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Growth regulator effects on turfgrass characteristics

Neil Leon Heckman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are commonly used throughout the turfgrass industry to reduce mowing requirements. Research was conduced to identify the effects of trinexapac-ethyl [4-cyclopropyl-α-hydroxy-methylene)-3,5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid methyl ester] (TE) and mefluidide [N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-{[trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amino}phenyl) acetamide] on turfgrass characteristics and determine how these results might impact turfgrass management practices. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of multiple pre-harvest applications of TE at 0.23 kg ha−1 on Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sod temperatures during storage. Mean sod temperatures in separate experiments were 3°C cooler in TE treated sod. These results suggest that TE could be used by sod growers to extend storage times by several hours and increase shipping and market areas. Adequate tensile strength is a necessary quality for growing marketable turfgrass sod. Experiments were conducted at Mead, NE and Cedar Rapids, IA, during the summers of 2000 and 2001. Trinexapac-ethyl was applied to Kentucky bluegrass every 4 wk (0.23 kg ha−1) or every 2 wk (0.12 kg ha−1). Trinexapac-ethyl every 2 wk resulted in less consistent results, but increased tensile strength as much as 163% over the control. The use of TE may allow sod producers to develop adequate sod tensile strength faster. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the influence of TE on the chlorophyll content of Kentucky bluegrass. Total chlorophyll content increased by 26%, with a single TE application of 0.45 kg ha −1. Two greenhouse experiments using tall fescue cv. Mustang (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and St. Augustinegrass cv. Raleigh [Stenotaphrum secundatum S. (Walt.) Kuntze] were conducted also to determine the affect of PGRs on cell density. St. Augustinegrass and tall fescue were treated with TE at 0.286 kg ha−1 and 0.145 kg ha−1, respectively, and mefluidide at 0.137 kg ha−1 for both species. Tall fescue and St. Augustinegrass cell density increased 15 and 20%, respectively, from both PGR treatments. Increased cell density and greater chlorophyll content could enhance irradiance capture of both species under low light conditions.

Subject Area

Agronomy

Recommended Citation

Heckman, Neil Leon, "Growth regulator effects on turfgrass characteristics" (2003). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI3092550.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3092550

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