Growth Of Creeping Bentgrass Research Articles

Short‐term soil carbon mineralization on golf course sand‐based putting green and its effect on creeping bentgrass nitrogen uptake

AbstractA rapid soil test for accurately estimating nitrogen (N) supply from soil organic matter would help turfgrass managers develop N fertilization programs. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using a quick test, mineralizable carbon (min‐C), to predict turfgrass growth and N uptake from sand‐based putting green soils. A 2‐year field experiment was conducted in Verona, WI, on four sand‐based research golf greens planted with creeping bentgrass. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 0, 10, and 20 kg ha−1 every 2 weeks as liquid urea during the growing seasons. Soil samples were collected at 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm and tested for min‐C by measuring the flush of CO2 following the rewetting dried soil, where the soil was rewetted at 50% water‐filled pore space and incubated at 25°C for 24 h. Min‐C was greater at the shallower soil depth, and unaffected by N rates that were applied. On‐site air temperature, soil moisture content, and estimated soil temperature were negatively related with min‐C, where r2 = 0.26–0.60 for air temperature, r2 = 0.32–0.71 for soil moisture content, and r2 = 0.16–0.53 for estimated soil temperature, indicating the test is quite sensitive to environmental conditions at the time of sampling. Furthermore, min‐C had weak positive to no relationship with creeping bentgrass growth rate (r2 = 0–0.17) and N uptake (r2 = 0–0.23) on sand‐based putting green, suggesting the test does not hold promise as a method for improving fertilizer decisions to these systems.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Creeping Bentgrass during Heat, Salt, and Combined Stress

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) is a turfgrass species that is widely used on golf courses throughout the United States. In field settings, plants are often subjected to more than one stress at a time, and studying stresses independently is likely insufficient. Stresses, such as heat stress and salt stress, can affect plant hormone levels and, in turn, plant hormone levels can affect how well the plant tolerates stress. The objectives of the experiments were to determine if the levels of heat stress and salt stress used would be detrimental to creeping bentgrass health, and if applying plant growth regulators could improve plant health during stress. During the first experiment, creeping bentgrass was transplanted to hydroponics systems in two different growth chambers. One chamber was set to have day and night temperatures of 35 °C and 30 °C (heat stress), respectively, and the other had day and night temperatures of 25 °C and 20 °C, respectively. Within each chamber, one block received a 50 mM NaCl treatment (salt stress) and the other did not (control). The stress treatments were applied for 14 days. Results of the first experiment indicated that the treatments were sufficient to negatively affect creeping bentgrass growth and health as indicated by fresh shoot and root weights, tillering, electrolyte leakage, and total chlorophyll content (TCC). There were significant interactions of temperature × salt level detected for shoot and root weights and electrolyte leakage. Plants that were exposed to both heat stress and salt stress were more negatively affected than plants exposed to either heat stress or salt stress alone for all metrics except for tillering. The presence of salt reduced tillering regardless of the temperature regimen. During the second experiment, plants were treated the same, but the plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments were also applied. The PGR treatments consisted of two different gibberellic acid (GA) synthesis inhibitor products, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, two different rates of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), an ethylene synthesis suppressor, and plants that were not treated with the PGR. In addition to the measurements of plant health and growth, dry shoot and root weights were measured. For the TCC, there was a two-way interaction between temperature × PGR treatment. For electrolyte leakage, there was a three-way interaction between temperature × salt level × PGR treatment. Combined heat stress and salt stress negatively affected all plants regardless of PGR treatment, but there were differences between PGR treatments. Plants treated with AVG exhibited improved health and growth compared with the other PGR treatments. These plants had the highest shoot and root masses. Plants treated with GA synthesis inhibitors had the lowest shoot and root masses as well as the lowest TCC when subjected to stress.

