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Adaptation, management and useAdaptation, management and useof of warmwarm--season turfgrassesseason turfgrassesAdaptation, management and useAdaptation, management and useof of warmwarm--season turfgrassesseason turfgrasses

Dr Donald S. LochDr Donald S. Loch(University of Queensland & GeneGro Pty Ltd)(University of Queensland & GeneGro Pty Ltd)

Despite the efforts of modern advertising...Despite the efforts of modern advertising...Despite the efforts of modern advertising...Despite the efforts of modern advertising...

■■ There is no such thing as a perfect turfgrassThere is no such thing as a perfect turfgrass−− And there never will beAnd there never will be

■■ There is no one grass that is best for all uses in all situations There is no one grass that is best for all uses in all situations and at all locationsand at all locations

Choosing a turfgrassChoosing a turfgrassChoosing a turfgrassChoosing a turfgrass

■■ Forget what is trendyForget what is trendy−− Put promotional “information” into perspectivePut promotional “information” into perspective

■■ Look at the use requiredLook at the use required

■■ Choose the best adapted grass for that use under the Choose the best adapted grass for that use under the climatic and soil conditions on your siteclimatic and soil conditions on your site

ManagementManagementManagementManagement

■■ Choose a well adapted grassChoose a well adapted grass−− Easier to manageEasier to manage−− Cheaper to manageCheaper to manage−− Better turf qualityBetter turf quality

(e.g. less weed invasion(e.g. less weed invasion))

■■ Understand your plant and work with itUnderstand your plant and work with it−− ScienceScience--based informationbased information

((e.g. physiology, ecology, nutritione.g. physiology, ecology, nutrition))

■■ Concentrate on overcoming weaknessesConcentrate on overcoming weaknesses−− Strengths take care of themselvesStrengths take care of themselves

Marketing ‘information’Marketing ‘information’Marketing ‘information’Marketing ‘information’

■■ “...sales information is what gets repeated over and over “...sales information is what gets repeated over and over until it is accepted as fact until it is accepted as fact -- not always accurate”not always accurate”

The tropical challengeThe tropical challengeThe tropical challengeThe tropical challenge

■■ Most warmMost warm--season grass varieties from North America, season grass varieties from North America, etc, have not been developed for tropical conditions etc, have not been developed for tropical conditions

−− Periods of heat, humidity, rain (irregular mowing), heavy cloud Periods of heat, humidity, rain (irregular mowing), heavy cloud cover, low light, high pest & disease pressure cover, low light, high pest & disease pressure M l li t ith 4M l li t ith 4 8 th d8 th d−− Monsoonal climates with 4Monsoonal climates with 4--8 month dry season8 month dry season

(need good drought tolerance or unlimited irrigation(need good drought tolerance or unlimited irrigation))

■■ Develop better adapted “local” varietiesDevelop better adapted “local” varieties−− e.g. most greense.g. most greens--quality bermudagrasses from about 30quality bermudagrasses from about 30°° latitudelatitude−− NovotekNovotekTMTM developed in north Queensland tropics (17developed in north Queensland tropics (17°° latitude)latitude)

■■ Make greater use of Asian species and germplasmMake greater use of Asian species and germplasm

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Outline of presentationOutline of presentationOutline of presentationOutline of presentation

■■ Summarise strengths & weaknesses of the major speciesSummarise strengths & weaknesses of the major species

■■ Explore underlying factors leading to adaptationExplore underlying factors leading to adaptation−− Climatic Climatic (temperature, drought, shade)(temperature, drought, shade)−− Soils Soils (salinity)(salinity)−− WearWear

■■ Introduce some minor species and their attributesIntroduce some minor species and their attributes

■■ Turf quality Turf quality vs.vs. sod pricesod price−− Morphological considerationsMorphological considerations

■■ Quality assuranceQuality assurance−− An unnecessary expense or value for money?An unnecessary expense or value for money?

Cynodon dactylon Cynodon dactylon (bermudagrass)(bermudagrass)Cynodon dactylon Cynodon dactylon (bermudagrass)(bermudagrass)

■■ Most widely used warmMost widely used warm--season turfgrass season turfgrass

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Spreads rapidly by stolons and rhizomesSpreads rapidly by stolons and rhizomes−− Good drought toleranceGood drought tolerance−− Fair to good wear toleranceFair to good wear tolerance−− OrganoarsenateOrganoarsenate herbicides used to control most other grassesherbicides used to control most other grasses

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Few varieties adapted to tropical conditionsFew varieties adapted to tropical conditions−− Poor shade tolerancePoor shade tolerance−− High N requirementsHigh N requirements−− Varietal contamination (seed, vegetative survivors)Varietal contamination (seed, vegetative survivors)−− OrganoarsenateOrganoarsenate herbicides to be phased out in 2014herbicides to be phased out in 2014

Cynodon dactylon X transvaalensisCynodon dactylon X transvaalensis(hybrid bermudagrass)(hybrid bermudagrass)Cynodon dactylon X transvaalensisCynodon dactylon X transvaalensis(hybrid bermudagrass)(hybrid bermudagrass)

