New Bentgrasses Dr. Leah A. Brilman Improving Turfgrass Through Research Bentgrass Trials • Combine different species and types one trial – Differential herbicide/fungicide response – Different requirements for thatch control • NTEP Trials at Universities - United States National Turfgrass Evaluation Program - www.ntep.org – – – – Most not managed as on golf course Less mowing, mowing height different No traffic More trials this cycle with no or reduced fungicides • Fairway and Greens trials - Greens trial on soil and sand Some varieties in only one trial due to seed availability Improving Turfgrass Through Research Bentgrass Trials Management influences - Four sands / One cultivar Improving Turfgrass Through Research Creeping bentgrass • Standard varieties - Lower density, horizontal growth – Seaside, Penncross, Penneagle, Pennlinks • Improved varieties - Moderate density for greens, tees and fairways : – Providence, SR 1020, Crenshaw, Seaside II, Trueline, Backspin, Putter, Cato, Century, Princeville, Cobra, Viper, Grand Prix, Bengal, Mariner, Regent, Imperial, ProCup, Southshore, 18th Green • More upright, versatile • Less thatch for fairways • Disease and stress resistance important characteristics for selection Improving Turfgrass Through Research Creeping bentgrass • Improved - Moderate high density for greens, tees and fairways – SR 1150, SR 1119, Brighton (SR 1120), Sandhill, Ninety-six two, L-93, LS-44, Alpha, Independence, Bengal, Penneagle II, Pennlinks II, Benchmark DSR, 13-M • • • • Higher density than older cultivars - Upright growth Slightly more potential for thatch - watch fertility Most moderately fine texture Select for important disease resistance, color, stress tolerance Improving Turfgrass Through Research Creeping bentgrass • Versatile varieties - High Density for greens, tees and fairways – 007 (DSB), MacKenzie, Memorial, Kingpin • High density but with upright growth so more versatile • Low tendency for Bentgrass Bloat - scalping • Slightly greater thatch management needs • Low Poa annua invasion • May be combined with Ultra for greens or improved types in fairway blends Improving Turfgrass Through Research Creeping bentgrass • Ultra varieties - Very high density - greens – Tyee, Authority, T-1, Shark, CY-2, Declaration - new ones this type – Penn G-2, G-6, A-1, A-2, A-4, G-1 - all from selections at Augusta, GA - very similar genetics • Some high thatch producers - must have budget and equipment to control, some newer upright growth • Slower repair aerification holes, ball marks • Use smaller diameter holes, topdress frequently • Upright, dense growth - good at low height • Good wear tolerance Improving Turfgrass Through Research Creeping bentgrass • Divot repair rate – Variable by cultivar - Penncross not fastest despite reputation – Cover may be greater but not fully repaired • Higher density varieties sometimes ballmark less but some recover slower • All bentgrasses - use sand/seed repair mix • Add Chewings fescue into repair mix for faster germination • Waiting for 6 weeks to grow in for repair = Poa annua Improving Turfgrass Through Research Creeping bentgrass • Damage control study Clemson, University – Repair of damage from 2 inch hole in June and August – Repair rate differed by type - standard and improved typically better than dense. Percent repair after 6 weeks 1998 Cultivar Penncross Southshore Putter Pennlinks Mariner Viper SR 1020 SR 1119 L-93 Dominant June 43 41 41 41 39 38 37 37 36 34 Aug. 33 36 39 33 28 37 35 34 45 46 Improving Turfgrass Through Research Cultivar Crenshaw Penn G-2 Crens/Cato Cato Penn A-1 Penn G-1 Providence Penn A-4 Penn G-6 LSD @ 5% June 33 