Effects of Some Growth Retardants on Shoot and Root Growth of Two Cool-season Turfgrasses
Effects of mefluidide, paclobutrazol, and their mixture on shoot and root growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. `Wendy') and creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. `Dawson') were studied under container culture. Mefluidide applied alone or in combination with paclobutrazol caused significant reduction in shoot and root growth of perennial ryegrass and red fescue. These treatments also enhanced turf green color of both species and increased their root–shoot percentage, with no major effect on turf quality. Paclobutrazol applied alone reduced shoot height of perennial ryegrass and red fescue by 10% and 32%, respectively, and caused little reduction in their shoot weights, with no effect on turf quality and color. Although paclobutrazol applied alone reduced the root length and percentage of root–shoot dry weight of perennial ryegrass, it did not affect red fescue.