■■ MediumMedium-- & fine& fine--textured genotypes for fairways & greenstextured genotypes for fairways & greens

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Sterile hybrids Sterile hybrids (do not set fertile seeds)(do not set fertile seeds)−− Greater shoot densities than Greater shoot densities than C. dactylonC. dactylon−− Can be mown shorter than Can be mown shorter than C. dactylonC. dactylon−− Finer textured turf than Finer textured turf than C. dactylonC. dactylon

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Best adapted to warm temperate & subtropical conditionsBest adapted to warm temperate & subtropical conditions−− Need intensive managementNeed intensive management−− Genetically unstable Genetically unstable (mixture of two different genomes)(mixture of two different genomes)−− Mutate vegetatively particularly when under stressMutate vegetatively particularly when under stress−− Finer stems do not mow as well as Finer stems do not mow as well as C. dactylon C. dactylon at higher levelsat higher levels

Paspalum vaginatum Paspalum vaginatum (seashore paspalum)(seashore paspalum)Paspalum vaginatum Paspalum vaginatum (seashore paspalum)(seashore paspalum)

■■ Former “niche” species well promoted over past decadeFormer “niche” species well promoted over past decade

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Vibrant green colour Vibrant green colour (the “wow” factor)(the “wow” factor)

High salinity & waterlogging toleranceHigh salinity & waterlogging tolerance−− High salinity & waterlogging toleranceHigh salinity & waterlogging tolerance−− Possible to plant a single variety wallPossible to plant a single variety wall--toto--wallwall

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Expensive to manage in nonExpensive to manage in non--saline situations saline situations (competition)(competition)−− Limited range of herbicides Limited range of herbicides (none for grass control)(none for grass control)−− Poor shade & drought tolerancePoor shade & drought tolerance−− Slow to recover from damage Slow to recover from damage (scalping, drought thinning)(scalping, drought thinning)−− Higher N requirements than promotedHigher N requirements than promoted−− Risk of varietal contamination from seedRisk of varietal contamination from seed−− Disease susceptibility Disease susceptibility (e.g. dollar spot under low fertility)(e.g. dollar spot under low fertility)

DroughtDrought Weed invasion after droughtWeed invasion after drought

ScalpingScalping ScalpingScalping

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Dollar SpotDollar Spot Dollar SpotDollar Spot

RhizoctoniaRhizoctonia Large PatchLarge Patch

Paspalum vaginatumPaspalum vaginatumPaspalum vaginatumPaspalum vaginatum

Sporobolus virginicusSporobolus virginicusSporobolus virginicusSporobolus virginicus

Armyworm damageArmyworm damageArmyworm damageArmyworm damage

Digitaria didactyla Digitaria didactyla ((serangoonserangoon grass)grass)Digitaria didactyla Digitaria didactyla ((serangoonserangoon grass)grass)

■■ MediumMedium--textured stoloniferous grass for low fertility sitestextured stoloniferous grass for low fertility sites−− Similar to Queensland blue couch & Swazi grass (Australia)Similar to Queensland blue couch & Swazi grass (Australia)

■■ StrengthsStrengthsT l t f id i f til ilT l t f id i f til il−− Tolerant of acid infertile soilsTolerant of acid infertile soils

−− Good drought toleranceGood drought tolerance−− Useful herbicide tolerance Useful herbicide tolerance (e.g. fluazifop for other grasses)(e.g. fluazifop for other grasses)−− Moderate shade tolerance Moderate shade tolerance (Qld blue couch poor shade tolerance)(Qld blue couch poor shade tolerance)

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Clippings stick together when mowing moist grassClippings stick together when mowing moist grass−− Poor ball lie Poor ball lie (sits down among foliage)(sits down among foliage)−− Susceptible to Fe deficiency after heavy rainfallSusceptible to Fe deficiency after heavy rainfall

(easy & cheap to remedy with FeSO(easy & cheap to remedy with FeSO44))−− Fair wear toleranceFair wear tolerance

Axonopus compressusAxonopus compressus(broadleaf carpetgrass)(broadleaf carpetgrass)Axonopus compressusAxonopus compressus(broadleaf carpetgrass)(broadleaf carpetgrass)

■■ CoarseCoarse--textured grass for shaded roughs, parks, etctextured grass for shaded roughs, parks, etc−− Called “cow grass” when mixed with Called “cow grass” when mixed with Paspalum conjugatumPaspalum conjugatum, etc, etc

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Tolerant of acid infertile soilsTolerant of acid infertile soils−− Good shade & disease toleranceGood shade & disease tolerance−− Vegetative sod strengthened by bermudagrass contaminantVegetative sod strengthened by bermudagrass contaminant

(also gives better cool season growth)(also gives better cool season growth)−− Mows easily even if allowed to grow longMows easily even if allowed to grow long (soft grass)(soft grass)