Growth and Nutrients Contents of Creeping Bentgrass in Golf Course Putting Greens during Summer

Growth and Nutrients Contents of Creeping Bentgrass in Golf Course Putting Greens during Summer

Effects of rice-husk biochar on sand-based rootzone amendment and creeping bentgrass growth

Turf provides an irreplaceable surface for recreational and sport activities in urban landscape. Sand-based rootzone is recommended for turf establishment because of its excellent compaction resistance. It is necessary to improve the water and nutrient retention of sand-based rootzone by soil amendments in maintaining healthy turf. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of rice-husk biochar on sand-based rootzone amendment and creeping bentgrass (Agrostsis stolonifera) establishment. The results showed that bulk density was linearly decreased in proportion to rice-husk biochar. Total porosity and capillary porosity, water retention, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were significantly increased in proportion to rice-husk biochar. Sand-based rootzone amended with 10% of rice-husk biochar promoted the seed germination and young seedling growth with the significantly higher growth rate, leaf emergence rate, shoot and root biomass, and turf coverage than the control. These results indicate that rice-husk biochar had superior characteristics to previous reported biochars in the sand-based rootzone amendment and could be used to improve soil physical properties and turf healthy in sports and recreation playgrounds.

Leaf morphology explains the disparity between annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass growth under foliar fertilization

ABSTRACTOn golf courses planted to creeping bentgrass, invasion of annual bluegrass is a constant concern. To analyze if nitrogen fertilization manipulation could bias growth to creeping bentgrass, both grasses were fertilized either through foliar or soil application with either urea or ammonium sulfate and the impact on shoot and root growth measured. Ammonium sulfate resulted in greater overall growth for both species. Foliar application resulted in greater shoot growth for annual bluegrass and soil application resulted in greater root growth for creeping bentgrass. Leaf samples, as well as multiple leaf samples collected from golf courses, were examined microscopically for potential routes for foliar nutrient uptake: stomata and aqueous pores. No statistical difference was observed in the stomatal number between the two species but annual bluegrass possessed more aqueous pores. The enhanced ability of annual bluegrass to benefit from foliar fertilization may aid in its encroachment on highly managed golf greens.

Biochar-organic amendment mixtures added to simulated golf greens under reduced chemical fertilization increase creeping bentgrass growth

Simulated golf greens were used to test the growth of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. ‘007′) receiving suboptimal chemical fertilization in sand based substrates amended with 15% peat (control), a commercial biochar, a commercial biochar-compost mixture (CarbonizPN-Soil), or seven formulated biochar-compost mixtures. Physical and chemical properties including pH, bulk density, pore space, compaction distance, nutrient content and water/nutrient retention capacity varied among the mixtures. The heights, root lengths, and fresh and dry weights of creeping bentgrass plants grown in polyvinyl chloride tubes containing the different substrate mixtures mimicking a United States Golf Association root zone were evaluated and compared. Forty days after seeding, plants grown in 5% biochar and 10% Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago biosolids had significantly greater fresh weights, dry weights, and shoot heights than the control. Dry weights and shoot heights were also higher than the control in bentgrass grown in the 15% CarbonizPN-Soil mixture. Based on these results the addition of these two biochar-organic amendment mixtures would improve overall plant growth in sand-based root zones under reduced chemical fertilization.

Plant Growth Regulator Effects on Bacterial Etiolation of Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green Turf Caused by Acidovorax avenae.

Bacterial etiolation, caused by Acidovorax avenae, is a widespread problem in creeping bentgrass putting green turf. The symptoms normally appear as abnormally elongated turfgrass stems and leaves. Observations at multiple field sites suggest the involvement of plant growth regulators (i.e., GA-biosynthesis inhibitors) commonly applied to turf, alluding to a phytohormone imbalance caused by the bacterium. A 2-year field study examined the effects of trinexapac-ethyl, flurprimidol, and paclobutrazol on bacterial etiolation severity caused by A. avenae. Trinexapac-ethyl applied at 0.05 kg a.i. ha-1 every 7 days and 0.10 kg ha-1 every 14 days increased etiolation compared with all other treatments in both years. Flurprimidol and paclobutrazol were not different from the control but high-rate applications caused phytotoxicity that lowered turf quality early in 2014. When the etiolated turfgrass was removed with mowing, turfgrass treated with trinexapac-ethyl exhibited the highest turfgrass quality on most rating dates. Results from this work illustrate that using plant growth regulator materials with different modes of action is a solution to managing creeping bentgrass growth while limiting the potential for bacterial etiolation outbreaks.

