Differential Sowing Time of Turfgrass Species Affects the Establishment of Mixtures

Abstract

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is often poorly established when sown in turfgrass seed mixtures with slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. litoralis Vasey) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), possibly because of its slow emergence and slow seedling growth. This study investigated the effect of sowing Kentucky bluegrass earlier than red fescue and perennial ryegrass on the botanical composition of the established turfgrass. In field experiments established during 2 yr, red fescue and perennial ryegrass were sown at weekly intervals from zero to 35 d [0–679 degree‐days (°days) with a base temperature of 0°C] after Kentucky bluegrass had been sown in the same plot. Nine or twelve months after establishment, the botanical composition was estimated. When the species were sown simultaneously, Kentucky bluegrass only constituted 3 to 30% of the tillers, although the species constituted 50 to 59% of the viable seeds of the seed mixture. Delayed sowing of red fescue and perennial ryegrass significantly improved the establishment of Kentucky bluegrass, i.e., the percentage of tillers could be increased by up to 0.08% for every °day Kentucky bluegrass was sown before red fescue and perennial ryegrass. There was a corresponding negative effect on the percentage tillers of red fescue and primarily perennial ryegrass. In certain cases, the relationship between percentage tillers and difference in sowing time was better described by a nonlinear function, indicating an increasing effect when difference in sowing time was large.

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass Mixtures for Establishing Midwest Lawns

“…Most KBG and PRG seed mixture ratios are recommended to achieve a 50:50 stand of KBG:PRG because this is simplistically proposed to be an ideal ratio for a mature turfgrass stand (Gibeault et al, 1980). Furthermore, the turf stand ratio of 50:50 KBG: PRG has been frequently targeted in research studies Duich, 1984a, 1984b;Larsen et al, 2004;Larsen and Bibby, 2005;Stier et al, 2005). Similar to our study, Brede (1982) reported a stand initially dominated by PRG eventually shifted to a predominantly KBG stand.…”

“…Brede (1982) also suggests the presence of PRG may further reduce KBG seedling survival as a result of allelopathic effects. To compensate for PRG's competitive advantage during germination, suggested seed mixtures comprise between 50% and 95% KBG by weight (Brede and Duich, 1984a;Gibeault et al, 1980;Larsen et al, 2004;Larsen and Bibby, 2005), which is between 80% and 98% KBG by seed number. In addition to the seeding ratio of PGR and KBG, several other factors may affect shortterm composition of the turf stand.…”

Timing the Establishment of Kentucky Bluegrass : Perennial Ryegrass Mixtures for Football Fields

“…An equivalent amount of KBG and PRG is often desired in a sward with the intent to prevent significant damage whenever one species is susceptible to a particular biotic or abiotic stress. Previous research has indicated that anywhere from 50% to 95% KBG seed by weight was needed to obtain a 50:50 sward mixture with PRG as a result of slow germination of KBG Duich, 1984a, 1984b;Larsen et al, 2004;Larsen and Bibby, 2005;Stier et al, 2005). In some cases, a 100% PRG seed mix may be necessary and practical depending on the time of year sown.…”

Evaluation of the Occurrence of Turfgrasses and Weeds after Repeated Overseeding on Fairways

“…Fairways in the Nordic countries are usually established using a seed mixture of Festuca rubra L., Lolium perenne L., and Poa pratensis L. Poa pratensis is wanted on fairways due to its high recuperative capacity, but overseeding is questionable because it germinates slowly and does not establish easily in competition with other grasses (Larsen et al, 2004; Larsen and Bibby, 2005; Aamlid et al, 2012). Lolium perenne germinates fast, and F. rubra is a reasonable choice for overseeding if a course wants to reduce the inputs of water and fertilizers (Kvalbein et al, 2016).…”

“…with other grasses (Larsen et al, 2004;Larsen and Bibby, 2005;Aamlid et al, 2012). Lolium perenne germinates fast, and F. rubra is a reasonable choice for overseeding if a course wants to reduce the inputs of water and fertilizers (Kvalbein et al, 2016).…”