Multiple Trinexapac-ethyl Applications Reduce Kentucky Bluegrass Sod Storage Temperatures

Abstract

<jats:p>Sod heating during storage can limit the distance sod may be shipped. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of multiple preharvest applications of trinexapac-ethyl [4-cyclopropyl-α-hydroxy-methylene)-3,5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid methyl ester] at 0.23 kg·ha<jats:sup>-1</jats:sup> (0.21 lb/acre) on kentucky bluegrass (<jats:italic>Poa pratensis</jats:italic>) sod temperatures during the first 24 h of storage. Experimental design was completely randomized with three replications and a 2 (trinexapac-ethyl verses control) × 3 (8-h storage intervals) factorial arrangement of treatments. Trinexapac-ethyl treatments were applied 6 and 2 weeks before harvest in the first experiment and 10, 6, and 2 weeks before harvest in the second experiment. Two and three applications of trinexapac-ethyl reduced sod storage temperatures. The reduction in rate of heating in treated sod became significantly different than untreated sod within 4 h after harvest. Mean sod temperatures in both experiments were 3 °C (6 °F) cooler in treated sod after 12 h of storage than untreated sod. These results suggest that trinexapac-ethyl could be used by sod growers to extend storage times and increase shipping and market areas. A multiple application program can enable sod growers to maximize the enhancement effects of trinexapacethyl on sod storage life.</jats:p>

Improvement of Salt Tolerance in Kentucky Bluegrass by Trinexapac-ethyl

“…efficiency (Ervin and Zhang, 2007;McCann and Huang, 2007), whereas maintenance respiration may be decreased (Heckman et al, 2001). Photosynthate not used for leaf elongation must be stored or transported to other organs such as crowns, stems, and roots and would explain increased tillering (Ervin et al, 2002) and rooting (McCullough et al, 2005) that has been reported in previous research.…”

Effects of Trinexapac‐Ethyl Foliar Application on Creeping Bentgrass Responses to Combined Drought and Heat Stress

“…The effects of TE on growth inhibition are well documented in various turfgrass species (Ervin et al, 2002; Ervin and Koski, 1998; McCarty et al, 2004; Pannacci et al, 2004), however, effects of TE on plant responses to environmental stresses are less understood. Heckman et al (2001a, 2001c) have shown that TE application significantly reduced sod heating and injury during storage of Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis L.). Jiang and Fry (1998) demonstrated that foliar TE treatments increased turf quality of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) during dry‐down, suggesting that TE may enhance drought tolerance.…”

“…The eff ects of TE on growth inhibition are well documented in various turfgrass species (Ervin et al, 2002;Ervin and Koski, 1998;McCarty et al, 2004;Pannacci et al, 2004), however, eff ects of TE on plant responses to environmental stresses are less understood. Heckman et al (2001aHeckman et al ( , 2001c have shown that TE application signifi cantly…”

Influence of Sequential Trinexapac‐Ethyl Applications on Cytokinin Content in Creeping Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Hybrid Bermudagrass

“…Inhibition of cell elongation has been shown to increase mesophyll cell density and chlorophyll concentration, resulting in dwarfed shoots that are darker green (Ervin and Koski, 2001; Heckman et al, 2005; McCullough et al, 2006). Net photosynthesis may be increased by TE as photosynthetic rates are reportedly unchanged due to TE on cool‐season (Stier et al, 1997; Beasley and Branham, 2007) and warm‐season (Qian et al, 1998) turfgrasses, while maintenance respiration may be decreased (Heckman et al, 2001). Photosynthate not used for leaf elongation must be stored or transported to other organs for growth and maintenance.…”