Creeping bentgrass growth in sand-based root zones with or without biochar

Organic amendments such as peat moss and various composts are typically added to sand-based root zones to increase water and nutrient retention. However, these attributes are typically lost within a few years as these amendments decompose. Biochar is a high carbon, porous coproduct produced from the pyrolysis of phytobiomass. Its unique porosity gives it excellent water and nutrient retention properties. Additionally, unlike other organic amendments, biochar is extremely resistant to microbial decomposition. Pure calcareous sand (control) or mixtures of three different biochars and sand at 1, 5 and 10% volume biochar/total volume were tested. Bulk densities decreased while percent pore space increased with the addition of all three biochars at all of the addition rates. Water retention was greater than the control in all but one of the biochar treatments, and several of the biochar mixtures had values for compaction resistance similar to pure sand. Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. ‘Pure Distinction’) plant heights, root lengths, and fresh and dry weights were evaluated in mixtures grown hydroponically in polyvinyl chloride tubes (112mm outside diameter×99mm inside diameter) filled 30cm deep with 1cm diameter pea gravel, over which 30cm of either pure sand or sand/biochar mixtures were added to mimic a United States Golf Association root zone. Five weeks after seeding, plants grown in several of the biochar mixtures had significantly greater fresh and dry weights, shoot heights and root lengths than the control. Based on these results it appears that the addition of certain biochars would improve water retention and increase overall plant growth in sand-based root zones.

Effect of Selective Amicarbazone Placement on Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) and Creeping Bentgrass Growth

Growth chamber experiments were conducted to assess the effects of foliage-only, soil-only, and foliage-plus-soil placements of amicarbazone on annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass growth. Evaluated herbicide treatments included amicarbazone at 49 or 147 g ai ha−1, as well as bispyribac-sodium at 74 g ai ha−1for comparative purposes. Data from this research agree with previous reports of amicarbazone plant uptake. Amicarbazone is absorbed via above- and belowground pathways; however, plant growth is inhibited more by root uptake. Compared to foliage-only amicarbazone placement, soil-only placement more than doubled reductions in aboveground biomass and root mass 56 d after treatment (DAT), whereas no differences were detected between placements including soil contact. Across all evaluated parameters in this research, amicarbazone (49 g ha−1) impacted creeping bentgrass growth similarly to bispyribac-sodium, whereas annual bluegrass growth was inhibited more by amicarbazone, suggesting it provides a more efficacious chemical option for end-user applications.

Velvet Bentgrass and Creeping Bentgrass Growth, Rooting, and Quality with Different Root Zone Media and Fertility Regimes

Two complementary greenhouse studies were conducted to examine the effects of different root zones and fertilization regimes on ‘SR7200' velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.) and L-93 creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). In the first study, in which only velvet bentgrass was studied, peat content in the root zone mixture contributed significantly to initial establishment of this species and high seeding rates increased cumulative shoot dry weight early in establishment but became less significant as the turfgrass matured. Higher phosphorus rates contributed to increased cumulative shoot dry weight over the first 4 weeks of the experiment. Nitrogen rate was the most significant factor positively affecting both cumulative shoot dry weight and turfgrass quality. In the second experiment with both velvet bentgrass and creeping bentgrass, nitrogen rate significantly increased turfgrass quality when measured at Week 5, halfway through the experiment. Over time, however, turf growth and quality were negatively impacted in both species with increasing nitrogen rates. Root zone composition had a significant effect on initial establishment of both bentgrasses with greater peat content leading to higher quality early on. Cumulative shoot dry weight increased with increasing nitrogen rate but at higher rates, there was a concomitant decrease in root production.

