Turfgrass Breeding and Management

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to turfgrass breeding and management, including types of turfgrasses, mowing techniques, and seeding methods.

Goals of turfgrass breeding

To improve stress tolerance, pest/disease resistance, density, color, wear tolerance, lower input needs, and increase seed yield.

Cool-season turfgrasses

Mainly used for lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, and parks in northern or cooler regions.

Warm-season turfgrasses

Mainly used for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses in southern or warm climates.

Rhizomatous turfgrasses

Includes Kentucky bluegrass that spreads by rhizomes.

Stoloniferous turfgrasses

Includes creeping bentgrass that spreads by stolons.

Optimal growth temperature for cool-season turfgrasses

60–75°F.

Dormancy for warm-season turfgrasses

Occur below 50°F.

Typical mowing height for cool-season lawns

2–3 inches.

Benefits of seed mixtures

Broader adaptation, pest resistance, and year-round color.

Seed blend

Different cultivars of one species.

Reel mower

Used for fine, short cuts on greens and fairways.

1/3 rule in mowing

Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade at once.

Hydroseeding

Spraying slurry of seed, mulch, and fertilizer.

Overseeding

Adding cool-season seed to dormant warm-season turf.

Key mowing techniques

Sharp blades, correct height, alternate directions, steady speed, maintain equipment.

Pros of leaving clippings

Nutrient recycling, moisture retention, and reduced labor.

Cons of removing clippings

Nutrient loss and extra labor.