Following are reports from the leading turfgrass researchers in the US on their current studies.
Cal Poly State University
1. Tall fescue cultivar trial. Evaluation of 18 top tall fescue cultivars for use on the central California coast. Testing for establishment success, texture, density, color, spring green-up, and persistence.
2. Buffalograss/fine fescue mixes for year round green color. Testing whether one can establish either seeded or vegetative (plugs) buffalograsses into existing fine fescue (red, sheep, and hard) plots. These two grasses are very drought tolerant and perform well during different times of the year.
3. Wetting agent trials for effective water management on a bentgrass green. Tested 13 wetting agents for efficacy and phytotoxicity on a Penncross creeping bentgrass/Poa annua green in the central California coast. Funded by Aquatrols, Precision Labs, and Milliken.
4. Correlating lab tested soil moisture conditions on a bentgrass green with the use of a hand held soil moisture meter to evaluate the effectiveness of using a field meter to determine irrigation schedules. Our goal is to provide turfgrass practitioners with techniques to instantly evaluate soil moisture content and ultimately, irrigation needs.
5. Green roofs for the central California coast. Examining three different growing media and five different plant species (including some grasses) for use in green roofs for the central California coast climate.
6. Traffic wear trials. Testing simulated sports shoe traffic (wear) on various new perennial ryegrass and tall fescue cultivars developed. Funded by Barenbrug USA Seed.
7. Presently have a fine fescue NTEP trial to examine the establishment success and persistence of 25 new fine fescue species (red, chewings, hard, and sheep) as well as various cultivars of each to our area.
8. Slated for spring 2010: Trials to test cultural, nutritional, and chemical management tools for two new cultivars of kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum]) for golf course fairways in coastal regions of California. Initial trials will test performance under different nutrition, cultivation, and plant growth regulator management strategies. Prep will begin this winter.
9. Slated for late spring 2010: Buffalograss adaption trial in conjunction with Dr. Bob Shearman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prep will begin this winter.
10. Slated for summer 2010: Cutting Strategies for managing tall native and ornamental grasses. Testing the best cutting management schedules for a combination of 30 species and/or cultivars of tall native and ornamental grasses that can be used in the central California region and how these grasses can be established as cover, buffers and wildlife habitat. Specifically, I wish to determine the latest date these tall grass species can be cut back and still produce acceptable flowering and aesthetic quality. Field prep is underway.
Terry L. Vassey, Assistant Professor
Horticulture and Crop Science Department
Michigan State University
[BOLD]Differences in blends and monostands of Kentucky bluegrass varieties. Traditionally for athletic field construction, the blending of turfgrasses will provide advantages over single-cultivar stands in highly stressed environments. Whether these environments include high trafficked areas, disease pressure, or weed interactions, turfgrass blends out perform monostands. However, due to recent advancements in breeding technology, single cultivars breed for disease resistance, aggressive tillering, and herbicide resistance may be used in place of a blend, which was previously necessary to provide all of these characteristics.
A series of experiments were designed to examine [italics]Poa pratensis[END ITAL] (Kentucky bluegrass) varieties. New and old varieties were selected based on traffic tolerance, disease resistance, bispyribac-sodium (Velocity) resistance, and aggressive tillering. Furthermore, these varieties were planted as single cultivars and then in blends to determine if there are still advantages provided by using a blend of multiple cultivars.
Four field experiments were designed and initiated on September 15th 2009, to address each of the following objectives individually:
Observe the effects of traffic simulation on single-cultivar plantings and blends of the selected Kentucky bluegrass varieties established on native soil.
Observe the effects of topdressing and traffic simulation on single-cultivar plantings and blends.
Evaluate the differences between single-cultivar plantings and blends with inoculation of turf disease pathogens.
Evaluate the effectiveness of selective, specific herbicides on single-cultivar plantings and blends.
Special thanks to our corporate sponsors: Barenbrug Inc.; Turf Seed Co.; Valent Inc.; Schaafsma Sod Farm; and Graff’s Turf Farms.
Jeff Dunne, Alexander Kowalewski, John Rogers III
Crop and Soil Sciences @ MSU
Penn State
Effects of Trinexapac-ethyl Applications on the Divot Resistance of Kentucky Bluegrass on Soil-Based Fields. In the January 2009 issue of [ITALICS]SportsTurf[END ITALICS], we presented the results of a study evaluating the effects of trinexapac-ethyl (TE) applications and cultivation practices on the divot resistance of Kentucky bluegrass grown on a sand-based rootzone. We found that by applying TE monthly from May through July and then stopping applications once the season began, divot size was reduced by up to 20%. Based on our results, applications of TE can serve as a pre-stress conditioning treatment before the football season by getting the turf ready for play through increases in tiller density and root mass.