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Poor drought & wear tolerancePoor drought & wear tolerance−− Susceptible to Fe deficiency after heavy rainfallSusceptible to Fe deficiency after heavy rainfall−− Low temperatures restrict growth more than other turf grassesLow temperatures restrict growth more than other turf grasses

Zoysia Zoysia spp. (zoysiagrass)spp. (zoysiagrass)Zoysia Zoysia spp. (zoysiagrass)spp. (zoysiagrass)

■■ Low maintenance grasses for fairways, tees & greensLow maintenance grasses for fairways, tees & greens

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Low nutritional requirementsLow nutritional requirements

L i th thL i th th ( l th)( l th)−− Less mowing than other grasses Less mowing than other grasses (slow growth)(slow growth)−− Good drought toleranceGood drought tolerance−− Few pests and diseasesFew pests and diseases−− Tolerant of a wide range of herbicides Tolerant of a wide range of herbicides (several for grass control)(several for grass control)−− Good ball lie Good ball lie (sits up)(sits up)−− Highly resistant to wearHighly resistant to wear

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Slow growth Slow growth (longer sod production cycle than for other species)(longer sod production cycle than for other species)−− Sharpen mower blades more often Sharpen mower blades more often (high silica content)(high silica content)−− Slow to recover from scalpingSlow to recover from scalping

Zoysia japonica Zoysia japonica (Japanese lawngrass)(Japanese lawngrass)Zoysia japonica Zoysia japonica (Japanese lawngrass)(Japanese lawngrass)

■■ CoarseCoarse--medium textured genotypes for fairways & roughsmedium textured genotypes for fairways & roughs−− Originates from subtropical & temperate areasOriginates from subtropical & temperate areas

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− BlueBlue--green colour green colour (similar to (similar to serangoonserangoon grass)grass)−− Fair shade toleranceFair shade tolerance−− Fair salinity toleranceFair salinity tolerance−− Lower thatch development than Lower thatch development than Z. matrellaZ. matrella−− Tolerant of high strength soils Tolerant of high strength soils

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Susceptible to zoysia rust Susceptible to zoysia rust ((PucciniaPuccinia zoysiaezoysiae))−− Tolerates temporary, but not permanent, waterloggingTolerates temporary, but not permanent, waterlogging

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Zoysia matrella Zoysia matrella ((ManilagrassManilagrass))Zoysia matrella Zoysia matrella ((ManilagrassManilagrass))

■■ MediumMedium-- & fine& fine--textured genotypes for fairways & greenstextured genotypes for fairways & greens−− More tropical in origin than More tropical in origin than Z. japonicaZ. japonica

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Bright green colour Bright green colour (varies with variety)(varies with variety)−− High shade toleranceHigh shade tolerance−− High salinity toleranceHigh salinity tolerance−− Tolerant of high strength soilsTolerant of high strength soils−− Not affected by zoysia rust Not affected by zoysia rust ((PucciniaPuccinia zoysiaezoysiae) )

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Thatch developmentThatch development−− Slower green speeds than bermudagrassSlower green speeds than bermudagrass−− Tolerates temporary, but not permanent, waterloggingTolerates temporary, but not permanent, waterlogging

Temperature adaptation Temperature adaptation –– CynodonCynodon varietiesvarietiesTemperature adaptation Temperature adaptation –– CynodonCynodon varietiesvarieties

■■ Optimum temperature related to area of originOptimum temperature related to area of origin

■■ Stronger winter dormancy in genotypes from colder areasStronger winter dormancy in genotypes from colder areas

W t tW t t (M lb(M lb 13 413 4°°C l )C l )■■ Warm temperate Warm temperate (Melbourne (Melbourne –– 13.413.4°°C annual average)C annual average)−− Victorian > NSW & Queensland varieties Victorian > NSW & Queensland varieties (VGA(VGA--Redlands research)Redlands research)

■■ Subtropical Subtropical (Brisbane (Brisbane –– 20.520.5°°C annual average)C annual average)−− Queensland & NSW > Victorian varieties Queensland & NSW > Victorian varieties (Redlands research plots)(Redlands research plots)−− Close to the warmer limit for Close to the warmer limit for CynodonCynodon hybridshybrids

■■ Tropical Tropical (Cairns (Cairns –– 24.824.8°°C, Darwin C, Darwin –– 28.128.1°°C annual averages)C annual averages)−− Also need tolerance of long periods of heavy cloud & low lightAlso need tolerance of long periods of heavy cloud & low light−− Very few well adapted Very few well adapted CynodonCynodon varietiesvarieties−− Local versions best (e.g. from ‘Local versions best (e.g. from ‘GreenleesGreenlees Park’)Park’)

Cazaly’s Stadium (Cairns)Cazaly’s Stadium (Cairns)–– local version of ‘local version of ‘GreenleesGreenlees Park’Park’

Cazaly’s Stadium (Cairns)Cazaly’s Stadium (Cairns)–– local version of ‘local version of ‘GreenleesGreenlees Park’Park’

