Agrostis Capillaris Research Articles

Identification of sentinel plant species for evaluating phytotoxicity of veterinary antibiotics in Mediterranean Europe

BackgroundAntibiotics used to treat livestock species enter agricultural fields when they are excreted by grazing animals or are present in manure that is added to fields as fertiliser. In the European Union, the potential effects of such antibiotics on terrestrial plants must be evaluated following the standardised OECD 208 method, which specifies the crop and wild species that should serve as “sentinels” for assessing antibiotic exposure. The present study aimed to compare this approved list of sentinel species against crop and wild plant species actually present in agricultural and pasture lands in Mediterranean Europe in order to identify the most appropriate sentinel plants for the region. The study focused on Spain as a region representative of Mediterranean Europe. Georeferenced layers for wild plant species and cultivated areas (crops), livestock density and land cover were combined, and then selection criteria were applied, leading to the identification of sentinel crop and wild species for crop land and pasture scenarios.ResultsIn the crop land scenario, the sentinel crop species were barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), wheat (Triticum spp.), corn (Zea mays L), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), dried pea (Pisum sativum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), vetch (Vicia sativa L.), oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and sugar beet (Saccharum officinarum L.), all of them listed in the OECD 208 method with the exception of alfalfa; the sentinel wild species were Papaver rhoeas L., Galium aparine L. and Chenopodium album L. In the pasture scenario, sentinel wild species were Bromus tectorum L., Agrostis capillaris L., Trifolium pratense L., Lotus corniculatus L. and Galium aparine L. The following common weed species in field boundaries or in pasture lands also emerged as potential sentinel species for risk assessment, even though they are not listed in the OECD 208 method: Sonchus oleraceus L., Avena sterilis L., Dactylis glomerata L., Hordeum murinum L. and Lolium rigidum Gaudin.ConclusionsThe sentinel species identified in this study may be useful in risk assessment procedures covering the Mediterranean Europe. The method developed for this study could be applied to identify sentinel species for other representative agroclimatic regions in Europe (such as Atlantic and Continental).

Seed mixtures of red fescue and colonial, creeping, or velvet bentgrass for pesticide‐free management of Nordic golf greens

AbstractThis research aimed to determine if creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) can be used as an alternative to colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.) in a mixture with red fescue [equal rates of Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. commutata Gaud.) and slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. littoralis [G. Mey.] Auquier)] on Nordic golf greens managed without pesticides. The two mixtures were compared in two experiments: Experiment 1 under the creeping bentgrass management regime (mowing height, 3 mm; fertilization, 15 g N m−2 yr−1) and Experiment 2 under the red fescue management regime (5 mm and 10 g N m−2 yr−1) at three sites during 2015–2018. A seed mixture of red fescue and velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.) was included in Experiment 2 only. The results showed that red fescue plus creeping bentgrass produced greens of equal turfgrass quality and with less Microdochium patch than red fescue plus colonial bentgrass under both regimes. In Experiment 2, red fescue plus velvet bentgrass resulted in higher turfgrass quality than the other mixtures but was more susceptible to Microdochium patch than red fescue plus creeping bentgrass. Tiller counts in the mixed plots at Landvik showed that red fescue was not outcompeted by bentgrass in any of the mixtures and that it was easier to manipulate the balance between red fescue and bentgrass in the mixture with creeping bentgrass than that with colonial bentgrass. More research should be put into optimal management, especially irrigation and thatch control, of mixed red fescue–bentgrass greens.

Vegetation And Productive Potential of Dominant Grasslands by Festuca Valesiaca and Agrostis Capillaris in Northwestern Romania

The aim of our research is to develop a floristic, phytocenological, ecological, cytogenetic, economic, syndynamic and ecoprotective study of the vegetation of the dominant grasslands of Festuca valesiaca Scleicher ex Gaudin and Agrostis capillaris L. in the North-West region of Romania. A numer of 20 phytocenological surveys were carried out in the most representative sample areas in order to find answers to the five objectives pursued. The species from the floristic inventory of the grasslands are included in the Association table according to the cenotic affinity criteria as characteristic and differential entities for the cenotaxons of the alliance, order and class. The phytocoenoses of the grasslands gathered in the association Agrostio-Festucetum valesiacae are statistically analysedin the results based on tables, histograms, dendrograms, diagrams on the distribution of species in ecological bioforms categories, phytogeographic elements, cytogenetic elements, ecological indices or factors: soil moisture, air temperature, soil chemical reaction. The succession dynamics of phytocoeneoses, the economic value and the productive potential, the sustainable and eco-protective management of the grasslands were all studied. The results thus obtained were compared with two reference papers belonging to authors who conducted more recent studies in different geographical regions. Eight conclusions were drafted in which both the results of the research and the original contribution of the authors are summarized.