32 31 30 30 30 29 29 27 10 Aug. 45 36 37 37 35 30 35 35 33 11 MacKenzie creeping bentgrass • • • • • • • • • Versatile type with Ultra Greens performance Stress tolerant germplasm High turf quality - Greens, tees and fairways Very high density - All seasons - less thatch Bright medium green color Fine leaf texture Reduced fertilizer requirement Winter-active growth High resistance to dollar spot, brown patch and Fusarium patch Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie Creeping Bentgrass Rutgers Univ. July, 2004 Fairway Trial High stress resistance SR 1119 MacKenzie Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie Creeping Bentgrass Utah State University July, 2005 Comparison with Kingpin Brighter color, density SR 1119 Kingpin MacKenzie MacKenzie Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie Creeping Bentgrass Greens Trial Caledonia G.C. Chiba Prefecture Japan Kingpin Mackenzie Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie creeping bentgrass Density of Creeping bentgrass cultivars in Japan. Greens Trial at Caldonian G.C. Chiba Prefecture Japan. Greenkeeper Mr. Ishii Seeded May 9, 2006, Data taken on August 25, 2006 (4 reps) Cultivar Stems / sq. cm. MacKenzie 22.8 SR 1150 22.0 Authority 19.0 LS-44 19.0 T-1 18.0 Penn G-2 15.8 Grandprix 15.4 CY-2 15.4 L-93 15.0 Penncross 10.4 Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie creeping bentgrass Percent establishment ratings of Creeping Bentgrass cultivars on a green at Raleigh, NC 2003 NTEP – Putting Green 2004 Data Cultivar Nov. 03 Mean 007 (DSB) 91.7 96.0 MacKenzie (SRX 1GPD) 85.0 93.2 Pennlinks II 81.7 90.9 Shark 80.0 90.3 T-1 83.3 90.3 Tyee (SRX 1GD) 80.0 88.1 Benchmark DSR 78.3 87.2 Penncross 75.0 85.9 Kingpin 78.3 85.6 Authority 75.0 85.6 Independence 70.0 83.6 Penn A-1 71.7 82.6 Declaration 68.3 80.6 LSD @ 5% 22.7 14.7 Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie creeping bentgrass Density of creeping bentgrass cultivars in greens trials. 2003 NTEP Trial 2005 Data Turfgrass Density ratings 1-9, 9 = Highest Density Summer Fall Cultivar Density Density MacKenzie 7.8 7.5 Tyee 7.5 7.3 Shark 7.4 7.2 Authority 7.4 7.2 Benchmark DSR 7.3 6.6 007 7.3 6.6 T-1 7.3 7.3 CY-2 7.2 6.7 Declaration 7.3 6.8 Memorial 7.1 7.2 Alpha 6.8 6.8 Penn A-1 6.8 6.8 Pennlinks II 6.3 6.2 Penncross 5.7 5.6 LSD @ 5% 0.7 Improving Turfgrass0.4 Through Research MacKenzie creeping bentgrass Quality ratings of Creeping Bentgrass cultivars on a soil green at twelve locations. 2003 NTEP – Putting Green 2005 Data Turfgrass Quality ratings 1-9, 9 = Ideal Turf Cultivar Quality Cultivar Quality MacKenzie 6.7 Benchmark DSR 6.4 Declaration 6.7 T-1 6.4 Authority 6.7 Penn A-1 6.3 CY-2 6.6 Alpha 6.2 Memorial 6.6 Pennlinks II 5.8 007 (DSB) 6.5 Penncross 5.4 Tyee (SRX 1GD) 6.5 Kingpin 6.5 LSD @ 5% 0.2 Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie creeping bentgrass Quality ratings of Creeping Bentgrass cultivars grown on a green at 10 locations using an 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) or lower cutting height 2003 NTEP – Putting Green 2005 Data Turfgrass Quality ratings 1-9, 9 = Ideal Turf Cultivar Quality Cultivar Quality Declaration 6.8 Memorial 6.4 MacKenzie 6.7 T-1 6.3 Authority 6.7 Benchmark DSR 6.2 Tyee (SRX 1GD) 6.6 Alpha 6.0 CY-2 6.6 Pennlinks II 5.5 Penn A-1 6.5 Penncross 5.0 007 (DSB) 6.5 Kingpin 6.4 LSD @ 5% 0.2 Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie creeping bentgrass Brown patch ratings of Creeping Bentgrass cultivars on a green at Blacksburg, VA. 2003 NTEP – Putting Green 2004 Data Brown Patch ratings 1-9, 9 = No disease Cultivar MacKenzie (SRX 1GPD) Kingpin Alpha CY-2 Tyee (SRX 