TIO Stadium (Darwin)TIO Stadium (Darwin)–– LegendLegend®® from Victoriafrom Victoria

TIO Stadium (Darwin)TIO Stadium (Darwin)–– LegendLegend®® from Victoriafrom Victoria

Disease susceptibilityDisease susceptibilityDisease susceptibilityDisease susceptibility

■■ Disease tolerance related to area (climate) of originDisease tolerance related to area (climate) of origin–– e.g. Bermudagrass accessions from dry (less humid) areas more e.g. Bermudagrass accessions from dry (less humid) areas more

susceptible to leaf diseasessusceptible to leaf diseases(UQ Australia(UQ Australia--wide germplasm collection)wide germplasm collection)

■■ Disease controlDisease control−− Adds to management costsAdds to management costs−− Compromises turf qualityCompromises turf quality

■■ Greater emphasis on selecting new varieties for disease Greater emphasis on selecting new varieties for disease tolerance if availabletolerance if available

White leaf White leaf mycoplasmamycoplasma Bermudagrass smutBermudagrass smut

Bermudagrass rustBermudagrass rust Zoysia rustZoysia rust

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Water use efficiency OR drought tolerance?Water use efficiency OR drought tolerance?Water use efficiency OR drought tolerance?Water use efficiency OR drought tolerance?

■■ Water use efficiencyWater use efficiency−− Amount of water required to produce 1 unit of dry matterAmount of water required to produce 1 unit of dry matter

■■ Drought toleranceDrought tolerance−− What happens in absence of rain & irrigationWhat happens in absence of rain & irrigation

(survival and how well it survives)(survival and how well it survives)

■■ Total irrigation Total irrigation (e.g. desert conditions)(e.g. desert conditions)−− Water use efficiencyWater use efficiency−− Small savings in water use are possibleSmall savings in water use are possible

■■ Strategic irrigationStrategic irrigation (e.g. irregular or seasonal rainfall)(e.g. irregular or seasonal rainfall)−− Drought toleranceDrought tolerance−− Large savings in water use are possible by reducing frequencyLarge savings in water use are possible by reducing frequency

Paspalum vaginatumPaspalum vaginatumPaspalum vaginatumPaspalum vaginatum

Cynodon dactylonCynodon dactylonCynodon dactylonCynodon dactylon

Depth of rootingDepth of rootingDepth of rootingDepth of rooting

Physiological drought tolerance Physiological drought tolerance –– Yi Zhou (UQ)Yi Zhou (UQ)

■■ Shade stress affects approx. 25% of turfgrass plantingsShade stress affects approx. 25% of turfgrass plantings−− Trees & buildings in the landscapeTrees & buildings in the landscape−− Sports stadiumsSports stadiums−− Cloudy or hazy conditionsCloudy or hazy conditions

■■ Shade stress affects approx. 25% of turfgrass plantingsShade stress affects approx. 25% of turfgrass plantings−− Trees & buildings in the landscapeTrees & buildings in the landscape−− Sports stadiumsSports stadiums−− Cloudy or hazy conditionsCloudy or hazy conditions

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Some “shady” factsSome “shady” factsSome “shady” factsSome “shady” facts

■■ Measure Measure PPhotosyntheticallyhotosynthetically AActive ctive RRadiation (PAR)adiation (PAR)−− 400400--700 nm wavelength band700 nm wavelength band

■■ 70% of daily radiation70% of daily radiation−− 9:00am to 3:00pm 9:00am to 3:00pm (summer)(summer)−− 10:00am to 2:00pm 10:00am to 2:00pm (winter)(winter)−− Meeting light requirements for a turfgrass depends on when Meeting light requirements for a turfgrass depends on when

light is received, not just a fixed number of hourslight is received, not just a fixed number of hours

■■ Heavy dappled tree shadeHeavy dappled tree shade−− c. 20c. 20--40% of full sunlight40% of full sunlight

■■ Building shade Building shade (e.g. elite sports stadiums)(e.g. elite sports stadiums)−− c. 10% of full sunlightc. 10% of full sunlight

Screening for salt toleranceScreening for salt tolerance

Salinity growth response over timeSalinity growth response over time

TwoTwo--stage process (Rana stage process (Rana MunnsMunns, 1993), 1993)–– physiological drought (osmotic effect) for first 4 wkphysiological drought (osmotic effect) for first 4 wk–– transition from physiological drought to toxic ion effectstransition from physiological drought to toxic ion effects

(4(4--6 wk after treatment)6 wk after treatment)–– toxic ion effects reduce DM production toxic ion effects reduce DM production

(6+ wk)(6+ wk)

Germination affected by physiological droughtGermination affected by physiological drought

Perennial plant growth affected by both physiological Perennial plant growth affected by both physiological drought and toxic ion effects over timedrought and toxic ion effects over time

Screening perennial turfgrasses for salinity toleranceScreening perennial turfgrasses for salinity tolerance

Three stages:Three stages:1.1. establishment of vegetative material in potsestablishment of vegetative material in pots