Находка Polygonum arenarium Waldst et Kit. в Западной Сибири

When studying flora and vegetation of the northern forest-steppe of Armizon District, Tyumen Region, in the field season of 2017, herbarium material was collected. Determination of its species affiliation made it possible to identify it as Polygonum arenarium Waldst et Kit. - sand knotweed - of the subsection Arenaria Tzvel. of the typical section of Polygonum L. genus that was found in the south of Tyumen Region after more than a century break in a new habitat. Previously, this species had been collected here by Slovtsov I.Y. "in the vicinity of Perevalova Village..." in 1891 and by Gordyagin A.Y. "... the southern part of the Tobolsk Governorate..." in 1901 (labels of Tomsk State University). However, there are no Siberian specimens of this species in the Herbaria of ALTB, NS, NSK, TK. The research shows a new location of this very rare species in Western Siberia -“Tyumen Region, Armizon District, vicinity of Prokhorova Village, near Solonets Cemetry, 7 July, 2017", as well as a description of the halophilic plant community in which the species was found: 100 m2; cut by tracks of vehicles, the soil is wet; grass cover is uneven, the projective cover ranges from 60% to 80%; the grass stand height is 40-55 cm, the richness in species is 21: Artemisia nitrosa Weber ex Stechm. and Puccinellia tenuissima Litv. ex V. I. Krecz. (cop1) are dominant, Artemisia laciniata Willd., Chenopodium glaucum L., Limonium gmelinii Kuntze, Juncus gerardii Loisel., J. compressus Kunth, Veronica spicata L., Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir., Elymrous mutabilis (Drob.) Tzvel., Rumex pseudonatronatus (Borbas) Murb. Myosurus minimus L., Polygonum neglectum Besser., Lepidium ruderale L., Psammophil-iella muralis (L.) Ikonn grow in lower abundance (sp); Inula britannica L., Allium an-gulosum All., Agrostis tenuis Bastard ex Roem et Schult., Potentilla argentea L., Tri-pleurospermum perforatum (Merat) M. Lainz are also present (sol). Individual P. are-nariums are crowded in this plant community, in the form of one spot in abundance sp, they are in a budding phase. The knotweed population can be classified as generative and full-bodied. The nomenclative and morphological characteristics of the species are given, the species is compared to a closely related species of the same subsection P. pseudoarenarium Klokov, and to species of the close subsection Patula Tzvel. In the Siberian enclave, the species dwells in its characteristic alkaline community which convinces of the aboriginal nature of the species, however given the place of growth (near the cemetery) and the anthropogenic disturbance of the community (vehicle tracks) it cannot be ruled out that it was introduced here. It is not possible to make a final conclusion due to insufficient study of the issue.

Effect of Sorbent Additives to Copper-Contaminated Soils on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Grass Seedlings.

Heavy metal and metalloid-contaminated soil is a serious barrier to colonization for many plant species. The problem of the elimination of toxic waste accumulated in technogenous soils in many highly transformed regions is extremely important. Hence, another attempt was made to analyze the effect of the addition of sorbents (BCH—biochar, B—bentonite, ChM—chicken manure, OS—organo-zeolitic substrate) to contaminated copper soil on the germination and early growth of Eurasian common grass species (Agrostis capillaris, A. stolonifera, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis), which could potentially be used in recultivation. This experiment was based on the laboratory sandwich method. Standard germination indexes, morphometry and biomass analysis were used. The percentage of germinating seeds was lower in each of the soil variants and sorbents used compared to the control. Dry mass was positively stimulated by all sorbents. The response to the addition of sorbents, expressed as the electrolyte leakage of seedlings, was different depending on the species and type of sorbent. Among all sorbents, the most positive effects on germination and growth were observed in the case of OS. Overall, the response to the addition of sorbents was different in the studied species, depending on their stage of development.

