Monday, November 5, 2007
74-9
Annual Bluegrass Control Strategies on Overseeded Meadow Fescue and Tetraploid Ryegrass.
Ryan Rolfe1, Michael Richardson2, John Boyd3, John McCalla1, Aaron Patton4, and Doug Karcher1. (1) Horticulture, University of Arkansas, 316 Plant Science Bldg., Fayetteville, AR 72701, (2) 316 Plant Sci Bldg, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas, Department of Horticulture, Fayetteville, AR 72701, (3) University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas Extension, PO Box 391, Little Rock, AR 72203, (4) Horticulture, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, 1 University of Arkansas, PTSC 316, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Two new species, meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) and tetraploid (2n = 4x = 28) perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), have shown promise as alternative overseeding grasses for dormant bermudagrass turf. Initial studies indicate that these two species compare favorably to traditional overseeding species with regard to turfgrass performance. Therefore, optimal management practices for these species need to be defined so that they may be successfully integrated into overseeding programs. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of various Poa annua management practices on the overseeding of meadow fescue and tetraploid ryegrass. The study was conducted on two soil types, a native soil and a sand-capped soil. Three turf species, diploid perennial ryegrass, tetraploid perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue, as well as a non-seeded control were used in this study. Eight herbicide treatments, along with a non-treated control were evaluated, including four preemergent and four postemergent herbicides. Data on phytotoxicity and turfgrass establishment will be discussed.