(salt(salt--free conditions)free conditions)2.2. transition to salinity treatmentstransition to salinity treatmentsyy

(progressively add salt over 1(progressively add salt over 1--3 wk period) 3 wk period) 3.3. experimental measurements over a 12experimental measurements over a 12--wk period after reaching wk period after reaching

targeted salinity treatment levels targeted salinity treatment levels

Determination of salinity tolerance focused on 8Determination of salinity tolerance focused on 8--12 wk data12 wk data–– relative DM yieldrelative DM yield

(linear regression to determine EC at 50% control DM yield)(linear regression to determine EC at 50% control DM yield)–– % leaf firing% leaf firing–– root biomass root biomass (12(12--wk)wk)

Growth response to salinity over time Growth response to salinity over time –– C. dactylon C. dactylon FLoraTeXFLoraTeXTMTMGrowth response to salinity over time Growth response to salinity over time –– C. dactylon C. dactylon FLoraTeXFLoraTeXTMTMPaspalum vaginatum ‘Sea Isle 2000’ Zoysia matrella ‘Diamond’

Cynodon dactylon FLoraTeXTM Cynodon dactylon ‘CT-2’

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Wear toleranceWear toleranceWear toleranceWear tolerance

■■ Two components of wear toleranceTwo components of wear tolerance−− Resistance to wearResistance to wear−− Recovery from wearRecovery from wear

■■ Fortnightly wear (homeFortnightly wear (home--andand--away) less damaging than away) less damaging than weekly wear in 3weekly wear in 3--yr simulated wear trialyr simulated wear trial

−− e.g. apply 30 passes per weeke.g. apply 30 passes per weekor 60 passes per fortnightor 60 passes per fortnight

Traffic simulatorTraffic simulator–– based on a standard US designbased on a standard US design–– two rubbertwo rubber--covered rollers rotating at different speedscovered rollers rotating at different speeds–– causes scuffing of turf, minimal soil compactioncauses scuffing of turf, minimal soil compaction

Traffic simulatorTraffic simulator–– based on a standard US designbased on a standard US design–– two rubbertwo rubber--covered rollers rotating at different speedscovered rollers rotating at different speeds–– causes scuffing of turf, minimal soil compactioncauses scuffing of turf, minimal soil compaction

8 8 CynodonCynodon cultivars showing wear effectscultivars showing wear effects

Factors & attributes contributingFactors & attributes contributingto wear toleranceto wear toleranceFactors & attributes contributingFactors & attributes contributingto wear toleranceto wear tolerance

■■ Higher Higher TTotal otal CCell ell WWall constituentsall constituents–– TCW = lignin + TCW = lignin + AAcid cid DDetergent etergent FFibre (ADF)ibre (ADF)

■■ Higher turf densityHigher turf densityg e tu de s tyg e tu de s ty

■■ Tighter matting growth habitTighter matting growth habit

■■ Age of turfAge of turf−− 2nd year “decliners” need regular aggressive rejuvenation2nd year “decliners” need regular aggressive rejuvenation

(e.g. elite stadiums)(e.g. elite stadiums)−− 2nd year “improvers” should be left to mature2nd year “improvers” should be left to mature

(e.g. community sports fields)(e.g. community sports fields)

‘Grand Prix’‘Grand Prix’ ‘Princess’‘Princess’

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PrimoPrimo®® ((trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl)ethyl)PrimoPrimo®® ((trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl)ethyl)

■■ Used to condition turfUsed to condition turf–– Improve turf quality by tightening up swardImprove turf quality by tightening up sward–– Reduce mowing requirementsReduce mowing requirements

■■ Some varieties affected more than othersSome varieties affected more than others■■ Some varieties affected more than othersSome varieties affected more than others

LegendLegend®® –– no Primono PrimoLegendLegend®® –– no Primono Primo LegendLegend®® + Primo+ PrimoLegendLegend®® + Primo+ Primo

ConquestConquest®® –– no Primono PrimoConquestConquest®® –– no Primono Primo ConquestConquest®® + Primo+ PrimoConquestConquest®® + Primo+ Primo

Effects of Primo (Effects of Primo (trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl) on 4 ethyl) on 4 CynodonCynodon varieties varieties

Legend®Legend® Conquest®Conquest®

‘Wintergreen’‘Wintergreen’ TifSport®TifSport®

no Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo no Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo

WintergreenWintergreen TifSportTifSport

Effects of Primo (Effects of Primo (trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl) on 4 ethyl) on 4 CynodonCynodon varieties varieties

no Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo no Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo

PrimoPrimo®® ((trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl)ethyl)PrimoPrimo®® ((trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl)ethyl)

■■ Used to condition turfUsed to condition turf–– Improve turf quality by tightening up swardImprove turf quality by tightening up sward–– Reduce mowing requirementsReduce mowing requirements

■■ Some varieties affected more than othersSome varieties affected more than others■■ Some varieties affected more than othersSome varieties affected more than others