1GD) Memorial Penncross Shark Pennlinks II T-1 Declaration Benchmark DSR Penn A-1 LSD @ 5% Mean 8.5 8.5 8.3 8.3 8.2 8.0 8.0 8.0 7.5 7.5 7.3 7.2 7.2 1.7 Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie Creeping Bentgrass Puyallup, WA July, 2006 Resists Poa annua MacKenzie Kingpin Mackenzie Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie Creeping Bentgrass Rutgers, NJ Fairway trial August, 2006 38 degrees C 95% humidity Kingpin SR 1119 Mackenzie MacKenzie Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1119 and MacKenzie MacKenzie Creeping Bentgrass Rutgers, NJ Greens established 2003 August, 2006 38 degrees C 95% humidity Kingpin Mackenzie High Density, growing Improving Turfgrass Through Research MacKenzie creeping bentgrass • Benefits – Excellent performance all year-round – Very high density but upright growth – Uniform putting surface – Excellent wear tolerance – Excellent summer performance – Reduced fungicide requirements – Reduced ball marks – High performance greens, tees, fairways Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 creeping bentgrass • • • • • • • Moderate high density type Ideal for green, tees and fairways Excellent turf quality Excellent dollar spot and brown patch resistance Leaf texture and density matches Dominant blends Vigorous, moderately dense growth Bright, dark green color Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 Creeping Bentgrass SR 1150 Picture Rutgers Univ., Fairway Trial, July 04 • Rutgers University – Dr. Stacy Bonos • Dollar Spot resistant • Moderately high density for greens and fairways • Color, texture match with SR 1119, Brighton, Sandhill • High turf quality • High Brown Patch resistance Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 Creeping bentgrass Percent dollar spot ratings of Creeping Bentgrass cultivars on a fairway or tee at Lexington, KY. 2003 NTEP – Fairway or tee 2004 Data Cultivar % dollar spot Declaration 0.6 Pennlinks II 3.4 SR 1150 (SRX 1PDH) 5.3 Kingpin 5.4 Mackenzie 7.4 Penncross 8.6 L-93 8.7 SR 1119 8.9 Alpha 9.1 Shark 9.3 T-1 12.2 Independence 17.1 LSD @ 5% 4.5 Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 creeping bentgrass Quality ratings of Creeping Bentgrass cultivars grown on a fairway under Traffic Stress in Madison, WI 2003 NTEP – Fairway/Tee 2005 Data Turfgrass Quality ratings 1-9, 9 = Ideal Turf Cultivar Quality Cultivar Quality Shark 7.4 L-93 6.5 SR 1150 7.3 T-1 6.5 Kingpin 7.1 Penncross 6.4 Alpha 6.9 Bengal 6.2 Authority 6.8 Declaration 6.2 LS-44 6.8 Pennlinks II 6.1 Princeville 6.6 Seaside 5.2 Independence 6.5 LSD @ 5% 1.3 Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 Density Density of Creeping bentgrass cultivars in Japan. Greens Trial at Caldonian G.C. Chiba Prefecture Japan. Greenkeeper Mr. Ishii Seeded May 9, 2006, Data taken on August 25, 2006 (4 reps) Cultivar Stems / sq. cm. MacKenzie 22.8 SR 1150 22.0 Authority 19.0 LS-44 19.0 T-1 18.0 Penn G-2 15.8 Grandprix 15.4 CY-2 15.4 L-93 15.0 Penncross 10.4 Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 creeping bentgrass Quality ratings of Creeping Bentgrass cultivars grown on a fairway under Reduced Fungicides at Farmingdale, NY - Creeping bentgrasses 2003 NTEP – Fairway/Tee 2005 Data Turfgrass Quality ratings 1-9, 9 = Ideal Turf Cultivar Quality Cultivar Quality SR 1150 7.0 T-1 6.6 Pennlinks II 6.9 Kingpin 6.5 Shark 6.9 MacKenzie 6.4 Indepedence 6.8 L-93 6.4 SR 1119 6.6 Authority 6.4 LS-44 6.6 Alpha 6.2 Penncross 6.6 Declaration 6.1 Princeville 6.6 LSD @ 5% 0.4 Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 Creeping Bentgrass • Temperature of 38 degrees C • Humidity 95% • Low fungicides • Low N SR 1150 SR 