We are currently conducting a follow-up study to see if the same effects occur on a silt-loam soil rootzone. Initial results indicate similar effects from TE applications; however, improvements are less than those observed in the sand-based rootzone trial. Applying TE from May through July decreased divot size by approximately 5% on silt-loam soil. Continuing applications of TE through October neither increased nor decreased divot resistance. A combination of vertical mowing and core cultivation in the spring was found to be as effective at improving divot resistance as TE applied from May through July.
Nine cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass were also included in the trial so that we could evaluate the divot resistance of cultivars commonly used on athletic fields. ‘Julia’ and ‘Princeton 105’ (P105) were the most divot resistant cultivars, with divot size approximately 15% smaller than the most divot prone cultivar, which was ‘Cabernet’. Divot resistant cultivars in the original sand-based study were ‘Limousine’, ‘P105’, and ‘Rugby II’, while the most divot prone cultivar was Midnight. Based on the results of both studies, divot resistance on fields used only in the fall can be improved by applying TE in the months leading up to the season and by selecting divot resistant cultivars.
Thomas Serensits, Andrew McNitt, and Dianne Petrunak, Crop and Soil Sciences
Synthetic Turf Research at Penn State’s Center for Sports Surface: Beginning in the spring of 2010, Penn State’s Center for Sports Surface Research will embark on a comprehensive series of studies focusing on the safety and playability of synthetic turf. With support from FieldTurf, research will focus on current issues related to synthetic turf such as surface temperature and injury prevention.
A multi-disciplinary team of experts from several world-renowned Penn State research departments such as biomechanics and toxicology will play an active role in the research process and provide scientific, unbiased results. Additionally, athletic trainers from Penn State will serve as a valuable resource, bridging the gap between research and the athletes themselves. Graduate students from both agronomy and kinesiology will be assigned projects, allowing for collaboration between disciplines.
Playability parameters such as traction and field hardness will be evaluated and compared to a number of natural turfgrass systems, such as sand-based and soil-based fields containing Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and bermudagrass. Because of the widespread popularity of synthetic turf and a lack of extensive research, information obtained from the various studies that will take place will offer consumers current information that would otherwise be unavailable. Information about the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State as well as up-to-date synthetic turf and natural turfgrass research conducted at Penn State can be found at http://ssrc.psu.edu/.
Andrew McNitt, Thomas Serensits, and Dianne Petrunak, Crop and Soil Sciences
Ohio State
The turfgrass program at OSU is lucky in that we have tremendous financial, product and equipment support from both the turfgrass industry and also our state turf associations (Ohio Sports Turf Managers, Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, and Ohio Lawn Care Association). One of the most important things our state associations did recently was to undertake a survey to see what the turfgrass industry is worth to the state of Ohio:
· The key findings of that survey were:
3 billion dollars in direct economic output
4.6 billion dollars in total economic output
Over 41,000 employed
Over 4 million acres of turfgrass maintained
841 million dollars spent on turfgrass maintenance supplies
639 million dollars in labor costs, payroll taxes
338 million dollars in contracted services
These findings have given our industry a big boost and just recently the Ohio Senate has recognized our industry further by voting to designate the last week of May “Ohio Turfgrass Week.”
Dispersible Granular Technology. This year we have worked a lot with The Andersons Group on their new dispersible granular technology. One of the products we have worked with is “Governor,” which is a granular form of the plant growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl (TE). The purpose of developing a granular form of TE is to make it more available to turf managers that don’t have spray equipment. The research has been undertaken to evaluate application methods and efficacy of the product. Results so far have been very favorable, especially using the formulation that includes a 4-0-0 fertilizer. Even under drought conditions, the product has suppressed growth ~50% while maintaining healthy turf and promoting color and density, like the liquid versions of TE.
Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers. Two issues we are looking at with regard to turf fertilizers are the removal of phosphorus (P) from maintenance fertilizers and the trend towards using natural sources of fertilizer, such as manures and composts. We started a study in 2008 in collaboration with The Ohio Lawn Care Association to evaluate14 sources of fertilizer (synthetic, natural and combined), with some of the fertilizers containing no P. Overtime we are measuring soil organic content, nutrient status and turf health. The study will also address cost of nitrogen source versus turf quality. For example, corn gluten meal costs $4.50/lb N versus $1.25/lb N for urea, but factors to consider include soil health and turf quality obtained by these nitrogen sources over time.
