scholarly journals The effect of fertilizer seed coating on the germinating capacity and initial development of some turf grass species and white clover

Author(s):  
Martin Sochorec ◽  
Pavel Knot

The effect of the iSeed method treatment on germination dynamics, total germinating capacity and the length of above-ground and root parts was studied in laboratory conditions for the Red fescue varieties Darwin and Moccasin, Kentucky bluegrass varieties Yvette and Miracle, Perennial ryegrass varieties Beatrice and Milan, and White clover varieties Pirouette and Pipolina. In the Perennial ryegrass, the iSeed treatment adversely affected the energy of germination in the first days of study. The germinating capacity gradually equalized during the experiment. Red fescue and Kentucky bluegrass did not show any response to the treatment. Similarly as the Perennial ryegrass, the two varieties of White clover exhibited higher energy of germination on the third day from the establishment. A demonstrably positive effect of the iSeed treatment was recorded on the number of germinated individuals. Particularly the variety Pirouette showed significantly higher germinating capacity until the tenth day of monitoring the treated seeds. The iSeed method had no statistically significant influence on the values of total germinating capacity in all tested species and varieties. The effect of the iSeed method treatment on the length of shoot and root parts was not statistically demonstrated. Some varieties showed a positive effect and some showed a negative effect. A significant difference was observed only in the untreated variety Moccasin whose above-ground part was by 14 mm longer as compared with the treated variant.

1990 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 608-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Johnson-Cicalese ◽  
C.R. Funk

Studies were conducted on the host plants of four billbug species (Coleoptera:Curculionidae: Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal, S. venatus Chitt., S. inaequalis Say, and S. minimus Hart) found on New Jersey turfgrasses. A collection of 4803 adults from pure stands of various turfgrasses revealed all four billbugs on Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and S. parvulus, S. venatus, and S. minimus on Chewings fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaud.). Since the presence of larvae, pupae, or teneral adults more accurately indicates the host status of a grass species, immature billbugs were collected from plugs of the various grass species and reared to adults for identification. All four species were reared from immature billbugs found in Kentucky bluegrass turf; immatures of S. venatus, S. inaequalis, and S. minimus were found in tall fescue; S. venatus and S. minimus in perennial ryegrass; and S. inaequalis in strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. rubra). A laboratory experiment was also conducted in which billbug adults were confined in petri dishes with either Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, or bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Pers.). Only minor differences were found between the four grasses in billbug survival, number of eggs laid, and amount of feeding. In general, bermudagrass was the least favored host and the other grasses were equally adequate hosts. The results of this study indicate a need for updating host-plant lists of these four billbug species.


2018 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 3-22
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Żurek ◽  
Kamil Prokopiuk ◽  
Agnieszka Rachwalska

Drought is the main environmental factor hampering world agriculture production. In the face of warmingclimate and reduced fresh water resources it become obvious that search for any factors decreasing water useis strongly recommended. Turf grasses able to withstand drought period longer could be recommended for turfareas as parks, lawns, home gardens etc. and relatively lower amounts of water should ensure satisfactory turfquality. Therefore, twelve turf varieties from three major cool-season turf grass species: perennial ryegrass(Lolium perenne L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) were tested inglasshouse pot experiment and in the laboratory for determination of their relative ability to withstand greenlonger in the face of water deficit.The different response of the examined forms to drought was noted. Conditions that favor fast water depletionwere the most suitable for the expression of water deficit-related traits. Therefore, sandy mixture of 16%volumetric moisture content at field water capacity was mostly suitable for observation of the variation oftested forms. Turf condition of Kentucky bluegrass, as contrary to red fescue, was strongly connected with thesoil moisture. Different manifestation of drought resistance was observed in tested species. Kentucky bluegrass,as rather no resistant to drought, exposed low level of drought avoidance. Red fescue was able to survivedrought mainly due to leaf blades resistant to desiccation. In perennial ryegrass some other mechanismsevolved to survive drought. Early leaf wilting and senescence contributes to nutrient remobilization duringdrought and avoids large water loses during the transpiration. Therefore, perennial ryegrass turf was able toregenerate better after drought, as compared to the other tested grass species.Search for new turf forms should focus on searching for ability to maintain acceptable conditions longer ina presence of increasing water deficit. It will then reduce the duration of period of poor turf conditions andfurther, turf water demands.