In vitro screening of turfgrass species and cultivars for resistance to dollar spot

AbstractDollar spot, caused by at least five Clarireedia species (formerly Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F. T. Benn.), is one of the economically most important turfgrass diseases worldwide. The disease was detected for the first time in Scandinavia in 2013. There is no available information from Scandinavian variety trials on resistance to dollar spot in turfgrass species and cultivars (http://www.scanturf.org/). Our in vitro screening (in glass vials) of nine turfgrass species comprising a total of 20 cultivars showed that on average for ten Clarireedia isolates of different origin, the ranking for dollar spot resistance in turfgrass species commonly found on Scandinavian golf courses was as follows: perennial ryegrass = slender creeping red fescue > strong creeping red fescue > Kentucky bluegrass = velvet bentgrass > colonial bentgrass = Chewings fescue ≥ creeping bentgrass = annual bluegrass. Significant differences in aggressiveness among Clarireedia isolates of different origin were found in all turfgrass species except annual bluegrass (cv. Two Putt). The U.S. C. jacksonii isolate MB‐01 and Canadian isolate SH44 were more aggressive than C. jacksonii isolates from Denmark and Sweden (14.10.DK, 14.15.SE, and 14.16.SE) in velvet bentgrass and creeping bentgrass. The Swedish isolate 14.112.SE was generally more aggressive than 14.12.NO despite the fact that they most likely belong to the same Clarireedia sp. The U.S. C. monteithiana isolate RB‐19 had similar aggressiveness as the Scandinavian C. jacksonii isolates, but was less aggressive than two U.S. C. jacksonii isolates MB‐01 and SH44. Thus, aggressiveness of Clarireedia isolates was more impacted by their geographic origin and less by species of the isolate and/or the host turfgrass species.

The complete chloroplast genome of Agrostis capillaris L

Agrostis capillaris is a cool-season turf grass species that is found worldwide in temperate countries, and a good Pb phytostabilizer. In this study, the entire chloroplast genome sequence of A. capillaris was determined by Illumina sequencing. The complete chloroplast genome was circular and composed of 136,396 bp nucleotides with a GC content of about 38.5%. There were a large single-copy region (LSC, 81,659bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 12,593bp), and a pair of reverse repeat regions (IRs, 42,144bp) in the chloroplast genome. In total, the A. capillaris chloroplast genome contained 144 genes, including 96 protein-coding genes, 40 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. capillaris was closely related to A. gigantean. The sequence data of A. capillaris chloroplast genome could provide useful genetic information for the studies on phylogenetic and evolutionary of Agrostidinae.

New records of alien and potentially invasive grass (Poaceae) species for southern Africa

Background: The grasses (Poaceae) of the Flora of Southern Africa (FSA) region (i.e. Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa) are relatively well documented, for both native and non-native species. Visiting taxonomic expertise nevertheless reveals new FSA and in-country records, particularly of non-native species. Such records provide an opportunity for improving biosecurity relating to potentially invasive but hitherto undetected non-native Poaceae in the FSA region.Objectives: To improve floristic data for non-native Poaceae occurring in theFSA region.Method: Field collections were made, herbarium collections, databases and relevant literature were studied.Results: New records are presented for non-native grasses that were encountered as locally common populations in the Drakensberg Mountain Centre of Floristic Endemism (DMC, Lesotho and South Africa). Festuca rubra and Agrostis capillaris are newly reported for sub-Saharan Africa and southern Africa and are also the first verified specimens reported for the African continent, with previous reports from northern-most Africa (Morocco, Algeria and/or Tunisia) uncertain. Jarava plumosa, introduced from South America and previously known for the whole of Africa from a single population in the Western Cape, South Africa, is newly reported from the border between the Eastern Cape, South Africa and Lesotho. The ecological implications, including the potential to become invasive, are discussed for each species, with taxonomic notes given to help differentiate them from closely resembling taxa.Conclusion: These new records of alien grass species raise concerns over their potential ecological impact, particularly as they are found in an area of conservation importance. Future efforts to monitor their distribution are of importance.