Stoloniferous Ryegrass. Another company we collaborate with is Barenbrug Inc. and over the years we have evaluated grass cultivars, blends and mixes in relation to establishment and quality and stress tolerance. In 2007 we established a new study looking at several perennial ryegrass cultivars that have aggressive tillers and stolons. While the term “stoloniferous ryegrasses” probably makes a few eyes roll, we did in fact find that to be the case. In addition to the stolon counts, the cultivars were mowed at three different heights (1-inch, 1.5 inch and 2-inch) and subjected to intense traffic. I’m sure Barenbrug will be releasing the data soon.
Seed to Play in 4 Weeks. In addition to the spreading ryegrasses, we also looked at Barenbrug cultivars that germinate and established rapidly. In conjunction with Syngenta we did a study to see what the minimum timeframe would be from seed to play for perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. In short, the study was conducted on native soil and Tenacity herbicide (Mesotrione) was applied to the bare soil at the time of seeding in June. An identical study with no Tenacity applied showed that spring and early summer seedings fail and quickly become infested with crabgrass, goosegrass and yellow nutsedge. Turf was considered playable when there was 100% ground cover and adequate traction (determined by the lateral TST and Canaway Rotational Shear testers). Results showed that it is possible for perennial ryegrass to be playable in four weeks, with tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass playable in six weeks. The application of Tenacity at the time of seeding prevented any weeds from coming in and provided a clean seedbed for the duration of the study. This was by no means a low-maintenance program and required irrigation, applications of starter fertilizer and regular mowing. In fact, one of the key practices for quick establishment is mowing as soon and as often as possible after germination.
Fungicides that Improve Turf Health. In collaboration with Syngenta a study was repeated in 2009 that we were fairly excited about in 2008. What we found in 2008 was that applications of Subdue fungicide had “non target” effects on turfgrass establishment. Subdue was applied to half of the study as a preventative for pythium seedling disease, with the other half receiving none. No pythium was observed on either side of the study but the Subdue had a positive effect on establishment speed, color, density, height and % tissue nitrogen. The study in 2009 included both Subdue and Heritage fungicides and the same results were observed. These non-target effects are significant and could be used by a turf manager to quickly enhance establishment and quality.
For more info on our Sports Turf Program, see our website: Buckeyeturf.osu.edu
Our annual field day report is at: http://buckeyeturf.osu.edu/pdf/2009_Field_day_book.pdf
Pamela J. Sherratt & Dr. John R. Street, Horticulture and Crop Science
Clemson University
Optimizing the Spring Transition with Cultural and Trifloxysulfuron Treatments. Bermudagrass is often overseeded with perennial ryegrass to hide its dormant brown color and improve its winter playability. However, prolonged overseeding cover shades and potentially deteriorates the bermudagrass base.
Cultural treatments are often implemented to aid in providing a desirable spring transition back to the bermudagrass base. Though, without a favorable climate, cultural treatments alone often fail to consistently provide a desirable spring transition.
Transition aid chemicals are often needed to ensure sufficient bermudagrass recovery time. Unfortunately, chemical treatments alone often yield spring transitions with unacceptable lapses in turf quality.
Therefore, combining cultural and chemical control options appears to be the best approach to achieving a desirable spring transition while sustaining acceptable turf quality.
The objective of this research was to evaluate combinations of mowing height, fertilizer rate and application timing and rate of trifloxysulfuron (Monument, Syngenta) to determine which practices would optimize the spring transition and ensure continuous acceptable turf quality.
A 12-week study was conducted from mid-April to July 2006 and repeated in 2007 on an established stand of Tifway 419 hybrid bermudagrass overseeded with a perennial ryegrass blend at 7 pounds/1,000 square feet pure live seed.
Cultural treatments 0.5 or 1.0 inch mowing heights and 0.375 or 0.75 pound nitrogen/1,000 square feet/week fertility rates were initiated on April 11, 2006 and 2007. Trifloxysulfuron (Monument 75WG) was applied at 0.1 or 0.3 ounce/acre in mid-April or mid-May of each year with a nonionic surfactant added at 0.25% by volume.
Turf quality, percent perennial ryegrass/bermudagrass, clipping/root weights, and bermudagrass shoot counts were taken throughout the study.
Both years, cultural practices alone failed to provide an acceptable transition to the bermudagrass base and had to be coupled with trifloxysulfuron to achieve a complete, timely spring transition. Although there was not a consistent treatment over both years, plots treated with the low rate of trifloxysulfuron in May (0.1 ounce/acre) at 0.5-inch mowing height and fertility treatments of 0.75 pound nitrogen/1,000 square feet/week maintained acceptable turf quality and spring transition throughout 2007.