1119 Picture Rutgers Univ., NJ Fairway Trial, August, 2006 Improving Turfgrass Through Research SR 1150 creeping bentgrass • Benefits – Versatile for use on greens, tees and fairways – Lower maintenance requirements – High performance – Reduced fungicides – Increased genetic diversity Improving Turfgrass Through Research Creeping bentgrass blends Testing Blend performance at Rutgers University, NJ Tyee / 007 SR 1150 / SR 1119 Mackenzie / Sandhill 007 / SR 1150 007 / SR 1119 (Dominant X-treme 7 - N.A.) 007 / Mackenzie 007 / Mackenzie / Tyee Brighton / Sandhill Tyee / SR 7200 Improving Turfgrass Through Research Bentgrass Strategies • Dollar spot resistance - New Michigan State, WI germplasm • Stress tolerant - germplasm from AZ with salt and heat tolerance + improved winter color • Dense types without excessive thatch • Improved varieties to blend with current stable • Salt tolerance • Snow mold resistance for northern areas Improving Turfgrass Through Research Kentucky Bluegrass Types Dr. Leah A. Brilman Improving Turfgrass Through Research Kentucky Bluegrass • Strengths – Self-repairing – High lateral stability – High recuperative ability – Dense stand, high quality – Excellent mowing quality – High cold tolerance – Some cultivars with improved drought tolerance – Select a blend of types depending on use Improving Turfgrass Through Research Kentucky Bluegrass • Weaknesses – Poa annua invasion - less options in herbicides - new ones coming on market – Slow germination and establishment heavier seeding rates better – Shade tolerance cultivar dependent – Bluegrass billbugs – Must mix cultivars carefully - use different types to match strengths and weaknesses – Not adapted to some regions Improving Turfgrass Through Research Kentucky Bluegrass Types Compact Types CELA Type Compact BVMG Type Midnight Shamrock type America Cheri Type Aggressive Type Julia Type Bellevue Type Common Type Mid-Atlantic Type Other Type Improving Turfgrass Through Research Kentucky Bluegrass Types • These types have been verified by DNA analysis • Cultivars in most types are closely related genetically – Often no or very small DNA differences • If planting all of one type = all of one cultivar • Greater DNA differences in Aggressive / Mid-Atlantic types - based more on performance • Performance strengths and weaknesses are the same within a type Improving Turfgrass Through Research Why Blends and Mixtures • Kentucky bluegrass apomictic • Cultivar = Single genotype - other turfgrass species are mixture of genotypes • Vegetative cultivars comparison • Vegetative bentgrasses • Vegetative bermudas, zoysias, St. Augustine • Merion Kentucky bluegrass - stripe smut • Not just for disease resistance Improving Turfgrass Through Research Blending bluegrasses Kentucky bluegrass • Melting-out resistance of blend of two cultivars intermediate between same cultivars in monostands • Inoculum from susceptible cultivar reduced resistance of resistant cultivar • Blends of two cultivars generally show resistance intermediate between each alone (Vargas and Turgeon, 1980. Proc. Third ITRC 45-52.) Improving Turfgrass Through Research Blending bluegrasses Early blend analysis - Dr. Funk, Rutgers Sprigged out plants to ID Aggressive types dominated Aggressive types based on invasion in plots New DNA techniques allow blend analysis (Lickfeldt et al, 2002. Crop Sci. 42:842-847.) 