2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Ugilt Larsen ◽  
Christophe Bailly ◽  
Daniel Côme ◽  
Françoise Corbineau

The temperate grass species, red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), are often sown in mixtures for turfgrass. Differences in germination response to environmental conditions often result in different establishment success. The three species were compared in a study of imbibition at reduced water potential (Ψ) and in a study of the effects of Ψ and temperature on germination. In all three species, imbibition rate and extent were reduced with decreasing Ψ, causing a prolonged lag-phase before germination, particularly in Kentucky bluegrass. In perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass, water content at radicle emergence decreased non-linearly with decreasing Ψ, with a lower asymptote expressing the critical water content for germination. Seeds were germinated in factorial combinations of two temperatures (10 and 25°C) and nine Ψ levels (–2 to 0 MPa). Kentucky bluegrass required a longer thermal time to germinate than the other species and exhibited conditional dormancy at 25°C, which affected the use of the thermal time model. The effects of Ψ were described by a hydrotime model. Kentucky bluegrass had higher base water potential (Ψb) and required a longer hydrotime for germination than the other species. However, Ψb increased with temperature in Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue, but decreased in perennial ryegrass, and the base temperatures also changed with Ψ. The interacting effects of Ψ and temperature affected the ability of the hydrothermal time model to predict germination performance across all temperature and Ψ conditions.


HortScience ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trygve S. Aamlid ◽  
Peter J. Landschoot

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is used by the turf industry in the northeastern United States for soil improvement. When tilled into soil at high rates, some turfgrass managers claim that SMS inhibits turf seed germination. The authors’ objectives were 1) to determine whether fresh SMS inhibits turf seed germination and, if so, which species are most adversely affected; 2) to evaluate whether any inhibition incited by SMS is the result of osmotic effects or toxicity of compounds in SMS extracts; 3) to determine whether any negative effect of SMS on germination can be eliminated by leaching the SMS-amended soil before seeding; and 4) to assess the performance of SMS on seedling emergence in the field. Germination of nine turfgrass species was evaluated in mixtures made from fresh SMS (electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract = 11.9 dS·m−1) and a loamy sand soil. Germination inhibition resulting from SMS was most pronounced in the following order: Colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.) > sheep fescue [Festuca ovina L. ssp. hirtula (Hackel ex Travis) Wilkinson] > Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) > hard fescue [Festuca trachyphylla (Hackel) Krajina] > creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) > chewings fescue [Festuca rubra L. sp. commutata (Thuill.) Nyman] = strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaud.) > slender creeping red fescue [Festuca rubra L. sp. litoralis (Meyer) Auquier] > perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). SMS had a stronger negative effect on germination rates than on final germination percentages. Germination of perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass on blotter paper moistened with SMS extracts or polyethylene glycol of equivalent osmotic potentials showed that the inhibition was primarily the result of osmotic effects. In an experiment with a 50% soil/50% SMS (v/v) mixture, Kentucky bluegrass germinated better in pots that had been watered with 133% or 167% of the evaporation rate for 10 days prior to seeding than in unleached pots. Although the negative effect of SMS on seed germination was not confirmed in a field study in which ECe values never exceeded 4.1 dS·m−1, the authors conclude that incorporation of high rates of SMS represents a potential problem for turfgrass establishment.


Author(s):  
M. Youssef ◽  
P.C. Chiy ◽  
C.J.C. Phillips ◽  
M. Metwally

Cattle exhibit preferences not only for certain sward species but for the same species at different stages of growth, and the various parts of an individual plant and for individual plant of preferred composition. This tendency is termed selective grazing (Fontenot and Blaser, 1965). For example ruminants will select a high Sodium diet. Calves tend to be more selective than adult cattle, muzzling herbage before eating.The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of sward complexity, species and sodium fertilizer on the grazing behaviour of calves.Sixteen dairy Friesian calves, aged 5 to 6 months, with no previous grazing experience, were allocated to groups of 4 similar calves, and then at random to four pasture treatments of 3480m2 each with one (Perennial Ryegrass, P), two (P and Timothy, T), three (P, T and Cocksfoot, C) and four (P, T.C and Red Fescue, R) grass species in a balanced change over design. Each species was sown in plots of 290m2 and one half of each plot received 48Kg/ha. nacl.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Julie H. Campbell ◽  
Jason J. Henderson ◽  
John C. Inguagiato ◽  
Victoria H. Wallace ◽  
Anthony Minniti

