J. Hoyle

Use of Pyrimisulfan and Penoxsulam in Turfgrass Systems

Pyrimisulfan + penoxsulam applications in ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass and buffalograss resulted in excellent large crabgrass control and no turfgrass injury. Applications also do not have any negative influence on tested ornamental species.

Herbicide and Application Timing Effects on Windmillgrass Control

Windmillgrass (Chloris verticillata Nutt.) populations commonly infest turfgrass systems in the midwest, which result in aesthetically unacceptable turfgrass stands. Research trials were initiated in 2017 in Onaga and Junction City, KS, to determine windmillgrass control with various single herbicide applications at multiple application timings (spring, summer, and fall). Data collection for research trials consisted of visual percent windmillgrass cover (0–100%), line intersect analysis on four-inch spacing, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (0 to 1 scale), and windmillgrass seedhead counts. Initial observations resulted in greater windmillgrass control with summer applications compared to fall applications. Pylex (topramezome) resulted in 80% windmillgrass control 8 weeks after summer application. Initial results indicate alternative herbicides options for windmillgrass control.

2012 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Tall Fescue Test: 2012–2017 Summary Report

Research efforts to improve cultivar quality include selecting for disease resistance and stress tolerance as well as finer leaf texture, a rich green color, and better sward density. Several cultivars included in the 2012 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Tall Fescue Test performed well and showed good brown patch resistance in south central Kansas throughout the course of the study.

2013 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Bermudagrass Test: 2013–2017 Summary Report

Kansas represents the northernmost region in the central United States where bermudagrass can be successfully grown as a perennial turfgrass. Historically, few cultivars that have both acceptable quality and adequate cold tolerance have been available to local growers. Because new introductions are continually being selected for improved hardiness and quality, both seeded and vegetative types need regular evaluation to determine their long-range suitability for use in Kansas.

The Effect of Human Insect Repellents on Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) Growth and Recovery

Turfgrass damage has been observed from misapplications of human insect repellents. Minimal research has been conducted to determine the cause of the damage. Greenhouse research trials were initiated in November 2016 to survey various human insect repellents on turfgrass growth and recovery. Insect repellents resulted in a wide range of damage. No common trend was observed, although the research trial shows possible repellents to be used around turfgrass that will minimize turfgrass injury.

Performance and Recovery of Turfgrasses Subjected to Drought and Traffic Stresses

This study is an effort to determine effects of drought and traffic in turfgrasses. During a 41-day summer drought in 2015 and 2016, warm-season (C4) grasses were more affected by traffic than cool-season (C3) grasses when percent green cover and turf quality were measured. This was because the non-trafficked plots in C4 grasses maintained higher percent green cover and turf quality throughout the drought due to better drought-stress tolerance than the C3 grasses. Regardless of traffic treatment or mowing height, C4 grasses maintained higher percent green cover and visual turf quality than C3 grasses during drought and recovery periods. There was a larger separation between traffic treatments within the higher (rough) height compared to the lower (fairway) height. Overall, traffic application during a drought will have a negative and accelerated impact on the above-ground portion of turfgrass, which will vary due to turf species and mowing height.

Effect of Dormant ‘MidIron’ Bermudagrass Colorant Applications on Clothing Blemishing

This report is brought to you for free and open access by New Prairie Press. It has been accepted for inclusion in Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports by an authorized administrator of New Prairie Press. Copyright 7-2017 Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.

Response of Seven Woody Ornamentals to Turfgrass Herbicide Applications of Arylex, Penoxsulam, and Pyrimisulfan

This report is brought to you for free and open access by New Prairie Press. It has been accepted for inclusion in Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports by an authorized administrator of New Prairie Press. Copyright 7-2017 Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.

Native Turfgrass Tolerance to Indaziflam Applications

Multiple research trials were conducted from 2014 to 2016 in the Manhattan, KS, area to determine the use of indaziflam in native turfgrass systems. Results indicated that evaluated species are tolerant to indaziflam applications throughout the year.

Influence of Tall Fescue Baseball Infield Mowing Height on Ground Ball Speed

Athletic field conditions have been shown to influence playability. Results of ball-roll speed studies can be used to predict success of infield hits. Field trials were conducted at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center, Manhattan, KS, to determine the influence of tall fescue baseball infield mowing height on ground ball speed and batter on-base success. Mowing heights of 1, 2, and 3 inches resulted in 1.77, 2.08, and 1.88 s ground ball times, respectively.