3-way blend - Unique, Midnight, Blacksburg Different management and % of each at seeding Final composition, 40% U, 46% M, 14% B Improving Turfgrass Through Research Blending bluegrasses Why combine types in blends? Each type has weakness as well as strengths Single type has weaknesses Midnight types - powdery mildew, winter color, rust susceptibility as seedlings America types - not as dark green Aggressive - dominate in blends Shamrock types - billbug susceptible BVMG - Very stemmy turf, poor winter performance, stripe smut susceptible Improving Turfgrass Through Research Conclusions • • • • Blends do provide benefit Learning long term blend peformance Kentucky bluegrasses difficult to breed Cooperative work breeders and NTEP to define types and publish • Looking at competitiveness in different environments and management • Never use more than 15% perennial ryegrass to maintain at least 50% bluegrass Improving Turfgrass Through Research Kentucky Bluegrass Types NJ Wear - Spring, summer and fall wear (multi - use field) High performers Low performers Compact America Midnight BVMG Julia Cheri Aggressive Common Mid-Atlantic Repeat with wear, compaction different seasons Improving Turfgrass Through Research Kentucky Bluegrass Types WI Wear trial - fall wear Combined with perennial ryegrass varying percentages Only obtained 50% KBG with less than 15% rye No difference between Midnight types, BVMG types, Aggressive types Common types less wear tolerant Midnight, Fairfax more dominant in blends Improving Turfgrass Through Research Compact Types Compact, Midnight, America Low, compact growth High quality turf 1/2 inch cutting height Excellent resistance to Leaf Spot Long Winter dormancy Variable under Summer stress Often purple Winter color Improving Turfgrass Through Research Compact Type Argos Indigo Glade Blue-tastic Alpine Moonlight Ram 1 Ascot Moonshadow Nugget Nugget Hallmark Blacksburg P-105 Amazon Skye Blackstone Platini Apex Blue Max Conni Broadway Goldstar Amazon Wildwood Diva Chicago II Improving Turfgrass Through Research Midnight Type 1. Characteristics of compact type 2. Excellent wear tolerance 3. Very dark green color 4. Late Spring green-up 5. Good heat tolerance 6. Susceptible to powdery mildew 7. Variable resistance to Summer Patch 8. Not good in shade sites Improving Turfgrass Through Research Midnight Type Arcadia Midnight Barrister Odyssey EverGlade Quantum Leap Award NuGlade Midnight Star Total Eclipse Blue Velvet Awesome Perfection NuDestiny Everest Rhythm Impact Tsunami Ginney Absolute Freedom III Liberator Midnight II Beyond Freedom II Alexa Excursion Rugby II Bluestone Courtyard Improving Turfgrass Through Research Aggressive Type Aggressive lateral growth Should have one in Sports Turf Blends High shoot density Very wear tolerant Quickly knit sod and repair May predominate in blend Variable in other characteristics Improving Turfgrass Through Research Aggressive Type Cheetah Julius Northstar Orfeo Bariris P-104 Touchdown Mystic Limousine Brunswick Improving Turfgrass Through Research Orfeo Kentucky • Aggressive cultivar • Fast germination and establishment germination in 3 - 5 days • Superior germination with high salt levels • High wear tolerance • High sod strength • Tolerant of low light intensity • Medium green color Improving Turfgrass Through Research Salt germination bluegrasses Germination percentage of Kentucky bluegrass varieties at 5,000 ppm salts Preliminary data after 3 weeks Cultivar Orfeo SR 2109 Baron Northstar Arcadia STR 2959 Showcase Ulysses % Germ 38 36 24 10 8 6 4 4 Cultivar SR 2284 Spitfire Bandera Argos Moonlight Moonshadow Touchdown LSD @ 5% Improving Turfgrass Through Research % Germ 4 3 3 3 0 0 0 4 Cheetah Kentucky • One of the finest Kentucky Bluegrass aggressive-type bluegrass • Adapted to the low light intensity • Superior on sports fields • Very dense growth habit - similar to Odyssey, Midnight, and Rugby II • Early spring