Abstract Many intensively trafficked areas such as athletic fields and golf courses require constant overseeding to maintain suitable turfgrass cover. Rapid seed germination and development are critical to managing these high wear areas. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of water aeration, seed soaking duration, and water temperature on mean germination time (MGT) and final germination percentage (FGP) of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KBG) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., PRG). Two separate controlled environment studies were conducted. PRG soaked in aerated water from 8 to 48 h had a 20% decrease in MGT compared to an untreated control, while treated KBG decreased MGT by only 10% compared to an untreated control. Soaking duration and water temperature had significant effects on KBG. KBG MGT was optimized at 20 C (68 F) water temperature with a soaking duration of 24 h. MGT of PRG was optimized when soaked for 8 h while water was aerated. There was no significant difference in FGP for any of the treatments tested. Index words: turfgrass, aeration, seed soaking. Species used in this study: Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.); perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).


2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. B. McKenzie ◽  
Y. A. Papadopoulos ◽  
K. B. McRae ◽  
E. Butt

Kentucky bluegrass, meadow fescue, orchardgrass, tall fescue, timothy, and reed canarygrass were seeded in all possible two-grass combinations with white clover in conventional and underseeded barley treatments using a split-plot design at the Western Agriculture Centre near Pynn’s Brook, NL. The objectives were: (1) to assess dry matter yield (DMY) of two binary grass species when sown with white clover in mixtures under a system with cuttings at similar crop growth stages as rotational grazing and to assess the effect of underseeding to barley on this system; (2) to identify mixtures that enhance herbage distribution throughout the grazing season; and (3) to assess the sward dynamics over successive cropping seasons. The composition of the binary grass mixtures with white clover affected seasonal DMY, seasonal herbage distribution, and sward dynamics over the production years. Orchardgrass in mixtures decreased DMY, shifted the herbage distribution toward early season, and competed with other species. Timothy composition of the stand showed the largest decline over the 3 production years, whereas white clover declined in mixtures with bluegrass, orchardgrass, or tall fescue. Meadow fescue and reed canarygrass with white clover was the most productive mixture with excellent persistence and good yield distribution over the growing season. Orchardgrass was the least compatible species in the mixtures; it dominated first growth and contributed the least to biomass production in later years. Both bluegrass and reed canarygrass performed well in mixtures over the 3 production years; bluegrass appeared to enhance the performance of the other species during summer regrowth whereas reed canarygrass was superior in the later part of the growing season. Underseeding with barley did not affect white clover yield in any production year but detrimentally affected the yield of orchardgrass and meadow fescue in mixtures, and their seasonal distribution. Key words: Bluegrass, orchardgrass, meadow fescue, tall fescue, timothy, reed canarygrass, repeated measurements, principal component analysis, herbage DM distribution, species competition


1975 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Davies

SUMMARYAn appraisal of the value of S. 59 red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) for grazing was made using ewes and lambs (Clun Forest in 1969, Welsh Mountain in 1970) at a site 305 m O.D. in mid-Wales. S. 23 perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was used as a control, and the value of S. 184 white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in conjunction with both grasses was examined.In the first year, under a rotational grazing regime at a fixed stocking rate of 22 ewes and single lambs/ha, lamb live-weight gains were significantly poorer on S. 59/S. 184 and significantly better on S. 23/S. 184 than on either of the pure grass swards. For the 130 days grazing season, mean daily lamb live-weight gains were 157, 126, 78 and 120 g on S. 23/S. 184, S. 23, S. 59/S. 184 and S. 59 treatments respectively.During the second year lamb growth rates on S. 59/S. 184 improved by 59%, whereas those on the other treatments were marginally lower than in 1969. Stocking rates were increased on the grass swards and decreased on the grass/clover swards for most of the grazing period in the second year in accordance with herbage availability. No significant difference was detected between the four treatments in total lamb liveweight production as a result of better individual growth rates on the grass/clover swards.In both years wide variations were recorded between treatments at different periods within the grazing season. Red fescue swards maintained superior lamb production in early spring and late autumn, but were inferior to ryegrass in mid-summer.