Screening of Pioneer Metallophyte Plant Species with Phytoremediation Potential at a Severely Contaminated Hg and As Mining Site

Phytoremediation of mine soils contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) requires the use of tolerant plants given the specific conditions of toxicity in the altered soil ecosystems. In this sense, a survey was conducted in an ancient Hg-mining area named “El Terronal” (Asturias, Spain) which is severely affected by PTE contamination (As, Hg, Pb) to obtain an inventory of the spontaneous natural vegetation. A detailed habitat classification was performed and a specific index of coverage was applied after a one-year quadrat study in various sampling stations; seven species were finally selected (Agrostis tenuis, Betula celtiberica, Calluna vulgaris, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Salix atrocinerea and Trifolium repens). A total of 21 samples (3 per plant) of the soil–plant system were collected and analyzed for the available and total concentrations of contaminants in soil and plants (roots and aerial parts). Most of the studied plant species were classified as non-accumulating plants, with particular exceptions as Calluna vulgaris for Pb and Dactylis glomerata for As. Overall, the results revealed interest for phytoremediation treatments, especially phytostabilization, as most of the plants studied were classified as excluder metallophytes.

Characterization of mutations conferring inherent resistance to acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase‐inhibiting herbicides in turfgrass and grassy weeds

AbstractAn herbicide‐resistant weed control system that utilizes naturally occurring mutations to acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides could provide herbicide selectivity and improve control of grassy weeds in turf. Knowledge regarding the presence of these mutations in grasses is needed to guide development of this type of system. This research subjected 24 species of warm‐season, cool‐season, and grassy weed species to rates of 0, 400, and 1200 g a.i. ha−1 of fenoxaprop herbicide and surveyed these species for the presence of site‐of‐action mutations in ACCase at amino acid (aa) positions 1781, 1999, 2027, 2041, 2076, 2088, and 2096. Nine species including Agrostis capillaris L., Festuca ovina L., Festuca rubra L., Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L., Paspalum dilatatum Poir., Poa annua L., Zoysia japonica Steud., and Z. matrella [L.] Merr. were tolerant to fenoxaprop. Site of action point mutations conferring resistance to ACCase herbicides were found at aa position 1781 in only three of 24 species surveyed (Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, and Poa annua). The information obtained from this study provide guidance for the development of ACCase resistant weed control systems for turfgrass.

Novel action thresholds of a logistic regression model to forecast dollar spot on bentgrasses

AbstractDollar spot (Clarireedia jacksonii) susceptibility varies among bentgrasses (Agrostis spp.). This trial assessed the ability of five action thresholds of the risk index (RI) of a logistic regression model to forecast dollar spot incidence on bentgrass fairway turf grown on a sandy loam in North Brunswick, NJ. Dollar spot incidence was assessed over 128 observation periods (May to Nov. annually) over 3 yr and related to five action thresholds for prediction accuracy. Action thresholds included a RI threshold of 20% (RI 20%), interpreting the change in the RI over time (RI slope), adjusting the RI upwards to maximize accuracy (RImax), combining RI 20% with RI slope, and combining RImax with RI slope. The RI 20% accurately predicted disease on 63 to 66% of observation periods for highly susceptible creeping bentgrass (A. stolonifera L.) cultivars Shark, Penncross, and Independence; other action thresholds improved accuracy by only 10% or less for these cultivars. Prediction accuracy on lower susceptibility cultivars (007, Declaration, and colonial bentgrass Capri; A. capillaris L.) was substantially improved with four novel action thresholds by reducing over‐predictions compared to RI 20%. Accuracy was improved by as much as 32% when the RImax and RI slope were combined for Declaration compared to RI 20%. On low susceptibility cultivars, turf managers may be able to use action thresholds that incorporate a RI greater than 20% and/or RI slope to reduce fungicide inputs and maintain acceptable dollar spot control compared to RI 20%.

Curvularia eragrostidis isolates (Dematiaceae) for biocontrol of crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) in Canada

