Storage and Handling Characteristics of Trinexapac-ethyl Treated Kentucky Bluegrass Sod

Abstract

<jats:p>Internal heating during sod storage can lead to plant deterioration and is a limiting factor in sod transportation. Storage practices such as the use of refrigeration and vacuum packaging have increased storage time; however, these are usually not practical or economical. Experiments were conducted to develop a feasible growth regulator management technique, using trinexapac-ethyl, to increase the storage life of Kentucky bluegrass (<jats:italic>Poa pratensis</jats:italic> L.) sod. Experimental setup for all experiments was a completely randomized design with a 2 (trinexapac-ethyl vs. control) × 3 (storage times) factorial treatment arrangement with 3 replications. Trinexapac-ethyl was applied at 0.23 kg·ha<jats:sup>-1</jats:sup> to Kentucky bluegrass 2 weeks prior to harvesting. Results showed that sod treated with trinexapac-ethyl was as much as 10 °C cooler than the controls in the center of the sod stacks after 48 hours of storage. The reduced sod temperatures led to a 30% greater tensile strength and 17% better quality ratings in treated sod after 24 hours of storage. A preharvest application of trinexapac-ethyl appears to increase storage times of Kentucky bluegrass sod, which may improve sod market quality. Chemical name used: [4(cyclopropyl-α-hydroxy-methylene)-3,5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester] (trinexapac-ethyl).</jats:p>

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.…”

“…Furthermore, physiological factors involved in changes in turfgrass stress tolerance with TE application are not well understood. Most studies conducted under nonstressed conditions have found that TE application increased chlorophyll content, turf quality, and turf density and reduced shoot extension rate (Beasley et al, 2005; Bingaman et al, 2001; Ervin and Koski, 1998, 2001a; Heckman et al, 2001c; Pannacci et al, 2004). We hypothesized that TE may influence plant tolerance to combined drought and heat stress by regulating photosynthesis and water use.…”

“…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…”

Sod Production Utilizing an Improved Seeded Bermudagrass Cultivar

“…Trinexapac‐ethyl applied at 28 days after seeding increased Kentucky bluegrass turfgrass density and sod strength (9). In addition, Heckman and co‐workers (8) also observed increased sod strength from TE applications to mature (over 2 years old) Kentucky bluegrass sod. There have been no studies that have tested the effects of TE on warm‐season grass sod production.…”

“…Other studies have investigated the use of chemical treatments to enhance sod strength. Although results have been inconsistent, positive effects of plant growth regulators, such as trinexapac‐ethyl (TE), have been observed (7,8,9). Trinexapac‐ethyl applied at 28 days after seeding increased Kentucky bluegrass turfgrass density and sod strength (9).…”