Source: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS submitted to
EVALUATION OF TURFGRASSES FOR STRESS TOLERANCE IN A TRANSITION-ZONE ENVIRONMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0223645
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
ARK02295
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2010
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Karcher, DO.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
(N/A)
FAYETTEVILLE,AR 72703
Performing Department
Horticulture
Non Technical Summary
Turfgrasses remain one of the most desirable components of residential, commercial, and public landscape plantings, as turf provides both environmental benefits and benefits to the humans that occupy those environments. Numerous studies have associated turfgrass systems with improved human health (3). Research has shown that turfgrass environments can reduce blood pressure, improve mental health, and improve the overall improvement in the quality of life compared to other urban settings. Turfgrasses are also known to be very effective at reducing environmental problems associated with soil erosion and airborne pollutants, and improve water quality (4). The overall cooling provided by a functional turfgrass system can partially offset the heat island effect of many urban environments, subsequently reducing the energy demands on houses or other structures. A healthy turfgrass can be a significant deterrent to wild fires, as a green lawn is poor fuel for a fire and can protect property assets when fire danger is significant (3). Finally, recent evidence suggests that lawns and sport turfs can have a positive effect on the overall carbon footprint of a landscape (30, 29), as the ability of the dense canopy and fibrous root system to sequester carbon outweighs the carbon used for maintenance by as much as 7-fold. Collectively, these benefits dictate that future landscape plantings should continue to include areas of managed turfgrass.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20521301060100%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
2130 - Turf;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
1. Evaluate selected turfgrass species and cultivars for Arkansas environments, especially bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, fescue, ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, and bluegrass. 2. Evaluate selected turfgrass species and cultivars for drought tolerance, especially bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, fescue, ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, and bluegrass. 3. Evaluate physiological responses of adapted turfgrasses to environmental stress
Project Methods
Objective 1. Evaluate adaptation of selected turfgrass species and cultivars for Arkansas environments, especially bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, fescue, ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, and bluegrass. This objective will primarily be met through our continued participation in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) and the Cooperative Turfgrass Breeder's Test (CTBT), which supports long-term testing of various turfgrass species via multi-site, replicated trials. Currently, we are in the midst of trials comparing cultivars of tall fescue (est. 2006), bermudagrass (est. 2007), zoysiagrass (est. 2007), seashore paspalum (est. 2007) and creeping bentgrass (est. 2008). These trials will be ongoing for 4-5 years from the initiation date and will be repeated with new germplasm following the completion of the existing trial. In addition to the standard evaluations that we conduct with these trials, we will also continue to collect ancillary data on these trials for divot recovery (bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and bentgrass) and disease resistance (tall fescue and bentgrass). Objective 2. Evaluate selected turfgrass species and cultivars for drought tolerance and water use, especially bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, fescue, ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, and bluegrass. These studies will be conducted in rain-controlled facilities available at the University of Arkansas Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville AR. Experimental entries and cultivars will be propogated in replicated small plots (1.0 by 1.0 m) on a native silt-loam soil. This soil is generally classified as a deep topsoil with no zones in the upper 0.5 m that would restrict root development. Irrigation is provided as needed during establishment to promote germination and establishment to provide optimal growing conditions. Following establishment, the experimental areas will be mowed 2-3 times per week at an appropriate height for that species with clippings returned. Fertilization and pest management programs will be applied according to the need of each species. Objective 3. Evaluate physiological responses of adapted turfgrasses to environmental stress. Field studies will be conducted at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville, AR. Environmental data will be collected and logged on a weather station located in close proximity to the research plots to document the degrees of heat and drought stress in the plot area. Cultivars identified under objectives 1 and 1 will be planted in replicated field plots appropriate for individual species. Plots will be exposed to extreme cultural practices such as low mowing and simulated traffic to enhance overall stress on the grasses.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Golf course superintendents, landscape company orperators, sod growers, sports field managers, sod growers, extension specialists and agents, and home lawn care enthusiasts. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Nothing to report