green-up • Excellent sod strength • Very high shade tolerance Improving Turfgrass Through Research Julia-Type High turf quality High wear tolerance High density Rapid establishment Good Summer performance Moderate Winter performance Good Leaf Spot, Stripe Smut resistance Susceptible to Brown Patch, Dollar Spot Improving Turfgrass Through Research Julia Type Cultivars Ulysses Rampart Avalanche Julia Caliber Ikone Improving Turfgrass Through Research Rampart Kentucky • Julia-type Kentucky Bluegrass • Larger seed - faster establishment • Excellent wear tolerance - look best with wear • High sod strength • High heat tolerance • High drought tolerance Improving Turfgrass Through Research Ulysses Kentucky blue • Julia type • High performance at 1/2 inch cut • Excellent performance with season-long wear • Excellent summer persistence • Uses: Fairways, Roughs, Sports Fields, Sod Production, Home Lawns Improving Turfgrass Through Research America Type • Characteristics of compact type • Finer leaf, higher density • Some with better rhizomes • Better fall and spring growth • Moderate Summer recovery • High Summer Patch resistance • Resistant to powdery mildew • Good in shade - should be in • Fairway mixes Improving Turfgrass Through Research America Type Kingfisher Sonoma Dynamo Showcase Apollo Unique SR 2284 Brilliant Bedazzled Argos Bordeaux Royale America Arrow Boutique Langara Mallard Glenmont Improving Turfgrass Through Research Argos Kentucky • American/Shamrock cross • Compact-America • Low growing, dense turf • Shade tolerant • Rapid establishment • Aggressive rhizome growth • High heat tolerance • Early spring green-up Improving Turfgrass Through Research Mid-Atlantic Type • Deep, extensive roots and rhizomes • New cultivars in 2005 Bluegrass NTEP • Called RSP-types, some very aggressive • Vigorous turf & medium-high density • High Summer stress tolerance • Early Spring green-up • Good Winter performance • Rapid recovery from disease and wear Improving Turfgrass Through Research Mid-Atlantic Type Touche’ (STR 23180) Starburst (STR 2703) STR 2485 Eagleton Cabernet Monopoly Livingston Preakness Plush Improving Turfgrass Through Research Touche’ Kentucky Turf Quality with wear of 2004 CTBT Bluegrass Trial established at North Brunswick NJ. 2005 Rating with Wear 1-9, 9 = Best Cultivar Wear .Quality Touche’ (STR 23180 (Mid-Atl)) STR 2485 (Mid-Atl) Rhythm (Mid) Bandera (T x K) Julia (Julia) SR 2100 (Shamrock) Midnight (Mid) Diva (Compact) Julius (Aggr) Eagleton (Mid-Atl) LSD @ 5% 6.7 6.2 6.2 5.7 5.7 5.3 5.0 5.0 4.2 3.8 1.0 Improving Turfgrass Through Research Touche’ Kentucky Turf Quality of 2004 CTBT Bluegrass Trial established at Rolesville, NC. 2005-2006 Rating Turf Quality 1-9, 9 = Best Cultivar Mean .Quality Touche (STR 23180) 5.9 STR 2485 5.9 Bandera TxK 5.7 Julia 5.0 Rhythm 4.6 Diva 4.4 Julius 4.3 Midnight 4.3 SR 2100 4.2 Eagleton 3.5 LSD @ 5% 0.6 Improving Turfgrass Through Research Starburst Kentucky Turf Quality of 2005 CTBT Bluegrass Species Trial established at Knoxville, TN Quality 1-9, 9 = Best Cultivar Starburst (STR 2703 Mid-Atl) Midnight (Mid) Touche (STR 23180 Mid-Atl) America (Am) Longhorn (T x K) Livingston (Mid-Atl) Julia (Julia) Bandera (SPTR 2LM95 T xK) Midnight Star (Mid) LSD @ 5% Quality 7.4 7.4 7.2 7.1 7.1 7.0 6.9 6.7 6.6 0.7 Improving Turfgrass Through Research Texas X Kentucky bluegrass • Texas bluegrass heat and drought tolerant, extensive and deep rhizomes • Kentucky bluegrass turf quality • 1st generation low fertility, low germination. Selected superior progeny • Some backcrossed to Kentucky bluegrass • More extensive rhizomes • Greater heat and drought tolerance • Must evaluate