■■ TwoTwo--stage effect on growth stage effect on growth −− Initial reduction in growth rateInitial reduction in growth rate–– Followed by a surge of pentFollowed by a surge of pent--up growth unless reup growth unless re--appliedapplied

■■ Wear damage may increase during growth reduction stage Wear damage may increase during growth reduction stage –– Recovery from wear is restrictedRecovery from wear is restricted

LegendLegend®®LegendLegend®® ConquestConquest ®®ConquestConquest ®®

no Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo no Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo

‘Wintergreen’‘Wintergreen’‘Wintergreen’‘Wintergreen’ ‘Hatfield’‘Hatfield’‘Hatfield’‘Hatfield’

Fortnightly wearFortnightly wearno Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo no Primono Primo + Primo+ Primo

PrimoPrimo®® ((trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl)ethyl)PrimoPrimo®® ((trinexapactrinexapac--ethyl)ethyl)

■■ Used to condition turfUsed to condition turf–– Improve turf quality by tightening up swardImprove turf quality by tightening up sward–– Reduce mowing requirementsReduce mowing requirements

■■ Some varieties affected more than othersSome varieties affected more than others■■ Some varieties affected more than othersSome varieties affected more than others

■■ TwoTwo--stage effect on growth stage effect on growth −− Initial reduction in growth rateInitial reduction in growth rate–– Followed by a surge of pentFollowed by a surge of pent--up growth unless reup growth unless re--appliedapplied

■■ Wear damage may increase during growth reduction stage Wear damage may increase during growth reduction stage –– Recovery from wear is restrictedRecovery from wear is restricted

■■ Restrict prolonged or continuous Primo use to low wear situations Restrict prolonged or continuous Primo use to low wear situations

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Stenotaphrum secundatumStenotaphrum secundatum(St Augustinegrass)(St Augustinegrass)Stenotaphrum secundatumStenotaphrum secundatum(St Augustinegrass)(St Augustinegrass)

■■ CoarseCoarse--textured stoloniferous grass for shaded lawns & roughstextured stoloniferous grass for shaded lawns & roughs

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Good shade toleranceGood shade tolerance−− Fair to good wear tolerance in shadeFair to good wear tolerance in shade−− Moderate fertility requirement Moderate fertility requirement (N)(N)−− Competitive sward is relatively weed freeCompetitive sward is relatively weed free

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Moderate to poor drought toleranceModerate to poor drought tolerance−− High mowing requirement High mowing requirement (fast growing grass)(fast growing grass)−− Limited herbicide tolerance Limited herbicide tolerance (none for other grasses)(none for other grasses)−− Early loss of colour in autumn/fallEarly loss of colour in autumn/fall−− Disease susceptible under hot, humid conditionsDisease susceptible under hot, humid conditions

(grey leaf spot (grey leaf spot –– varietal susceptibility varies)varietal susceptibility varies)

Eremochloa ophiuroides Eremochloa ophiuroides (centipedegrass)(centipedegrass)Eremochloa ophiuroides Eremochloa ophiuroides (centipedegrass)(centipedegrass)

■■ CoarseCoarse--textured stoloniferous grass for lawns & roadsidestextured stoloniferous grass for lawns & roadsides−− Low input useLow input use

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Seed & vegetative sod availableSeed & vegetative sod available−− Low mowing requirement Low mowing requirement (slow growing grass)(slow growing grass)−− Low fertility requirement Low fertility requirement (N)(N)−− Useful herbicide tolerance Useful herbicide tolerance (clethodim for other grasses)(clethodim for other grasses)

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Poor drought, shade, wear and waterlogging tolerancePoor drought, shade, wear and waterlogging tolerance−− Loss of colour during autumnLoss of colour during autumn--winterwinter−− Growth ceases almost completely during winter Growth ceases almost completely during winter (including roots)(including roots)−− Very slow to establish from seedVery slow to establish from seed

(mix 1 in 20 with (mix 1 in 20 with Axonopus fissifoliusAxonopus fissifolius))

Axonopus fissifolius, Axonopus fissifolius, syn. syn. A. affinisA. affinis(narrowleaf carpetgrass)(narrowleaf carpetgrass)Axonopus fissifolius, Axonopus fissifolius, syn. syn. A. affinisA. affinis(narrowleaf carpetgrass)(narrowleaf carpetgrass)

■■ CoarseCoarse--textured stoloniferous grass for low quality fairways, textured stoloniferous grass for low quality fairways, sports fields, parks & lawnssports fields, parks & lawns

−− Best adapted to subtropical areas (cf. Best adapted to subtropical areas (cf. Axonopus compressusAxonopus compressus))

St thSt th■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Seed availableSeed available−− Relatively easy to establishRelatively easy to establish−− Tolerant of acid infertile soilsTolerant of acid infertile soils−− Mows Mows easilyeasily (low thatch, soft (low thatch, soft grass)grass)−− Not as coarseNot as coarse--textured as textured as Axonopus compressusAxonopus compressus