ABSTRACT Large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.) and smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl.) arrived into North America from Eurasia with immigrants as promising grain and forage crops, but they have become troublesome invasive weeds in cropland and turfgrass. Twenty-three foliar pathogens were isolated from crabgrass near Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada and evaluated as potential microbial herbicides. Four Curvularia eragrostidis (Henn.) J. A. Mey., [Anamorph, (Meyer, 1959). Moisissures du sol et des litières de la région de yangambi (Congo belge). Publications de L'Institut Agronomique du Congo Belge, 75, 211 pp., Synonym of Cochliobolus eragrostidis (Tsuda & Ueyama) Sivan, Teleomorph, (Sivanesan, 1987). Graminicolous species of Bipolaris, Curvularia, Drechslera. Exserohilum and Their Teleomorphs. Mycological Papers, 158, 1–261] isolates were pathogenic on both large and smooth crabgrass. Two isolates with superior virulence proceeded to a host range assessment on 21 non-target grass species. Many plant species tested were not damaged, but timothy, creeping bentgrass, colonial bentgrass, and smooth bromegrass, were highly susceptible to these isolates. In addition, oats, millet, and sorghum were also susceptible. Susceptibility of these crops raises conflicts of interest and highlights the non-target risks of proceeding with the development of this microbial herbicide. Contra-wise these forage grass species are also recognised as undesirable invasive weeds in native North American grasslands. When the efficacy of Canadian isolate Dip0307 was compared to C. eragrostidis QZ-2000 bioherbicide from China, there was no difference in the control of large crabgrass. Further studies with the isolates are needed to verify their microbial herbicide potential for crabgrass suppression. Resolution of any conflict of interest will require consultation amongst various stakeholders, and if there is an apparent conflict, this needs to be resolved, if not beforehand then at least in parallel with any further studies.

Colonial bentgrass transcript‐expression differences compared with creeping bentgrass in response to water‐deficit stress

AbstractNatural stands of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) are often found in wetland areas and exhibit very poor tolerance to dry soils. Colonial bentgrass (A. capillaris) is frequently found in drier habitats and has the ability to go dormant and recover quickly under water‐deficit stress. Hybridization between creeping and colonial bentgrass is possible and a better understanding of gene regulation under water‐deficit conditions of the two species could improve breeding strategies for water deficit–tolerant bentgrasses. A greenhouse dry‐down study was conducted using two creeping bentgrass clones with differing water use profiles and one colonial bentgrass clone. The genotypes were exposed to water‐deficit stress and well‐watered control genotypes were included. Gravimetric evapotranspiration was determined, and control plants watered at 80% ET and deficit irrigation plants watered at 50% ET. Water use rates were similar among all plants with the creeping bentgrass genotypes exhibiting stress earlier and recovering more slowly than the colonial bentgrass. At the conclusion of the experiment, ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis was conducted and there were 975 differentially‐expressed colonial bentgrass transcripts in response to water‐deficit stress compared with an average 98 differentially‐expressed creeping bentgrass transcripts. Among the colonial bentgrass upregulated transcripts in response to water‐deficit stress were eight transcription factors previously shown to be involved in deficit water stress response and several transposon‐related transcripts. This study characterized several transcripts with unique expression changes in colonial bentgrass compared with creeping bentgrass, which may explain why colonial bentgrass is more drought tolerant than creeping bentgrass.

Divot recovery of cool‐season turfgrass species and mixtures in low maintenance fairways

AbstractThere is a need to identify turfgrass species and mixtures for golf course fairways that can be managed sustainably with reduced fertility, pesticides, and irrigation. The current study evaluated Agrostis stolonifera L. (creeping bentgrass [AST]), Agrostis capillaris L. (colonial bentgrass [ACP]), Agrostis canina L. (velvet bentgrass [ACN]), Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin (Chewings fescue [FRC]), Festuca brevipila Tracey (hard fescue [FBP]), and Festuca rubra L. ssp. littoralis (G. Mey) Auquier (slender creeping red fescue [FRL]) planted as monostands and in mixtures to determine the ideal choice for low maintenance fairway management. Plots were established in the fall of 2014 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Turf quality and disease resistance were evaluated visually from 2015–2018. Divots were mechanically created during the growing seasons of 2017 and 2018 and evaluated visually for initial divot injury and recovery every two weeks. Monostands and mixtures of ACN had the best turf quality and least brown patch (caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) but took longer to recover from divots. A. capillaris monostands and mixtures exhibited above average turf quality but were more susceptible to brown patch disease. Compared to all other entries, monostands and mixtures of AST had the lowest turf quality and most dollar spot (caused by Clarireedia jacksonii C. Salgado, L.A. Beirn, B.B. Clarke, & J.A. Crouch sp. nov.). Festuca L. spp. (fine fescue spp.), when mixed with improved ACP cultivars such as ‘Puritan’ and ‘Capri’, exhibited above average turf quality but had below average performance in monostands or when combined with older ACP cultivars such as SR 7100. Divot resistance and recovery were variable between years but the FRL cultivar Shoreline and most FRC cultivars recovered quickly in both years, while ACP cultivar Capri and FBP cultivar Beacon were slow to recover in both years. Most species and mixtures were comparable and, in some cases, better than AST for divot recovery indicating that the alternative species tested in this study could provide sustainable turfgrass management on golf course fairways.