for diseases, germination vigor, apomixis Improving Turfgrass Through Research Texas x Kentucky bluegrass • Many first hybrids poor germination • Thermal Blue = HB 129 = BH00-6002 • Reveille sod type good performance • Improved establishment • High shear strength • Excellent rhizomes = good recovery • Good wear tolerance in Ohio - new ones high at Rutgers Improving Turfgrass Through Research Texas X Kentucky • Improved germination • High heat tolerance • Active summer growth Bandera • Need more growth before vernalization for seed Improving Turfgrass Through Research Texas x Kentucky bluegrass Bandera DuraBlue Fire and Ice Spitfire ThermalBlue Longhorn Fahrenheit 90 Solar Green Reveille Improving Turfgrass Through Research Texas X Kentucky bluegrass • Rhizomes on young spaced plants • Deep rhizomes contribute to recovery • Bluegrass usage further south • Top rated for shear strength NTEP Improving Turfgrass Through Research Bandera T x K bluegrass • Study was done in Rain Out Shelter at Rutgers • Bandera (Reported as Sptr 21m95 instead of SPTR 2LM95) showed less decline than Thermal Blue or Midnight from 10 to 17 days drought, Kept quality longer. • Maintained photosynthesis longer than Midnight under drought stress • Recovered faster than Midnight or Thermal Blue after 41 days of drought and had a difference in stomatal resistance. Improving Turfgrass Through Research Spitfire Texas x Kentucky Turf Quality of 2005 CTBT Bluegrass Species Trial established at Fayetteville, Arkansas Digital Quality 1-9, 9 = Best Cultivar Digital Color Digital Quality Midnight (Mid) 6.6 7.6 Spitfire (STR 2844 TxK) 7.3 7.4 Longhorn (T x K) 5.8 6.9 Touche (STR 23180 Mid-Atl) 5.5 6.6 Bandera (SPTR 2LM95 T xK) 5.6 6.6 America (Am) 5.7 6.5 Midnight Star (Mid) 6.3 6.4 Livingston (Mid-Atl) 4.6 6.0 Julia (Julia) 5.9 5.5 LSD @ 5% 0.7 0.8 Improving Turfgrass Through Research Shamrock Type • Moderate Winter color • Good resistance to Leaf Spot • Good turf quality and sod strength • Billbug susceptible • High seed yields • Less stemmy than BVMG types • Summer performance variable • Large seed - quick germination Improving Turfgrass Through Research Shamrock Type SR 2100 Champagne Atlantis Parkland Shamrock Champlain Brooklawn Moonshine Lakeshore Durham Mongoose Improving Turfgrass Through Research BVMG Type • Wear tolerance poor, not good for sports turf • Use Shmarock types instead for quick germination • High seed yields so cheap seed • Medium-good turf • Stripe Smut susceptible, Billbug susceptible • Medium low growth, Medium wide leaves • Large seed - quick germ • Very stemmy turf • Poor Winter performance Improving Turfgrass Through Research BVMG Type Cultivars Cannon Abbey Fortuna Marquis Baron Gnome Victa BlueChip Goldrush Clearwater BlueStar Baronette Merit Crest Nassau Envicta Dragon Raven Improving Turfgrass Through Research Common Type (Midwest Ecotypes) • Do not use for sports turf • Erect growth and narrow leaf blades • Good Summer stress tolerance (may go dormant) • High Leaf Spot susceptibility • Poor Winter color and performance • Early seed production • Good for soil stabilization/conservation Improving Turfgrass Through Research Common Type (Midwest Ecotypes) Kenblue Alene Huntsville Park Garfield Piedmont Alene Geary S-21 Cache Ginger South Dakota Rhonde Greenly Voyager Newport Wellington Argyle Improving Turfgrass Through Research New Cultivars • SR 4600 perennial ryegrass • Harrier perennial ryegrass • Calypso III perennial ryegrass • SR 8650 tall fescue • SR 5250 strong creeping red fescue • SR 5130 Chewings fescue • Shoreline slender creeping red fescue • SR 3150 hard fescue Improving Turfgrass Through Research