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Poor wear tolerancePoor wear tolerance−− Moderate to poor shade toleranceModerate to poor shade tolerance−− Less tolerant of waterlogging than Less tolerant of waterlogging than Axonopus compressusAxonopus compressus

Pennisetum clandestinum Pennisetum clandestinum ((kikuyugrasskikuyugrass))Pennisetum clandestinum Pennisetum clandestinum ((kikuyugrasskikuyugrass))

■■ CoarseCoarse--textured stoloniferous & rhizomatous grass for fairways, textured stoloniferous & rhizomatous grass for fairways, race tracks, sports fields, lawns in cool highland tropical areasrace tracks, sports fields, lawns in cool highland tropical areas

−− Also warm temperate & cool subtropical (Australia, South Africa, etc)Also warm temperate & cool subtropical (Australia, South Africa, etc)

St thSt th■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Seeded & maleSeeded & male--sterile (vegetative) genotypessterile (vegetative) genotypes−− Fair drought toleranceFair drought tolerance−− Recovers rapidly from wearRecovers rapidly from wear−− TrinexapacTrinexapac--ethyl improves turf ethyl improves turf qualityquality

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Poor Poor resistance to wearresistance to wear−− Poor shade tolerancePoor shade tolerance−− High fertility requirement High fertility requirement (N)(N)−− Disease susceptible under hot, humid conditionsDisease susceptible under hot, humid conditions

■■ Pennisetum clandestinumPennisetum clandestinum−− MaleMale--sterile kikuyu grass for lawns, sports fields, race tracks, etcsterile kikuyu grass for lawns, sports fields, race tracks, etc−− Vegetative Vegetative propagation only propagation only (produces no seed)(produces no seed)−− Denser, finerDenser, finer--textured, more uniform than seeded varietiestextured, more uniform than seeded varieties

■■ Pennisetum clandestinumPennisetum clandestinum−− MaleMale--sterile kikuyu grass for lawns, sports fields, race tracks, etcsterile kikuyu grass for lawns, sports fields, race tracks, etc−− Vegetative Vegetative propagation only propagation only (produces no seed)(produces no seed)−− Denser, finerDenser, finer--textured, more uniform than seeded varietiestextured, more uniform than seeded varieties

Paspalum notatum Paspalum notatum (bahiagrass)(bahiagrass)Paspalum notatum Paspalum notatum (bahiagrass)(bahiagrass)

■■ Tough coarseTough coarse--textured grass with shortly creeping shallow textured grass with shortly creeping shallow rhizomes for roadsides, sports fields, etc in subtropics & tropicsrhizomes for roadsides, sports fields, etc in subtropics & tropics

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− High wear tolerance High wear tolerance (except (except under horse under horse use)use)−− Good drought toleranceGood drought tolerance−− Sown by Sown by seedseed−− Established turf resists weed invasionEstablished turf resists weed invasion−− Low to moderate fertility requirement Low to moderate fertility requirement (N)(N)

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− Shallow surface rhizomes easily damaged by horsesShallow surface rhizomes easily damaged by horses−− Seedling Seedling development slowdevelopment slow−− Summer flowering longSummer flowering long--day day plantplant−− Profuse production Profuse production of 40of 40--60 cm tall seed 60 cm tall seed heads heads (requires frequent mowing)(requires frequent mowing)

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■■ Paspalum notatumPaspalum notatum LowGroLowGroTMTM

−− Short bahiagrass for roadside & sports field useShort bahiagrass for roadside & sports field use−− 2020--30 cm high seed heads (30 cm high seed heads (cf.cf. 4040--60 cm for ‘Pensacola’, etc)60 cm for ‘Pensacola’, etc)

■■ Paspalum notatumPaspalum notatum LowGroLowGroTMTM

−− Short bahiagrass for roadside & sports field useShort bahiagrass for roadside & sports field use−− 2020--30 cm high seed heads (30 cm high seed heads (cf.cf. 4040--60 cm for ‘Pensacola’, etc)60 cm for ‘Pensacola’, etc)

Paspalum nicorae Paspalum nicorae ((brunswickgrassbrunswickgrass))Paspalum nicorae Paspalum nicorae ((brunswickgrassbrunswickgrass))

■■ CoarseCoarse--textured bluetextured blue--green grass with deep shortly creeping green grass with deep shortly creeping rhizomes for roughs, roadsides, horse venues, etcrhizomes for roughs, roadsides, horse venues, etc

■■ StrengthsStrengths−− Deep rhizomes not damaged by horses Deep rhizomes not damaged by horses (recovers quickly after use)(recovers quickly after use)−− Good drought toleranceGood drought tolerance−− Sown by seedSown by seed−− Low Low to moderate fertility requirement to moderate fertility requirement (N)(N)

■■ WeaknessesWeaknesses−− BlueBlue--green leaf colour green leaf colour (if dark green is desired)(if dark green is desired)−− Seedling Seedling development slowdevelopment slow−− Summer flowering longSummer flowering long--day plantday plant−− Production of 40Production of 40--60 cm tall seed heads 60 cm tall seed heads (reduced (reduced under lower under lower fertility)fertility)