2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 717 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. Golding ◽  
E. D. Wilson ◽  
P. D. Kemp ◽  
S. J. Pain ◽  
P. R. Kenyon ◽  
...  

The potential of mixed herb and legume pastures to increase post-weaning growth rates of lambs in comparison to ryegrass-based pastures was evaluated. Unrestricted allowances of pasture treatments were offered to weaned, Romney lambs in consecutive autumns of 2007 and 2008. In Experiment 1 (2007), 300 ewe lambs were allocated for 64 days to one of four permanent sward mix treatments; chicory, plantain, red clover and white clover [herb/clover (n = 75)]; plantain, perennial ryegrass and white clover [plantain/pasture (n = 75)]; tetraploid perennial ryegrass and white clover [new pasture (n = 75)]; or diploid perennial ryegrass, other grass species and white clover [old pasture (n = 75)]. In Experiment 2 (2008), the first three pasture treatments from Experiment 1 were re-used (‘old pasture’ not used) with 168 wether lambs allocated for 35 days; herb/clover (n = 56); plantain/pasture (n = 56); and new pasture (n = 56). Unfasted liveweights of all lambs were recorded at weekly intervals and before slaughter. A sub-sample of 78 lambs from Experiment 2 was slaughtered to obtain the carcass weights, tissue depth (11 cm from the spine over the 12th rib) and commercial meat percentages. At the conclusion of Experiment 1 the herb/clover treatment lambs were heavier than the new pasture and plantain/pasture treatment lambs, which were heavier than the old pasture treatment lambs (47.4 vs 41.5 vs 41.5 vs 39.6 ± 0.4 kg, respectively) (P < 0.05). At the conclusion of Experiment 2 the herb/clover treatment lambs were heavier than the new pasture treatment lambs, which were heavier than the plantain/pasture treatment lambs (35.6 vs 32.8 vs 28.8 kg ± 0.4, respectively) (P < 0.05). In Experiment 1 a higher percent of herb/clover treatment lambs grew faster than 200 g/day (P < 0.001) than of the pasture/plantain, new pasture and old pasture treatment lambs (87 vs 4 vs 3 vs 0 percent, respectively). In Experiment 2 only the herb/clover lambs (71%) grew faster than 200 g/day (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2 herb/clover treatment lambs had heavier (P < 0.05) final carcass weight (15.7 ± 0.20 vs 14.8 ± 0.38 vs 14.6 ± 0.27 kg) compared with the plantain/pasture and new pasture lambs, respectively. It was demonstrated that a herb/clover mixed sward can increase post-weaning lamb liveweight gains during unrestricted feeding conditions compared with traditional perennial ryegrass-based pastures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol Wolski ◽  
Joanna Markowska ◽  
Adam Radkowski ◽  
Marek Brennensthul ◽  
Łukasz Sobol ◽  
...  

AbstractThe selection of grass mixtures with appropriate visual and functional parameters for sowing football fields is a key element in shaping the sports infrastructure, ensuring the spectacularity of a match and comfort for players. The aim of the research was to investigate the properties of lawn grass mixtures and their suitability for football pitches. The experiment was conducted at the Toya Golf & Country Club (51° 20′ E, 17° 07′ N), Wrocław, Poland, between 2007 and 2009. 12 grass mixtures were selected, mainly based on red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The assessment was carried out using a nine-point scale, according to the Plant Variety Office methodology for crops and turf grass. Six features of sports turf were studied: appearance, density, colour, leaf fineness, overwintering, and susceptibility to disease and they significantly varied, depending on the grass mixture and the year of research. Our study showed that mixtures based on the dominance of meadow grass were characterized by higher values of the general visual aspect, colour and slenderness of the leaf blade and these based on the dominance of perennial ryegrass and co-dominance of perennial ryegrass and meadow grass were the most useful in terms of wintering, resistance to diseases and sodding.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document