The need for alternative plant species interaction models

Abstract Aims The limitations of classical Lotka–Volterra models for analyzing and interpreting competitive interactions among plant species have become increasingly clear in recent years. Three of the problems that have been identified are (i) the absence of frequency-dependence, which is important for long-term coexistence of species, (ii) the need to take unmeasured (often unmeasurable) variables influencing individual performance into account (e.g. spatial variation in soil nutrients or pathogens) and (iii) the need to separate measurement error from biological variation. Methods We modified the classical Lotka–Volterra competition models to address these limitations. We fitted eight alternative models to pin-point cover data on Festuca ovina and Agrostis capillaris over 3 years in an herbaceous plant community in Denmark. A Bayesian modeling framework was used to ascertain whether the model amendments improve the performance of the models and increase their ability to predict community dynamics and to test hypotheses. Important Findings Inclusion of frequency-dependence and measurement error, but not unmeasured variables, improved model performance greatly. Our results emphasize the importance of comparing alternative models in quantitative studies of plant community dynamics. Only by considering possible alternative models can we identify the forces driving community assembly and change, and improve our ability to predict the behavior of plant communities.

Identification, molecular and biological characterization of two novel secovirids in wild grass species in Belgium

High throughput sequencing was performed on virion-associated nucleic acids (VANA) from a pool of fifty asymptomatic rough bluegrasses (Poa trivialis L.) collected in a Belgian grazed pasture. Bioinformatics analyses produced some contigs presenting similarities with secovirid genomes, in particular nepoviruses and waikaviruses. Three distinct positive-sense single-stranded RNAs including 5’ and 3’ UTR were reconstructed and they represented two novel viruses infecting rough bluegrass, for which the provisional names poaceae Liege nepovirus A (PoLNVA, 7298 nt for RNA1 and 4263 nt for RNA2) and poaceae Liege virus 1 (PoLV1, 11,623 nt) were proposed. Compared to other Secoviridae members, the highest amino acid identity reached 90.7 % and 66.7 % between PoLNVA and nepoviruses for the Pro-Pol and CP regions respectively, while PoLV1 presented the highest amino acid identity with waikaviruses but with lower identities, i.e. 41.2 % for Pro-Pol and 25.8 % for CP regions, far below the ICTV demarcation criteria for novel secovirid. Based on sequence identity and phylogenetic analyses, PoLNVA was proposed to belong to the genus Nepovirus and PoLV1 as an unclassified secovirids. Detection of the two novel viruses was confirmed in high prevalence in rough bluegrass and ten other wild Poaceae species (Agropyron repens, Agrostis capillaris, Apera spica-venti, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosorus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phleum bertolini and Phleum pratense) by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing, revealing a diverse host range within Poaceae for these novel secovirids. Seed transmission was evaluated and confirmed for PoLNVA.

Coastal Observations: Rapid development and colonization of a UK sand dune system

Between the years 1200 and 1600, vast quantities of sand were brought inshore from offshore bars as a result of centuries of ferocious storms, to form a series of dune systems along the South Wales coastline. Today, as a result of many housing, leisure, and industrial developments only a few remnants exist. On one such remnant at Porthcawl, Wales, UK, became a caravan site in the 1930s, which was abandoned in 1993 for political reasons. Within 27 years a minimum of 120,000 m3 of sand was transported from the adjacent beach and formed dunes >4 m in height along a 400- m frontal edge that extended some 130 m inland, approximately a third of the site. Typical vegetation found along the frontal part of the system are Ammophila arenaria (marram), Agropyron junceiforme (sand couch grass) and Euphorbia maritimum (spurge). To the rear of the system, vegetation included Agrostis tenuis and stolonifera, (bent and creeping bent grass), Cirsium avense (creeping thistle), and Caluna vulgaris (heather). A 4-m-high and c. 3000m2 area of a vigorous stand of Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) has also formed. The rapidity of dune formation and vegetation colonization is staggering.

