Superior Bluegrasses for Roadside Turf

Roadside Vegetation Establishment by Seeding of Herbaceous Species under Suboptimal Conditions : Interim Report

“…in many slope situations. Also, with a two or three cycle mowing regime, low growing grasses such as some varieties of Pqj pratensis are desirable (Morre, 1977;Daniel and Michael, 1977).…”

“…The seasonal growth pattern of a grass is related to its appearance, which according to Mayer (1972) and Vengris (1969) is an important consideration. Because of low maintenance programs now in use by the Indiana State Highway Department, a grass having a low compact uniform growth without unsightly seedhead formation is desirable (Daniel and Michael, 1977). Also the longevity of the species, its ability to withstand the specialized management practices employed, and its resistance to disease and pests affect appearance.…”

“…P. pratengjs, is the most popular turf grass species in use (Younger, and Nudge, 1976). The Indiana State Highway Department found that P. pratensis was the dominant grass on roadsides, and tried to select varieties that are easily maintained (Daniel and Michael, 1977). Two varieties are popular with the Indiana State Highway Department.…”

“…The first popular variety is "Bark', which was first selected by the Minnesota Agriculture Experiment Station because of its resistance to rust, its superior seedling growth and its vigor (Hanson, 1959). The second variety, just introduced, is N Wabash' , which was selected at Purdue University because of its rapid and agressive rhizome growth, its low growth habit and its plant disease resistance (Daniel and Michael, 1977).…”