■■ Paspalum nicorae Paspalum nicorae ‘Blue Dawn’‘Blue Dawn’−− CoarseCoarse--textured bluetextured blue--green leavesgreen leaves−− Deep rhizomes protected from damage by horsesDeep rhizomes protected from damage by horses−− Adapted to subtropical & tropical areasAdapted to subtropical & tropical areas

■■ Paspalum nicorae Paspalum nicorae ‘Blue Dawn’‘Blue Dawn’−− CoarseCoarse--textured bluetextured blue--green leavesgreen leaves−− Deep rhizomes protected from damage by horsesDeep rhizomes protected from damage by horses−− Adapted to subtropical & tropical areasAdapted to subtropical & tropical areas

Turf quality Turf quality vs.vs. Sod priceSod priceTurf quality Turf quality vs.vs. Sod priceSod price

■■ Price depends onPrice depends on–– How fast production fields grow inHow fast production fields grow in

(how often the fields can be harvested) (how often the fields can be harvested) –– Ease of managementEase of management

(h bi id t )(h bi id t )(herbicides, etc)(herbicides, etc)

■■ Quality depends onQuality depends on−− Creating a tight mown surfaceCreating a tight mown surface

■■ Stolon internode lengthStolon internode length−− Long for rapid growLong for rapid grow--inin−− Short for quality turfShort for quality turf

Linear regression Linear regression –– Internode length Internode length vs.vs. Lateral spread Lateral spread ((Stenotaphrum secundatumStenotaphrum secundatum))

Linear regression Linear regression –– Internode length Internode length vs.vs. Lateral spread Lateral spread ((Stenotaphrum secundatumStenotaphrum secundatum))

Scatter diagram Scatter diagram –– Internode length Internode length vs.vs. BranchingBranching((Stenotaphrum secundatumStenotaphrum secundatum))

Scatter diagram Scatter diagram –– Internode length Internode length vs.vs. BranchingBranching((Stenotaphrum secundatumStenotaphrum secundatum))

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New cultivar ... like a 3New cultivar ... like a 3--legged barstool?legged barstool?New cultivar ... like a 3New cultivar ... like a 3--legged barstool?legged barstool?

■■ Leg 1: Breed the cultivarLeg 1: Breed the cultivar–– The easy bitThe easy bit

■■ Leg 2: Keep the integrity of the cultivar over the long termLeg 2: Keep the integrity of the cultivar over the long term−− Don’t lose the gains made through breedingDon’t lose the gains made through breeding−− Avoid contamination by other varietiesAvoid contamination by other varieties

■■ Leg 3: Promote the cultivar effectivelyLeg 3: Promote the cultivar effectively−− Hollow advertising alone won’t work in the long termHollow advertising alone won’t work in the long term−− Support with sound scienceSupport with sound science--based technical informationbased technical information

■■ Without all three “legs”?Without all three “legs”?–– Instability and failureInstability and failure

Maintaining varietal integrityMaintaining varietal integrityMaintaining varietal integrityMaintaining varietal integrity

■■ Care and vigilanceCare and vigilance

■■ Don’t multiply your mistakesDon’t multiply your mistakes–– Maintain a pure Foundation block as a source of planting material for larger Maintain a pure Foundation block as a source of planting material for larger

production fieldsproduction fieldsproduction fieldsproduction fields–– Don’t take planting material from larger production fields where the risk of Don’t take planting material from larger production fields where the risk of

contamination is greatercontamination is greater

■■ Mow off seed heads within a week or so of emergenceMow off seed heads within a week or so of emergence−− Even 1% selfEven 1% self--compatibility (e.g. compatibility (e.g. Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum vaginatumCynodon dactylon, Paspalum vaginatum) )

could lead to significant numbers of new genotypes establishingcould lead to significant numbers of new genotypes establishing

■■ SpotSpot--spray any contaminant plants foundspray any contaminant plants found−− Walk production fields regularlyWalk production fields regularly

Take home messagesTake home messagesTake home messagesTake home messages

■■ Consider the use required in relation to site characteristicsConsider the use required in relation to site characteristics–– Climate, soilsClimate, soils

■■ Choose the best adapted species and varietyChoose the best adapted species and varietyC iti ll ll i f ti i l di th f ti lC iti ll ll i f ti i l di th f ti l–– Critically assess all information, including the accuracy of promotional Critically assess all information, including the accuracy of promotional material as it relates to your conditionsmaterial as it relates to your conditions

–– Ask searching questionsAsk searching questions

■■ Buy from a reputable source of clean planting material, Buy from a reputable source of clean planting material, not just seek the cheapest suppliernot just seek the cheapest supplier

■■ Management of a well adapted grass will be easier & cheaper, Management of a well adapted grass will be easier & cheaper, and should result in better turf qualityand should result in better turf quality