Exploring fine fescues as an option for low‐input golf greens in the north‐central USA

AbstractThere is a need to reduce inputs on golf course putting greens. In the north‐central United States, the use of alternative species, like fine fescues (Festuca spp.), could be part of a solution, but information is needed on management and cultivar choices. Our objectives were twofold: (a) to compare performance of fine fescues (strong creeping red [Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin, STF], slender creeping red [Festuca rubra L. ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier, SLF], Chewings [Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin, CHF], and hard fescue [Festuca brevipila Tracey, HDF]) to bentgrasses (creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L., CRB], and colonial bentgrass [Agrostis capillaris L., CLB]) managed as low‐input greens treated with 0, 48.9, 97.7, or 195.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1 during 2017–2018; and (b) to evaluate multiple fine fescue cultivars for multiyear performance when maintained as low‐input greens in St. Paul, MN. In 2017, CHF and SLF maintained the highest quality of the fine fescues and maintained higher quality at low N compared with both bentgrasses, primarily due to less dollar spot (Clarireedia spp.). During 2018, fine fescue responses to N were similar to those in 2017, but summer patch (Magnaporthe spp.) disease resulted in decline of some taxa. In the cultivar study, top‐performing cultivars were CHF, most of which performed similarly. However, SLF and STF cultivars performed more variably. Chewings fescue and SLF maintained with 48.9–97.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1 may be alternatives to CRB for low‐input greens in the north‐central United States, primarily due to reduced dollar spot.

Soil Temperature Mediated Seedling Emergence and Field Establishment in Bentgrass Species and Cultivars during Spring in the Northeastern United States

Reestablishment of damaged golf greens and fairways planted to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), colonial bentgrass (A. capillaris), and velvet bentgrass (A. canina) is a common practice following winter injuries. Identifying bentgrass species (Agrostis sp.) and cultivars with the potential to establish under low soil temperatures would be beneficial to achieving more mature stands earlier in the spring. Twelve bentgrass cultivars, including seven cultivars of creeping bentgrass (007, 13-M, Declaration, L-93, Memorial, Penncross, and T-1), two colonial bentgrass cultivars (Capri and Tiger II), and three velvet bentgrass cultivars (Greenwich, SR-7200, and Villa), along with ‘Barbeta’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were evaluated for grass cover in the field during early spring. Bentgrass species and cultivars were seeded in the field at the same seed count per unit area. Soil temperatures were monitored in unseeded check plots from initial planting date on 8 Apr. to termination on 29 May 2013. Soil temperatures increased linearly during the 52-day experimental period from 4.7 to 23.5 °C. All species and cultivars emerged at ≈10 °C soil temperature. Bentgrass species and cultivars varied only 2 to 3 days in their initial seedling emergence, while days varied among bentgrasses from 5.5 days (to 10% cover) to 8.6 days (to 90% cover). All velvet bentgrass cultivars required higher soil temperatures (13.6 °C) and more time (26 days) following initial seedling emergence to establish to 90% cover in the early spring. Creeping bentgrass cultivars 007, 13-M, and Memorial, along with colonial bentgrass cultivars Capri and Tiger II, were statistically equal to ‘Barbeta’ perennial ryegrass in their capacity after seedling emergence to achieve faster cover at lower soil temperatures. Heavier (larger) bentgrass seed was associated with faster cover during the early stages of establishment, but seed size was uncorrelated with establishment during later stages from 50% to 90% cover.

Effects of Natural Sorbents on the Germination and Early Growth of Grasses on Soils Contaminated by Potentially Toxic Elements.

The reclamation of abandoned mining heaps rich in potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is critical for the environment. We carried out a laboratory experiment studying the effects of the addition of four natural sorbents (biochar, bentonite, chicken manure and organo-zeolitic substrate) to soils contaminated with PTEs, predominantly Cu, As and Sb, on the germination and growth of the autochthonous grasses Agrostis capillaris, A. stolonifera, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis. The experiment used Petri dish tests with water extracts of contaminated soil and soil neutralised with the four sorbents. Standard indexes of the germination process were used (germination percentage, time required for 50% germination index, speed of emergence), and different values were found depending on the plant species and sorbent used. However, the percentage of seeds germinating was lower for each sorbent compared to the control (distilled water). The fresh mass values were positively stimulated by all sorbents. Electrolyte leakage was the highest in seedlings watered with an extract of untreated soil from the heap compared to extracts from treated soils and the control. This can be interpreted as eliminating the harmful effects of increased potentially toxic element (PTE) contents by sorbents, which can be useful in remediation processes.