Influence of Late‐Season Iron, Nitrogen, and Seaweed Extract on Fall Color Retention and Cold Tolerance of Four Bermudagrass Cultivars

Abstract

Late-season fertilization of bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp. L.C. Rich.) in the transition zone of the United States has traditionally been not recommended. This study was conducted to determine whether late-season fertilization could extend the duration of turfgrass color retention and visual quality without negatively impacting cold tolerance. Field plots of 'Midiron' and 'Tifway' bermudagrasses (C. dactylon 3 C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy), as well as 'Princess-77' and 'Riviera' bermudagrasses [C. dactylon (L.) Pers. var. dactylon] received applications of seaweed extract (SWE) (0.54 kg ha 21 ), N (49 kg ha 21 ), and Fe (1 kg ha 21 ) every 3 wk during the fall of 2001 and 2002.Visual turfgrass assessment showed that cultivar color ratings decreased as the fall progressed, with Princess-77 having greatest color retention in November of both years. Nitrogen was the only treatment to increase turfgrass color ratings relative to the control at the end of each growing season. Stolon samples removed from acclimated plants were artificially frozen to determine freezing tolerance. Midiron displayed the best freezing tolerance followed by Riviera, Tifway, and Princess-77. Chemical treatments did not have a significant effect on shoot regrowth from stolon nodes after freezing. In both years Midiron and Riviera displayed the quickest and greatest amount of spring greenup followed by Tifway and then Princess-77. Cold tolerance indicators proline and linolenic acid were highest in Midiron, followed by Riviera, Tifway, and Princess-77. Nitrogen, SWE, and Fe did not generally have an effect on linolenic acid and no consistent effects of these chemical treatments were noted on proline concentration. The results of this study indicate that judicious N applications during the fall can promote color retention and do not have a negative effect on bermudagrass cold tolerance.

Chemical plant protectants and plant growth regulator effects on annual bluegrass survival of ice cover

“…Acclimation is induced by a reduction in photoperiod and reduced daytime/night‐time temperatures (Guy, ; Limin & Fowler, ). This change in environmental conditions can change physiological characteristics in a plant such as increasing antioxidant scavenging, accumulation of antifreeze proteins and alteration of cell membrane composition (Munshaw et al., ). During acclimation, cell membrane fatty acid (FA) profiles can be altered from a saturated FA profile to a more unsaturated FA profile (Baird et al., ; Shang, Zhang, Munshaw, & Ervin, ).…”

Agronomic behaviour of some Cynodon dactylon ecotypes for turfgrass use in the Mediterranean climate

“…is frequently used in the transition zone where it can provide an excellent surface for golf course fairways and athletic fields. However, these species have a tendency to be injured or killed by low temperatures in the transition zone (Munshaw et al, 2006;Anderson et al, 2007;Esmaili and Salehi, 2012).…”

Effect of Some Natural Activators on Growth and Quality of Seashore Paspalum Turf

“…Loretta and Munshaw et al (2006) who pointed out that application of seaweed extract at 0.54 kg/ha + N (49 kg/h) + Fe (1 kg/ha) improved colour, density and cold tolerance of Tifway, Midiron, Princess-77 and Riviera bermudagrasses.…”