Raymond K. McCauley, Bert McCarty, Ph.D, Haibo Liu, Ph.D, Joe E. Toler, Ph.D
North Carolina State
Evaluating the effects of athletic field paint on turfgrass growth processes. This study is covering many of the basic growth aspects such as photosynthesis and water relations, as well as practical aspects associated with painting turf. Data indicates there are some marked differences due to paint color and dilution. Study conditions include a combination of control-chamber work and field evaluations. We believe data generated in these studies will allow us to make recommendations on paint use as it relates to turfgrass health.
Grady Miller, Casey Reynolds, and Scott Brinton, Crop Science Department
Another current research area includes evaluating the use of green turf colorants as an alternative to overseeding warm season turfgrasses. A recently concluded field study conducted in Raleigh, NC evaluated the effects of 12 green turf colorants on dormant bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. This study aimed to not only determine the effectiveness of the 12 turf colorants to provide acceptable green color when applied to dormant warm season turfgrasses, but also determine the longevity of these colorants.
Visual turf color ratings were taken as well as digital photographs of treatments and color matching was conducted using Pantone® PMS numbers. The 12 different color brands provided varying color and longevity when applied to the turfgrass. The Pantone PMS number data illustrated how some products tend to change color over time. This research indicates that some turf colorant products can offer an aesthetically pleasing and cost effective alternative to overseeding. A journal article has been submitted for publication consideration with the results of this study.
As a compliment to this concluded study, we have several additional studies planned for 2009-2010 involving green turf colorants. These studies include a look at several turfgrass and environmental parameters that may impact the application, effectiveness and longevity of green turfgrass colorants.
Grady Miller, Scott Brinton, Kyle Briscoe, NCSU Crop Science Department
University of California, Riverside
Evaluation of Bentgrass Cultivars for Putting Greens in Southern California.The objective is to evaluate 19 creeping bentgrass cultivars and one velvet bentgrass cultivar on a sand based putting green under simulated championship conditions. The green was mowed at 0.135 in, Primo Maxx applied, rolled daily, and a traffic simulator used to apply metal spike traffic. Highest rank cultivars in the study were L-93, Brighton, Mariner, Dominate Plus, Penn G-6, Seaside II, and Penncross.
James Baird, Botany and Plant Sciences
Assessment of Turfgrass Water Management Systems.
The objective is to evaluate a series of new technologies for potential water savings while maintaining quality turf. Weighing lysimeters are used to measure turf water use from irrigation applied by new technology hardware. New concepts for moisture sensor technologies are evaluated for efficacy in maintaining quality turf.
Stephen Cockerham, superintendent of Ag Operations
Using Turfgrass to Remove Contaminants from Reclaimed Water. The objective is to measure the ability of turfgrass to remove personal care products contaminants from reclaimed water. Reclaimed water with known concentrations of personal care products is applied as irrigation to a leaching lysimeter with hybrid bermudagrass turf cover. The captured leachate is analyzed for the concentration remaining in the water after passing through the turf, which is managed as a fairway or home lawn.
Jay Gan, Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Evaluation of Cool-season Turfgrasses under Deficit Irrigation. The objective is to evaluate relative drought tolerance among Festulolium and tall fescue experimental lines, tall fescue commercial varieties, and commercial seed mixtures in the field when subjected to deficit irrigation during the warm season. Data show that irrigating tall fescue and other cool-season grasses at the equivalent of 74% ET is not sufficient for the Southern California Inland Valley summer conditions.
Robert Green, Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Examining Turf’s Carbon Footprint
The objectives are (1) determine association between water use efficiency and carbon dynamics among different turfgrass species and cultivars under non-limiting cultural practices, and (2) expand knowledge base about ecological role of turf in the landscape. Whole plot CO2 and H2O exchange were measured every two weeks under non-limiting irrigation, fertility, and mowing height the data to establish a baseline for 19 cool season (C-3) grasses and warm season (C-4) grasses. Irrigation was then scheduled at 60% ET; Data being collected include turf quality, color density, leaf firing/wilting, rooting, gas exchange, and leaf C content.
Daryl Jenrette, Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Chemical Control of Anthracnose and Dollar Spot on Putting Greens. Forty-two fungicide treatments were evaluated for their effectiveness in controlling anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereal) on creeping bentgrass. Disease severity was high, reaching an average of 57% in untreated plots. Banner, Tourney, and Triton FLO provided good to excellent control. Several products formulated as products and used in tank mixes also provide excellent control. Thirty-four fungicide treatments were evaluated for their effectiveness in controlling dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) on creeping bentgrass. Disease severity was high reaching 72% in untreated plots. All materials provided significant control.
Frank Wong, Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Assessment of Soil Amendments for Turf Water Conservation. Two rates of an inorganic amendment, one inorganic amendment, and the native fine sandy loam soil are to be treated with three irrigation regimes and evaluated for potential water savings in turfgrass management.
Laosheng Wu, Natural and Agricultural Sciences