ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON POA ANNUA IN TURFGRASSES

Abstract

Ecological studies of Poa annua populations in turf using the core sampling method conducted over a period of several years showed that Poa annua was able to produce seed under frequent mowing at 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. The population the second winter after seeding into Bermuda Grass turf was as high as that of the first.High soil moisture maintained by frequent light irrigations favoured its persistence in Bermuda Grass turf during the summer months.Matted Bermuda Grass turf which was lightly renovated in November contained a higher winter population of Poa annua than the non‐renovated. Significantly denser populations were found in turf mowed at 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch than in turf mowed at 3 inches.Perennial prostrate growing strains were selected which could be readily propagated vegetatively and persisted in field plots for two to three years when clipped at 1/4 inch.