Powdery mildew is primarily a problem of which grass species?

Powdery mildew is primarily a problem of which grass species?

• A. Kentucky bluegrass
• B. Bermuda grass
• C. Centipedegrass
• D. St. Augustine

Answer: (A)

Powdery mildew favors cool-season turfgrasses, especially when conditions are humid or shaded. Kentucky bluegrass is the most susceptible and is commonly grown in Kansas, so it tends to develop the white, powdery fungal growth on its leaf surfaces more than the others. The warm-season grasses listed—Bermuda, centipedegrass, and St. Augustine—are less prone to this disease under typical Kansas conditions, so they are not the primary hosts. Thus, Kentucky bluegrass is the grass species most likely to be affected.

Powdery mildew favors cool-season turfgrasses, especially when conditions are humid or shaded. Kentucky bluegrass is the most susceptible and is commonly grown in Kansas, so it tends to develop the white, powdery fungal growth on its leaf surfaces more than the others. The warm-season grasses listed—Bermuda, centipedegrass, and St. Augustine—are less prone to this disease under typical Kansas conditions, so they are not the primary hosts. Thus, Kentucky bluegrass is the grass species most likely to be affected.