Monday, November 5, 2007 - 2:45 PM
73-7

Optimum Spring Ryegrass Transition Using Cultural and Chemical Options.

Raymond K. McCauley1, Lambert B. McCarty1, Haibo Liu2, Joseph E. Toler1, and Alan Estes3. (1) Horticulture, Clemosn University, E-143 Poole and Ag. Center, Clemson Universtiy, Clemson, SC 29634, (2) 253 P&A Building, Clemson University, Department of Horticulture, Clemson, SC 29634-0319, (3) Horticulture, Clemson University, Clemson University, E 142 P&a Bldg, Clemson, SC 24634

Bermudagrass [Cynodon transvaalensis Burt-Davey x C. dactylon (L.) Pers.]  is often overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to maintain its aesthetic quality during dormancy.  However, newer varieties of perennial ryegrass persist later into the spring and summer and fail to naturally transition back to the bermudagrass base.  The objective of this field research was to evaluate combinations of mowing height, fertilizer rate, and trifloxysulfuron timing and rate for best spring transition from overseeded perennial ryegrass to the permanent hybrid bermudagrass base. The study was conducted from 1 April to 1 July 2006 and 2007 and consisted of twenty treatments replicated four times.  Treatments included either 2.54 cm or 1.27 cm mowing heights, 24.39 kg N ha-1 week-1 or 48.78 kg N ha-1 week-1 fertilizer rates, and April or May trifloxysulfuron treatments at 0.007 kg ha-1, 0.023 kg ha-1, or control.  Turf quality, percent ryegrass, clipping yield, root mass, and bermudagrass shoot counts were measured.  Experimental results will be presented. 

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