Publications


    Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Golf course superintendents, landscape company orperators, sod growers, sports field managers, sod growers, extension specialists and agents, and home lawn care enthusiasts. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This is limited due to the lack of turfgrass extension support. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Turfgrass Cultivation. Arkansas/Oklahoma Turfgrass Short Course. Stillwater, OK. January 7, 2014. Wetting Agents and Soil Moisture Management. Troon Golf Conference. Scottsdale, AZ. January 14, 2014. Wetting Agents and their Impacts on the Putting Green Surface. Quebec Golf Superintendents Association Winter Seminar. Mount Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. January 21, 2014. Gadgets and Gizmos for the Golf Course Superintendent. Quebec Golf Superintendents Association Winter Seminar. Mount Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. January 21, 2014. University of Arkansas Research Update. 2014 Arkansas Turfgrass Association Annual Conference and Trade Show. Hot Springs, AR. Gadgets and Gizmos - Using Technology to Identify and Communicate Turf Management Problems (Half Day Seminar). 2014 Virginia Turfgrass Council Conference & Trade Show. Fredericksburg, VA. January 27, 2014. Gadgets and Gizmos - Using Technology to Identify and Communicate Turf Management Problems (Full Day Seminar co-instructed with Dr. Richardson). Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Education Conference. Orlando, FL. February 4, 2014. What About Wetting Agents Now? Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Valley Crest Webinar (Webcast). February 12, 2014. Lawn Care Tips, No Fooling! Benton County Master Gardeners. Bentonville, AR. April 1, 2014. Evaluating Putting Green Performance. Everglades Golf Course Superintendents Association Spring Symposium. Naples, FL. April 17, 2014. Winter Injury and Recover. SERA-IEG Annual Meeting. Greenville, SC. June 24, 2014. New NTEP zoysia and bermuda trials. University of Arkansas Turfgrass Field Day. Fayetteville, AR. August 6, 2014. Wetting Agent Trials Update. University of Arkansas Turfgrass Field Day. Fayetteville, AR. August 6, 2014. Wetting Agents and Putting Green Moisture Management. Winfield Academy. Denver, CO. September 23, 2014. Wetting Agents and Putting Green Moisture Management. Winfield Academy. Dallas, TX. October 2, 2014. Wetting Agents and Putting Green Moisture Management. Winfield Academy. Houston, TX. October 7, 2014. Today's Turf is Creeping Bentgrass. Golf Course Superintendents Association Webinar (Webcast). October 8, 2014. Wetting Agents and Putting Green Moisture Management. Winfield Academy. San Antonio, TX. October 9, 2014. Gadgets and Gizmos - Using Technology to Identify and Communicate Turf Management Problems (Half Day Seminar). 2014 Honours Golf Directors Meeting. November 12, 2014. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue with field trials and improve methodology with which turfgrass systems are evaluated.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Research is ongoing to understand optimum management practices and performance of existing and new warm-season and cool-season grasses. Research in the area of foliar nutrition of cool- and warm-season grasses has been completed and one publication was published from this work. An ongoing project in conjunction with several commercial turfgrass breeders has led to four refereed articles on screening turfgrasses for drought tolerance and resulted in the construction of a fourth drought simulation facility at the Fayetteville research location. This will be used as a screening site for future turfgrass germplasm. Work is continuing to screen warm-season grasses for cold tolerance and traffic tolerance, with focus on zoysiagrass and bermudagrass. Cultivar trials continue to be a significant component of our research program, as we are currently investigating bermudagrass, zoysigrass, tall fescue, bluegrass, and creeping bentgrass. A recent project is focused on intensive management practices and how they affect the physiological health and performance of creeping bentgrass putting greens. Several publications from this work are in preparation for submission

    Publications

    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Zhang, J., M. D. Richardson, D. E. Karcher, and J. McCalla. 2014. Dormant sprigging of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Agron. Abr. p. 88836.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Mattina, G., M. Sarno, M. D. Richardson, D. E. Karcher, A. Thoms, and J. C. Sorochan. 2014. Shade effects on athletic field playing characteristics of overseeded and non-overseeded bermudagrass. Agron. Abr. p. 88745.


    Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Research is ongoing to understand optimum management practices and performance of existing and new warm-season and cool-season grasses. Research in the area of foliar nutrition of cool- and warm-season grasses has been completed and one publication was published from this work. An ongoing project in conjunction with several commercial turfgrass breeders has led to four refereed articles on screening turfgrasses for drought tolerance and resulted in the construction of a fourth drought simulation facility at the Fayetteville research location. This will be used as a screening site for future turfgrass germplasm. Work is continuing to screen warm-season grasses for cold tolerance and traffic tolerance, with focus on zoysiagrass and bermudagrass. Cultivar trials continue to be a significant component of our research program, as we are currently investigating bermudagrass, zoysigrass, tall fescue, bluegrass, and creeping bentgrass. A recent project is focused on intensive management practices and how they affect the physiological health and performance of creeping bentgrass putting greens. Several publications from this work are in preparation for submission. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Part of my 2013 work year was spent on off-campus duty assignment, working in similar environments in Europe to understand how they were managing similar grasses. This opportunity also allowed me to give numerous seminars related to our work to interested groups in the European Union. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Richardson, M.D. 2013. Fertilization of high-maintenance turf sites. University of Brno, Department of Agronomy, Brno, Czech Republic (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Development of drought-tolerant grasses. University of Prague, Department of Agronomy, Prague, Czech Republic (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Turfgrass research and education at the University of Arkansas. University of Palermo, Department of Agronomy, Palermo, Sicily, Italy. (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Can turfgrasses exist in a world with less water? University of Viterbo, Department of Agronomy, Viterbo, Italy (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. The “culture” of turfgrass in Italy. University of Arkansas, Department of Horticulture, Fayetteville AR (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. New trends in cool-season grass development. Padana Sementi Field Day and Seminar, Legnaro, Italy (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Technology and golf course management. Zucchetti International Turf Meeting, Padova, Italy (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Gadgets and gizmos – using technology to manage your course, Swedish Golf Association Meeting, Stockhom, Sweden. (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. New trends for overseeding bermudagrass with cool-season turfgrass species. University of Viterbo, Green Initiative Field Day, Viterbo, Italy (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Foliar fertilization of high maintenance golf and sport surfaces. Slovenian Greenkeeper’s Association, Ljubljana, Slovenia (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Intensive mowing and rolling of putting greens. Slovenian Greenkeeper’s Association, Ljubljana, Slovenia (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Soil surfactants and water management. Slovenian Greenkeeper’s Association, Ljubljana, Slovenia (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Soil surfactants and managing hydrophobic soils. Italian Greenkeepers Association Annual Meeting, Brescia Italy (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Getting the most out of your foliar fertilization program. Italian Greenkeepers Association Annual Meeting, Brescia Italy (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Foliar fertilization of putting greens. Eastern Pennsylvania Turf Conference, Valley Forge, PA (invited). Richardson, M.D. 2013. Selecting and branding drought-tolerant turfgrasses. Eastern Pennsylvania Turf Conference, Valley Forge, PA (invited). Richardson, M.D. 2013. Foliar fertilization – the science behind the practice. Midwest Green Industry Show, Indianapolis, IN (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Using seeded bermudagrasses on transition-zone athletic fields. Midwest Green Industry Show, Indianapolis, IN (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Foliar fertilization – the science behind the practice. Ottawa Valley Turf Conference, Ottawa Ontario, Canada (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Can soil surfactants save water on putting greens? Ottawa Valley Turf Conference, Ottawa Ontario, Canada (invited) Richardson, M.D. 2013. Using your phone to manage your facility. Ottawa Valley Turf Conference, Ottawa Ontario, Canada (invited) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue studies on drought tolerance screening of turfgrasses Continue working with the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials at Fayetteville, including tall fescue (planted fall 2012), bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and warm-season putting green trials Collaborative efforts with Dr. Karcher looking at various construction, establishment, and cultural practices on the performance and disease resistance of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass athletic surfaces. Continued efforts to study the efficacy of various fungicide programs for large patch control in zoysiagrass. New studies looking at organic amendment effects on Rhizoctonia large patch in zoysiagrass. New studies looking at the effects of shade on playing characteristics of warm- and cool-season athletic fields. New studies looking at alternative planting methods to establish warm-season grasses on athletic fields.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Research is ongoing to understand optimum management practices and performance of existing and new warm-season and cool-season grasses. Research in the area of foliar nutrition of cool- and warm-season grasses has been completed and one publication was published from this work. An ongoing project in conjunction with several commercial turfgrass breeders has led to four refereed articles on screening turfgrasses for drought tolerance and resulted in the construction of a fourth drought simulation facility at the Fayetteville research location. This will be used as a screening site for future turfgrass germplasm. Work is continuing to screen warm-season grasses for cold tolerance and traffic tolerance, with focus on zoysiagrass and bermudagrass. Cultivar trials continue to be a significant component of our research program, as we are currently investigating bermudagrass, zoysigrass, tall fescue, bluegrass, and creeping bentgrass. A recent project is focused on intensive management practices and how they affect the physiological health and performance of creeping bentgrass putting greens. Several publications from this work are in preparation for submission.

