Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and Grooming Affect Bermudagrass Traffic Tolerance

Abstract

Data describing intraspecific differences in hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. X C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] traffic tolerance are linriited. Field research was conducted evaluating the effects of nnowing practices and perennial ryegrass {Lolium perenne L.) overseeding on the traffic tolerance of three hybrid and one improved common bermudagrass. Bermudagrass cultivars (Tifway', 'Patriot', 'Mississippi Choice', and 'Riviera') were subjected to mowing programs (reel mowing at 2.2 cm [RM] or RM plus grooming to a 1.9 cm depth [RMPG]) and perennial ryegrass overseeding (0 kg pure live seed [PLS] ha-1 or 593 kg PLS ha"^). Simulated traffic was applied twice weekly with a Cady traffic simulator. Percent green cover was measured after each simulated traffic event using digital image analysis. On >70% of evaluation dates, Tifway and Riviera yielded higher percent green cover compared to Patriot, while Mississippi Choice ranked intermediate. Reel mowing at 2.2 cm plus grooming to a 1.9 cm depth reduced percent green cover on the majority of rating dates in 2006; however, this response was not observed in 2007. Reel mowing at 2.2 cm plus grooming to a 1.9 cm depth did not reduce thatch accumulation either year. Reductions in bulk density and increases in green cover, thatch accumulation, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were associated with overseeding, suggesting that this practice may protect bermudagrass athletic fields from both components of traffic stress; wear and sou compaction.

Soil Type and Rooting Depth Affect Hybrid Bermudagrass Injury with Preemergence Herbicides

“…and African bermudagrass ( Cynodon transavaalensis Burtt‐Davy) that provide high turfgrass quality at mowing heights less than 2.5 cm (Li and Qu 2004; McCarty and Miller 2002). Additionally, hybrid bermudagrasses tolerate and quickly recover from foot traffic (Thoms et al, 2011).…”

Anatomical and morphological factors affecting wear tolerance of turfgrass

“…This analysis is recognized as being more reproducible and less laboursome and time-consuming than traditional techniques of quantitative or subjective analysis (Ghalia et al, 2012;Richardson et al, 2001). The turf cover in wear tolerance experiments is usually presented as the absolute value of the trafficked plot (Thoms et al, 2011) or as the difference between trafficked vs. non-trafficked plots (Park et al, 2010). The authors propose new parameters expressing turf cover and quality.…”

Large Crabgrass, White Clover, and Hybrid Bermudagrass Athletic Field Playing Quality in Response to Simulated Traffic

“…and are tolerant of foot traffic common on athletic fields (Haselbauer et al, 2012;Thoms et al, 2011). × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] are commonly used as athletic field playing surfaces throughout the transitional and warm climatic zones.…”

“…Green cover in each plot was quantified at the beginning of the study and after every simulated traffic event using digital images analysis (DIA) similar to Thoms et al (2011). A 0.28 m 2 light box equipped with four 40w Spring Lamps (TCP, Lighthouse Supply Co., Bristol, VA) and powered by a Xantrex Power Pack (600 HD, Xantrex Technology, Vancouver, British Columbia) was used to capture digital images of each plot.…”

“…Many hybrid bermudagrasses offer finer leaf texture and darker green color than common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and are tolerant of foot traffic common on athletic fields (Haselbauer et al, 2012;Thoms et al, 2011).…”