The Influence of Chlorophenoxy Herbicides MCPA on Creeping Bentgrass Physiological Index

In this article, we studied to different concentrations of MCPA to creeping bentgrass Growth. Through the creeping bentgrass in four different periods of chlorophyll content, MDA and soluble sugar content determination. This test result showed:With the MCPA concentration increases, creeping bentgrass decline of chlorophyll content in the same period of growth, MDA and soluble sugar content increased. MCPA used after the early pair of creeping bentgrass growth is large, to put off with MCPA handle time, to affect to creeping bentgrass growth is gradually decreased.

Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis Stolonifera) Tolerance to Sulfosulfuron

Sulfosulfuron was recently registered for grassy weed control in creeping bentgrass, but turf sensitivity is a concern for intensively managed golf courses. Field and growth chamber experiments in New Jersey investigated creeping bentgrass growth responses and tolerance to sulfosulfuron. Creeping bentgrass chlorosis increased with sulfosulfuron rate but turf had less chlorosis from sequential sulfosulfuron applications compared to bispyribac–sodium. Herbicide-treated turf had similar root weight compared to untreated turf on six sampling dates. In growth-chamber experiments, creeping bentgrass treated with sulfosulfuron had chlorosis and clipping weight reductions exacerbated by reductions in temperature from 25 to 15 C. Overall, creeping bentgrass appears to tolerate sequential sulfosulfuron applications better than or comparable to bispyribac-sodium in early summer, whereas creeping bentgrass sensitivity to sulfosulfuron increases at cooler temperatures.

Establishment and Lateral Growth of Glyphosate-resistant Creeping Bentgrass in Bare Soil

Plant establishment and lateral growth of glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera (synonym A. palustris)] were assessed to determine if the insertion of the construct conferring herbicide tolerance affected establishment rate or aggressiveness characteristics in unmowed situations. Field studies were carried out in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Oregon in 2000 and 2001 to examine the relative lateral growth of several transformed lines of creeping bentgrass, non-transformed controls, and cultivar standards. Vegetative plugs of creeping bentgrass were transplanted into replicated bare-soil plots and irrigated as needed to prevent moisture stress for an initial 6-week period. Measurements of maximum and minimum stolon spread, percent cover, and stand density for each entry were made in the field at all locations during 2000 and 2001. Few statistical differences (P = 0.05) in establishment and lateral growth were observed between individual lines of transgenic creeping bentgrass, non-transformed control lines, and standard cultivars and over a 15- to 18-month period. Overall, lateral growth and establishment rate of transgenic lines were similar to their non-transformed parent and the standard cultivars tested. Transgenic creeping bentgrass lines should have no greater potential for lateral growth than conventional creeping bentgrass cultivars currently in use.

Ethephon and Trinexapac-ethyl Influence Creeping Bentgrass Growth, Quality, and Putting Green Performance

Ethephon and Trinexapac-ethyl Influence Creeping Bentgrass Growth, Quality, and Putting Green Performance

Soil CO2 Concentration Effects on Creeping Bentgrass Grown under Various Soil Moisture and Temperature Conditions

Use of creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stoloniferous L. var. palustris (Huds.)] on golf greens has expanded into the hotter, more humid regions of the United States where its quality is often low during summer months. The summer decline in bentgrass quality may be partially attributed to respiration rates exceeding photosynthesis during periods of supraoptimal temperatures and adverse soil conditions, such as excessive CO2 and inadequate O2 levels. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of high temperature, high soil CO2, and irrigation scheduling on creeping bentgrass growth. A growth chamber study was conducted using `A-1' creeping bentgrass. Treatments included all combinations of three day/night temperature regimes (26.5/21 °C, 29.5/24 °C, and 32/26.5 °C), three irrigation schedules (field capacity daily, field capacity every two d, and half field capacity daily), and four soil CO2 injection levels (10%, 5%, 0.03%, and a noinjection control). Creeping bentgrass shoot and root dry weights and net photosynthetic rates were greater for day/night temperatures <32/26.5 °C. High temperatures (32/26.5 °C) and 10% CO2 reduced bentgrass net photosynthesis by 37.5 μmol CO2/m2/s. Shoot and root total nonstructural carbohydrates also were lowest for highest temperature regime. Respiration exceeded gross photosynthesis at 32/26.5 °C when 5% and 10% CO2 injection levels were used, indicating a carbon deficit occurred for these conditions. Irrigation volume and frequency did not affect bentgrass growth. High temperatures combined with high soil CO2 levels produced poorest turf quality.