    Publications

    • Type: Book Chapters Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Karcher, D.E. and M.D. Richardson. 2013. p. 1133-1150. In: Stier, John C.; Horgan, Brian P.; Bonos, Stacy A., eds. Turfgrass: Biology, Use, and Management. Madison, Wisconsin: American Society of Agronomy.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Giordano, P. R., C. Johnson, J. S. Richards, M. D. Richardson, D. E. Karcher, J. M. Jr. Vargas, et al. 2013. Investigating lightweight rolling thresholds for putting green quality and performance. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 12:157-162. Stiegler, J. C., M. D. Richardson, D. E. Karcher, T. L. Roberts, and R. J. Norman. 2013. Foliar absorption of various inorganic and organic nitrogen sources by creeping bentgrass. Crop Science 53:1148-1152. Rimi, F., S. Macolino, M.D. Richardson, D.E. Karcher, and B. Leinauer. 2013. Influence of three nitrogen fertilization schedules on bermudagrass and seashore paspalum I. Spring green-up and fall color retention. Crop Science 53:1161-1167. Rimi, F., S. Macolino, M.D. Richardson, D.E. Karcher, and B. Leinauer. 2013. Influence of three nitrogen fertilization schedules on bermudagrass and seashore paspalum II. Stolon carbohydrates and nitrogen reserves. Crop Science 53:1168-1178. Pa?ka, D., C.P. West., C. Guerber, and M.D. Richardson. 2013. Susceptibility of tall fescue to Rhizoctonia zeae infection as affected by endophyte symbiosis. Annals of Applied Biology 163:257-268.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Anderson, J.D., F. Rimi, M.D. Richardson, S. Macolino, and D.E. Karcher. 2013. Kentucky bluegrass response to establishment methods and cultural practices in a sand-capped system. Agronomy Journal (accepted) Johnson, D.M., D.W. Edgar, D.E. Karcher, M.D. Richardson, and J.H. McCalla. 2013. Effect of petroleum diesel and biodiesel spills on turfgrass. Applied Turfgrass Science (accepted) Macolino, S., G. Pignata, M. Giolo and M.D. Richardson. 2013. Species succession and turf quality of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass mixtures as affected by mowing height. Crop Science (accepted)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rimi, F., S. Macolino, and M.D. Richardson. 2013. Performance of Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass mixtures in a transition zone environment. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meetings, Tampa FL. O'Brien, D.P., D.E. Karcher, and M.D. Richardson. 2013. Evaluating putting green moisture near the surface. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meetings, Tampa FL. E.D. Charles, D.E. Karcher, and M.D. Richardson. 2013. Wetting agent program and irrigation effects on putting green performance. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meetings, Tampa FL.


    Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Research is ongoing to understand optimum management practices and performance of existing and new warm-season and cool-season grasses. Research in the area of foliar nutrition of cool- and warm-season grasses has been completed and the final publication has been completed from this work. An ongoing project in conjunction with several commercial turfgrass breeders has led to five refereed articles on screening turfgrasses for drought tolerance and resulted in the construction of a third drought simulation facility at the Fayetteville research location. This will be used as a screening site for future turfgrass germplasm. Work is continuing to screen warm-season grasses for cold tolerance and traffic tolerance, with focus on zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and seashore paspalum. Cultivar trials continue to be a significant component of our research program, as we are currently investigating bermudagrass, zoysigrass, tall fescue, bluegrass, and creeping bentgrass. A recent project is focused on intensive management practices and how they affect the physiological health and performance of creeping bentgrass putting greens. Several papers are in process from this work. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    The major impact of our research is the continued refinement of management plans for utilizing specific cool- and warm-season grasses in the transition zone and beyond. The results from these studies have led to numerous invited presentations around the nation and world to present our findings, as these grasses are gaining quick acceptance throughout the turfgrass industry.

    Publications

    • Trappe, J.M., M.D. Richardson, and A.J. Patton. 2012. Species selection, pre-plant cultivation and traffic affect overseeding establishment in bermudagrass turf. Agronomy Journal 104:1130-1135.
    • Richardson, M. D., Karcher, D. E., Hignight, K., and Hignight, D. 2012. Irrigation requirements of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass cultivars selected under acute drought stress. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2012-0514-01-RS.
    • Richardson, M.D., J.H. McCalla, D.E. Karcher, and T.N. Spurlock. 2012. Fungicidal control of large patch on 'Cavalier' zoysiagrass in Arkansas, 2010 to 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports 6:T040.
    • Richardson, M.D., J.H. McCalla, D.E. Karcher, and T.N. Spurlock. 2012. Fungicidal control of large patch on 'El Toro' zoysiagrass in Arkansas, 2010 to 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports 6:T041.
    • Kowalewski, A. R., Schwartz, B. M., Richardson, M. D., Karcher, D. E., McCalla, J. H., Patton, A. J., and Hanna, W. W. 2012. Effects of nitrogen, growth regulators, and mowing height on ball lie in TifSport bermudagrass. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2012-0625-01-RS.
    • Jellicorse, W.R., M.D. Richardson, J.H. McCalla, D.E. Karcher, A.J. Patton, and J.W. Boyd. 2012. Seeded bermudagrass establishment in an overseeded perennial ryegrass stand as affected by transition herbicide and seeding date. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2012-0721-01-RS.
    • Young, J.M., M. Richardson and D. Karcher. 2012. Physiological effects of intensive management practices on creeping bentgrass putting greens. Abstracts: 2012 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].
    • Rimi, F., S. Macolino, M. Richardson and U. Ziliotto. 2012. Seasonal changes in stolon reserves of bermudagrass cultivars as affected by various nitrogen fertilization schedules. Abstracts: 2012 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].


    Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Research is ongoing to understand optimum management practices and performance of existing and new warm-season and cool-season grasses. Research in the area of foliar nutrition of cool- and warm-season grasses has been completed and two publications have been completed from this work. An ongoing project in conjunction with several commercial turfgrass breeders has led to four refereed articles on screening turfgrasses for drought tolerance and resulted in the construction of a third drought simulation facility at the Fayetteville research location. This will be used as a screening site for future turfgrass germplasm. Work is continuing to screen warm-season grasses for cold tolerance and traffic tolerance, with focus on zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and seashore paspalum. Cultivar trials continue to be a significant component of our research program, as we are currently investigating bermudagrass, zoysigrass, tall fescue, bluegrass, and creeping bentgrass. A recent project is focused on intensive management practices and how they affect the physiological health and performance of creeping bentgrass putting greens. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    The major impact of our research is the continued refinement of management plans for utilizing specific cool- and warm-season grasses. The results from these studies have led to numerous invited presentations around the southern and transition zone states to present our findings, as these grasses are gaining quick acceptance throughout the turfgrass industry.

    Publications

    • Trappe, J.M., M.D. Richardson, and A.J. Patton. 2012. Species selection, pre-plant cultivation and traffic affect overseeding establishment in bermudagrass turf. Agronomy Journal (accepted).
    • Young, J., M. Richardson, and D. Karcher. 2011. Effects of mowing, rolling, and foot traffic on root morphology of creeping bentgrass putting greens. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Int. Ann. Meet. p. 68234.
    • Strunk, W., D. Karcher, and M. Richardson. 2011. Exogenous ethylene applied to creeping bentgrass. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Int. Ann. Meet. p. 66373.
    • Anderson, J., D. Karcher, and M. Richardson. 2011. The effects of sod planting method and cultural practices for sports turf. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Int. Ann. Meet. p. 65131.
    • Karcher, D.E. and M.D. Richardson. 2012. Applications of digital image analysis in turfgrass science. In J. Steir, B. Horgan, and S. Bonos (eds.). Turfgrass Science, CSSA Publications, Madison, WI (in press).
    • Trappe, J.M., D.E. Karcher, M.D. Richardson, and A.J. Patton. 2011. Shade and traffic tolerance varies for bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivars. Crop Science 51:870-877.
    • Trappe, J. M., Patton, A. J., and Richardson, M. D. 2011. Bermudagrass cultivars differ in their summer traffic tolerance and ability to maintain green turf coverage under fall traffic. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2011-0926-01-RS.
    • Trappe, J.M., D.E. Karcher, M.D. Richardson, and A.J. Patton. 2011. Divot resistance varies among bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivars. Crop Science 51:1793-1799.
    • Trappe, J. M., Karcher, D. E., Richardson, M. D., and Patton, A. J. 2011. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivar selection: Part 1, clipping yield, scalping tendency, and golf ball lie. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2011-0630-01-RS.
    • Stiegler, J.C., M.D. Richardson, and D.E. Karcher. 2011. Foliar nitrogen uptake following urea application to putting green turfgrass species. Crop Science 51:1253-1260.
    • Stiegler, J.C., M.D. Richardson, D.E. Karcher, T.L. Roberts, and R.J. Norman. 2011. Field-based measurement of ammonia volatilization following foliar applications of urea to putting green turf. Crop Science 51:1767-1773.
    • Trappe, J. M., Karcher, D. E., Richardson, M. D., and Patton, A. J. 2011. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivar selection: Part 2, divot recovery. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2011-0630-02-RS.
    • Richardson, M.D., D.E. Karcher, K.W. Hignight and D.R. Hignight. 2012. Water use of turfgrass cultivars selected under acute drought stress Online. Applied Turfgrass Science (accepted).
    • Richardson, M.D., J.H. McCalla, D.E. Karcher, and T.N. Spurlock. 2012. Fungicidal control of large patch on 'Cavalier' zoysiagrass in Arkansas, 2010 to 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports (accepted).
    • Richardson, M.D., J.H. McCalla, D.E. Karcher, and T.N. Spurlock. 2012. Fungicidal control of large patch on 'El Toro' zoysiagrass in Arkansas, 2010 to 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports (accepted).


    Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Research is ongoing to understand cultural management practices of seeded warm-season and cool-season grasses. The majority of this effort has focused on alternative seeding techniques. A recent graduate student completed a project investigating the effects of dormant seeding into an overseeded stand of perennial ryegrasss. A major effort completed in 2010 involved a new initiative using digital image analysis to investigate golf ball lie in turfgrasses. Research in the area of foliar nutrition of cool- and warm-season grasses has been completed and two publications are in press from this work. An ongoing project in conjunction with several commercial turfgrass breeders has led to three refereed articles on screening turfgrasses for drought tolerance and resulted in the construction of a third drought simulation facility at the Fayetteville research location. This will be used as a screening site for future turfgrass germplasm. Work is continuing to screen warm-season grasses for cold tolerance and traffic tolerance, with focus on zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and seashore paspalum. Nationally-sponsored cultivar trials continue to be a significant component of our research program, as we are currently investigating bermudagrass, zoysigrass, tall fescue, bluegrass, and creeping bentgrass. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    The major impact of our research is the continued refinement of management plans for utilizing specific cool- and warm-season grasses. The results from these studies have led to numerous invited presentations around the southern and transition zone states to present our findings, as these grasses are gaining quick acceptance throughout the turfgrass industry.

    Publications

    • Stiegler, J., M. Richardson, J. B. Murphy, D. Oosterhuis, D. Karcher, and R. Norman. 2010. Influence of leaf cuticular wax amount and composition on foliar-applied nitrogen absorption by creeping bentgrass. Int. Ann. Meet. p. 61729. Abstracts: 2010 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].
    • Strunk, W., D. Karcher, A. Patton, and M. Richardson. 2010. Golf shot quality is affected by ball lie. Int. Ann. Meet. p. 60812. Abstracts: 2010 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].
    • Young, J.R., D.E. Karcher and M.D. Richardson. 2010. Microdochium nivale infects colonial bentgrass cultivars following harsh winter in Northwest Arkansas. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2010-1013-01-BR.
    • Trappe, J.M., D.E. Karcher, M.D. Richardson, and A.J. Patton. 2011. Clipping yield, scalping tendency, and golf ball lie are affected by bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivar selection. Crop Science (accepted)
    • Richardson, M.D., D.E. Karcher, A.J. Patton, and J.H. McCalla. 2010. Measurement of golf ball lie in various turfgrasses using digital image analysis. Crop Science 50:730-736.
    • Richardson, M.D. and K.W. Hignight. 2010. Seedling emergence of tall fescue and kentucky bluegrass, as affected by two seed coating techniques. HortTechnology 20: 415-417
    • Patton, A.J., J.M. Trappe, and M.D. Richardson. 2010. Cover technology influences warm-season grass establishment from seed. HortTechnology 20:153-159.
    • Young, J., M. Richardson, and D. Karcher. 2010. Evaluating ball mark severity and recovery using digital imaging analysis. Int. Ann. Meet. p. 59910. Abstracts: 2010 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].
    • Trappe, J., D. Karcher, M. Richardson, and A. Patton. 2010. Divot resistance varies among bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivars. Int. Ann. Meet. p. 59358. Abstracts: 2010 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].
    • Anderson, J., D. Karcher, M. Richardson, and A. Patton. 2010. Planting method affects the establishment quality of sports turf. Int. Ann. Meet. p. 60799. Abstracts: 2010 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].
    • Moseley, D., A. Patton, J. Trappe, M. Richardson, and D. Karcher. 2010. Performance of St. Augustinegrass cultivars in the transition zone. Int. Ann. Meet. p. 60582. Abstracts: 2010 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].
    • Patton, A., M. Richardson, D. Karcher, and J. Trappe. 2010. Zoysiagrass performance in Arkansas as influenced by nitrogen rate, mowing height, and cultivar. Int. Ann. Meet. p. 59692. Abstracts: 2010 International Annual Meetings [ASA/CSSA/SSSA].