Preemergence Herbicide and Seeding Method Effects on Seedling Growth of Kentucky Bluegrass1

Abstract

Turfgrass managers often desire to overseed thin areas during midsummer or late summer, but seeding desirable species too soon after a preemergence herbicide application can interfere with seedling growth. This study was conducted to compare the effects of three herbicides on Kentucky bluegrass seedling growth and to determine whether seeding method affects the interval before seeding can safely occur. Dithiopyr, prodiamine, and pendimethalin were applied to ‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue plots in late April at 0.56, 0.84, and 3.36 kg ai/ha, respectively. At 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk after treatment, soil cores were extracted from each plot, the existing turf was killed, and the cores were either broadcast seeded or slit seeded with Kentucky bluegrass. Slit seeding resulted in greater and more extended seedling growth suppression than broadcast seeding for all herbicides. Prodiamine suppressed Kentucky bluegrass seedling growth longer than dithiopyr and pendimethalin. Unacceptable seedling growth suppression occurred unless broadcast seeding was delayed for about 6, 8, and 14 wk after dithiopyr, pendimethalin, and prodiamine application, respectively. The required interval between herbicide application and slit seeding was approximately 11, 10, and 16 wk, respectively. Use of dithiopyr or pendimethalin rather than prodiamine and broadcast seeding instead of slit seeding allows earlier overseeding with Kentucky bluegrass.Nomenclature: Dithiopyr; pendimethalin; prodiamine; Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L. #3 POAPR ‘Unique’; tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb. # FESAR ‘Kentucky 31’.Additional index words: Broadcast seeding, overseeding, seeding interval, slit seeding, vertical mowing.Abbreviation: WAT, weeks after treatment.