Effect of Ozonated Water on Creeping Bentgrass Growth in a Sand Medium

Irrigation of sand-based golf greens with ozonated water may affect grass growth and chemical processes in the root zone. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ozonated and aerated water on bentgrass growth and root zone chemistry in sand-based greens over a 12-month period. Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) cores [10 cm diameter × 12 cm depth (3.9 × 4.7 inches)] were collected from a sand-based bentgrass nursery and placed in columns designed to collect leachate water. Cores were placed in a greenhouse and irrigated with 1) municipal tap water [6 to 8 mg·L-1 (ppm) dissolved oxygen (DO)], 2) aerated tap water (12 mg·L-1 DO), or 3) ozonated tap water (aerated plus 0.8 mg·L-1 ozone). Leachate was periodically collected and analyzed for pH, electrolytic conductivity (EC), and nutrients. Grass clippings were weighed and analyzed for total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Roots were periodically collected from selected cores to determine root distribution. At 40 and 90 days after initiating water treatments, bentgrass irrigated with ozonated water had a higher chlorophyll index than bentgrass irrigated with tap water. After 128 and 157 days, bentgrass clipping weights were significantly greater for the cores irrigated with ozonated water and, to a lesser extent, aerated water. At 61 and 149 days, nitrate (NO3-N) and EC levels were elevated in leachate from aerated and ozonated samples, suggesting increased mineralization of organic matter in those bentgrass cores. Ozonated water increased bentgrass crown weights, but had no effect on root mass. Ozonated water did not affect bentgrass tissue N and P concentrations. Statistically significant effects from ozonated water occurred within the first few months, but sustained benefits were negligible.

Soil Gas, Temperature, Matric Potential, and Creeping Bentgrass Growth Response to Subsurface Air Movement on a Sand-based Golf Green

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) is used on putting greens for its fine-leaf texture, consistent speed, smooth ball roll, and year-round color. In recent years bentgrass use has extended into the warmer climates of the southern United States. Being a C3 plant, bentgrass is not well adapted to extended hot and humid environmental conditions. Subsurface air movement systems are now commercially available that can transport air through the root zone to alter soil conditions and potentially improve bentgrass survival. This research investigated the effects of subsurface air movement on the composition of soil gases, matric potential, temperature, and growth response of a sand-based creeping bentgrass golf green. Treatments included: air movement direction (evacuate, inject, and no air) and duration of air movement (0400-0600 hr, 1000-1800 hr, and 24 hours). Treatment combinations were imposed for 13 days. Subsurface air movement reduced CO2 at the 9-cm depth to values <0.0033 mol·mol-1 when evacuating or injecting air, depending upon duration. Soil matric potentials at a 9-cm depth were decreased by a maximum of 96% when evacuating air for 24-hour duration compared to no-air plots. Soil temperatures at 9 cm were decreased ≈1 to 1.5 °C when injecting air from 1000 to 1800 hr and 24-hour treatments and increased ≈0.75 °C when evacuating air from 1000 to 1800 hr. Subsurface air movement did not improve creeping bentgrass turf quality or rooting. Although not effective in improving the growth response of creeping bentgrass, subsurface air movement may be a useful tool to improve soil gas composition, reduce excess soil moisture, and potentially reduce soil temperature(s) of heat-stressed creeping bentgrass golf greens.

