems on golf course putting greens, has resulted in plant death in some instances, and currently there are limited management strategies to prevent infection.  One of the symptoms of A. avenae infection of creeping bentgrass is rapid vertical growth, typically accompanied by yellowing of the plant leaves.  This type of growth is associated with elevated levels of gibberellins, a group of plant hormones.  Changes in plant hormone levels have been correlated with changes in plant susceptibility and resistance to various pathogens.  Plant hormone levels can also be altered due to changes in growing conditions (environment and cultural practices).  There is some evidence that A. avenae is capable of producing plant hormones, including gibberellins.  Therefore, phytohormone production of A. avenae, of any, will be quantified.  Changes in plant hormone levels in the root due to abiotic stresses (heat and salt) will be quantified and tested to determine if these stresses result in greater susceptibility to A. avenae infection.  Such correlations can be used to make management recommendations.