Reducing ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green winter injury with covers and wetting agents
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2019
Abstract
As ultradwarf bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) is used on putting greens in more northern locations, there is increased risk of sustaining winter injury from desiccation and low-temperature exposure. During the winter, installation and removal of protective covers can be costly and labor intensive. This research aims to define a predicted low-temperature threshold when covering an ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green becomes necessary, and to quantify the effects of a late-fall wetting agent application on winter survival of ultradwarf bermudagrass. Research was conducted over three winters (2015- 2018) in Fayetteville, AR on a sand-based putting green established to 'Champion', 'MiniVerde', and 'TifEagle' bermudagrass cultivars. Covering treatments were placed on the green at forecasted lowtemperature thresholds of 15, 18, 22, and 25 °F and were compared with an uncovered control. A single late-fall wetting agent application was applied to each cultivar × cover treatment. The wetting agent occasionally enhanced spring green-up, but this effect was inconsistent across seasons. Winter injury to the cultivar 'Champion' was greater than 'TifEagle' and 'MiniVerde'. Plots receiving cover treatments, regardless of covering temperature, achieved faster spring green-up than the uncovered control. Differences in green turf coverage between cover treatments were detected; although, those differences were not considered to be of practical importance. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the predicted low-temperature threshold for covering greens without a significant increase in winter injury, resulting in reduced golf course labor costs and increased potential revenue with more days open for play.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Crop, Forage and Turfgrass Management
Recommended Citation
DeBoer, E., Richardson, M., McCalla, J., & Karcher, D. (2019). Reducing ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green winter injury with covers and wetting agents. Crop, Forage and Turfgrass Management, 5 (1) https://doi.org/10.2134/cftm2019.03.0019