Creeping Bentgrass Growth Response to Elevated Soil Carbon Dioxide

Increased soil moisture and temperature along with increased soil microbial and root activity during summer months elevate soil CO2 levels. Although previous research has demonstrated negative effects of high soil CO2 on growth of some plants, little is known concerning the impact high CO2 levels on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.). The objective of this study was to investigate effects of varying levels of CO2 on the growth of creeping bentgrass. Growth cells were constructed to U.S. Golf Association (USGA) greens specification and creeping bentgrass was grown in the greenhouse. Three different levels of CO2 (2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%) were injected (for 1 minute every 2 hours) into the growth cells at a rate of 550 cm3·min-1. An untreated check, which did not have a gas mixture injected, maintained a CO2 concentration <1%. Gas injection occurred for 20 days to represent a run. Two runs were performed during the summer of 1999 on different growth cells. Visual turf quality ratings, encompassing turf color, health, density, and uniformity, were evaluated every 4 days on a 1-9 scale, with 9 = best turf and <7 being unacceptable. Soil cores were taken at the end of each run. Roots were separated from soil to measure root depth and mass. Turf quality was reduced to unacceptable levels with 10% CO2, but was unaffected at lower levels over the 20-day treatment period. Soil CO2 ≥2.5% reduced root mass and depth by 40% and 10%, respectively.

Lowering Soil Temperatures Improves Creeping Bentgrass Growth under Heat Stress

High soil temperature is a major factor limiting growth of cool‐season grasses. The objectives of this study with creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) were to examine growth responses to lowering soil temperatures from the supraoptimal level under high air temperature conditions, and to determine the minimum reduction in soil temperature that could improve shoot and root growth. Two creeping bentgrass cultivars, L‐93 and Penncross, were exposed to the following air and soil temperature regimes in growth chambers and water baths: (i) optimal air and soil temperatures (20/20°C, control); (ii) lowering soil temperature by 3, 6, and 11°C from 35°C at high air temperatures (35/32, 35/29, 35/24°C); and (iii) high air and soil temperatures (35/35°C). Soil temperature was reduced from 35°C by circulating cool water (18°C) in water baths at variable rates. Turf quality, leaf chlorophyll content, shoot growth rate, and root/shoot ratio (R/S) ratio increased as soil temperature was reduced from 35 to 32°C to a greater extent for Penncross than for L‐93. Significant increases in tiller density, clipping yield, root number, and fresh weight were not observed until soil temperature was reduced to 29°C. When soil temperature was reduced to 24°C, turf quality, shoot growth rate, and R/S were maintained at the same levels as in the control regime. These results suggested that reducing soil temperature by 3°C or more is effective in improving turf quality and shoot and root growth of creeping bentgrass exposed to high air temperatures.

Tillering, Internode Development, and Dry Matter Partitioning in Creeping Bentgrass

High tiller density and stolon development are critical to wear tolerance and persistence of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. synonym A. stolonifera L.). A better understanding of creeping bentgrass growth and development would be helpful in screening germplasm for improved turf characteristics. The objectives of this study were to determine tiller appearance and main stem elongation and development, and to determine above ground dry matter partitioning, in high and low tillering populations of creeping bentgrass grown under low light (150 μmol m−2 s−1). Individual, pregerminated seeds of cv. Emerald and germplasm UM67‐10 were transplanted into 10‐cm pots containing an 80:20 (v/v) sand:peat media. Two growth cabinet experiments were conducted under 16‐ and 8‐h photoperiod and 20/15°C day/night temperatures. Phenological development was monitored through 35 d after transplanting (DAT). Dry weight per tiller was correlated to tiller age for main stem and primary tillers (r = 0.98 and r = 0.99) and secondary tillers (r = 0.93 and r = 0.99) for UM67‐10 and Emerald, respectively, at 35 DAT. Dry weight per tiller was related to tiller elongation. Population differences for dry weight accumulationper day were significant (P = 0.05) for lower order tillers. The germplasm UM67‐10 initiated tillering earlier and main stem elongation later than Emerald. Tillers per plant were correlated to tiller appearance date. Elongating tiller weight within populations was related to main stem elongation date and its final length. Late season planting, when daylight is decreasing, will result in a bentgrass stand with fewer tillers per plant and with little elongated stem growth. Screening germplasm for tiller production in a growth cabinet may facilitate identifying grasses with high tiller density and improved wear tolerance.