Which type of turf grass is mainly associated with ground pearl infestations?

Bermuda grass is particularly susceptible to ground pearl infestations primarily due to its growth characteristics and the environments in which it thrives. Ground pearls, which are the scale insect's life stage, tend to infest warm-season grasses, making Bermuda grass, a warm-season turf variety, a prime target. This is largely because Bermuda grass provides ideal conditions for the development of these pests, such as a warm, sunny environment and a dense root system.

Ground pearls establish themselves within the soil around the root zone of the grass and feed on the plant's sap, which can lead to significant damage, including thinning of the turf and overall decline in health if infestations are not managed effectively. Identifying and managing these pests is vital for maintaining the vigor of Bermuda grass lawns, particularly in regions where this grass type is dominant.

Fescue, Zoysia, and Ryegrass, being either cool-season grasses or grass types more tolerant to conditions not conducive to ground pearl infestations, generally do not face the same level of threat from these pests as Bermuda grass does. This understanding highlights the importance of identifying specific pests associated with different grass types to implement effective pest control measures.