The most common turfgrasses planted on golf course greens are ultra-dwarf bermudagrass cultivars such as ‘TifEagle,’ ‘MiniVerde,’ and ‘Champion.’ In lawns, Rhodesgrass Mealybug infestations have also been recorded.
In a grassy region touched by RMG feeding, close observation reveals both live and dead blades.
The Rhodesgrass Mealybug consumes grass nodes that are protected by leaf sheaths. Feeding damage first appears in turfgrass as yellowing and diminished growth, similar to drought stress symptoms. The plant as a whole finally turns yellow to brown and dies.
Host:
It does, however, have a broad variety of host grasses. Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, and centipedegrass are all susceptible to damage.
Territory:
Rhodesgrass Mealybug is found throughout in the southeastern United States
Damages caused by Rhodesgrass Mealybug:
During times of drought or stress, damage may be more obvious. Stunting, thinning, and death may occur as a result of a large infestation. There might be a lot of waxy, white secretions, honeydew, and sooty mold. During hot, dry months, mealybug damage is typically highest in sunny places.
Life history and habitat:
The adult Rhodesgrass Mealybug has a dark red or purple color with a soft, white wax coating. A single female may give birth to between 150 and 200 eggs. Males are rare, but when they do arrive, they look like little flies with two wings. Adults breed all year, especially when the temperature increases over 59°F. Winter diapause, or dormancy, is not found in RMG, showing that they can remain active throughout the winter. Crawlers are usually seen in unmanaged grass areas adjacent to roadways or railway lines. Crawlers are dispersed by the wind and human traffic. Nymphs may survive for five to six weeks without nourishment. Adult mortality rises to 100% if the temperature continues at 106 degrees Fahrenheit for two days.
