Source: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV submitted to
TURFGRASS BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT IN MISSISSIPPI
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1002410
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Mar 11, 2014
Project End Date
Mar 10, 2019
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762
Performing Department
Plant & Soil Science
Non Technical Summary
The three main research objectives included in this research proposal include breeding and evaluating new turfgrass species/cultivars, product evaluation, and stress physiology. Turfgrass cultivars and species will be evaluated through the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). We are currently evaluating zoysiagrass, seashore paspalum, and bermudagrass. Our breeding efforts are focused on partnering with a seed company to develop an improved seeded bermudagrass cultivar, cross proprietary vegetatively propagated bermudagrass cultivars with Mississippi State University germplasm, and to begin the early stages of developing a tall fescue cultivar specifically targeting improved disease resistance. Product evaluations will include herbicide evaluations to determine safety rates and fungicide applications to quantify plant health benefits. Finally, research trials will quantify daily light integrals (DLI) for bermudagrass putting green cultivars. Information from this research will benefit industry clientele from all aspects of turfgrass management in Mississippi. Specifically, homeowners, landscape contractors, sod farmers, athletic field managers, golf course superintendents, and parks and recreation departments. This research will improve turfgrass management in Mississippi through the development of new cultivars, the evaluation of new herbicides, fungicide performance, and evaluating performance of grasses under various environmental stresses. Future research will continue to provide information to all groups involved in turfgrass management in Mississippi.
Animal Health Component
33%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
33%
Applied
33%
Developmental
34%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20321301081100%
Knowledge Area
203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
2130 - Turf;

Field Of Science
1081 - Breeding;
Goals / Objectives
Turfgrass Breeding and EvaluationsEvaluate the performance of turfgrass cultivars included in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program at Mississippi State University.Evaluate seeded bermudagrass cultivars developed by Pure Seed Testing, a US based turf breeding company, from germplasm obtained under license agreement from the MSU breeding programCross proprietary vegetatively propagated bermudagrass cultivars with MSU-selected germplasm to produce new and improved patentable varieties.Select and breed Mississippi-adapted tall fescue germplasm with improved heat tolerance and disease resistance.Weed Control and Fungicide RecommendationsInvestigate tolerance thresholds and renovation programs to new and improved turfgrass genetics.Determine the rooting characteristics of four bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cultivars following fungicide applications of azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin.Environmental Stress Physiology1) Generate daily light integral (DLI) curves based on percent cover using regression analysis, 2) identify light requirement differences between bermudagrass cultivars for establishment, and 3) develop data for use in the release and commercialization of a Mississippi State University (MSU) bred bermudagrass putting green cultivar.Determine the rooting characteristics of four bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cultivars in greenhouse trials.
Project Methods
Turfgrass Breeding and Cultivar EvaluationsSeed or plant material for NTEP evaluations is assembled at the NTEP headquarters in Beltsville, MD and distributed to each test site. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass will be established from seed or vegetative plugs. St. Augustinegrass and seashore paspalum will be established form plugs only. Tall fescue was established from seed in fall 2012. Each of these three experiments will use a randomized complete block design with three replications. NTEP guidelines require monthly rating of turf quality and yearly rating of spring green-up and genetic color. Data collected during each year is compiled and transferred to NTEP for production of annual progress reports.Pure Seed Testing, a turf seed research company located in Rolesville, NC, has been very successful in the development of numerous seed bermudagrass varieties. These varieties are the results of numerous processes - from the initial crossing and recurrent selection to seed production, certification, and marketing. An option agreement reached in 2011 between MSU and Pure Seed Testing allows the company to incorporate our germplasm into their breeding lines. Some crosses were made in 2011 and 2012. More crosses will be attempted in 2013. Progeny from these crosses will be row planted beginning in spring 2013 to allow roguing of undesirable plants. After sufficient increase, SYN 1 seed will be sent to MSU for evaluation, as early as 2014. At MSU the experimental synthetic cultivars will be tested against standard varieties in a randomized complete block field plot trial with three replications. Plots will be rated for establishment and turf quality. Sequential generations if necessary will be evaluated by the same procedures.To involve proprietary patented bermudagrass cultivars in breeding, MSU/MAFES will need to have agreements with the patent-holding company(ies). Once we have permission, we will establish a field plot of the patented cultivar as well as any MSU selection, depending upon the traits we seek to combine. If we are successful at achieving simultaneous flowering of both genotypes, reciprocal crosses will be attempted. Resulting seed will be germinated in a controlled chamber maintained at optimal conditions for bermudagrass germination. Recovered seedlings will be transplanted one-each to pots for greenhouse growth. After adequate establishment, these plants will be transplanted to a space-plant field nursery where they will be subjected to regular maintenance. From observations in the nursery, decisions will be made on which genotypes should be advanced to the next breeding cycle for eventual release of an improved seeded bermudagrass variety.Collection trips will be made throughout the state to find tall fescue plants thriving under turf management. Cemeteries will be located and walked over during the dormant season for warm season grasses, when green cool season plants can be easily spotted. Tall fescue patches that appear to have spread from a single seedling and survived more than one summer will be sampled. A three-inch-diameter plug will be dug from each area, placed in a zip-lock plastic bag containing a moist paper towel, and labeled with an identifying number. Upon return to MSU, each of these samples will transplanted to 5" plastic pots filled with potting mix and grown in a greenhouse for plant increase and observation. After sufficient growth, attractive plants will be transplanted to field plots. A site at the MSU Plant Science Research Center will need to be fumigated for this purpose. In the field, these plants, along with standard varieties, can be maintained as turf and placed under various selection pressures. Plants with useful traits will be advanced to the next cycle of breeding.Weed Control and Fungicide RecommendationsNew herbicides will be evaluated for weed control and turfgrass tolerance in both the field and greenhouse. Specifically, trials will include investigating tolerance thresholds, tank mixing active ingredients, and renovation programs to new and improved turfgrass genetics. Experiments will be located at the Plant Science Research Center or at an off-site location depending on weed pressure.Experiments will be conducted at the Mississippi State University North Farm greenhouse complex. Treatments will include fungicides applied at different rates and timings. Bermudagrass putting green cultivars will be evaluated. Data collection will include various physiological parameters.Environmental Stress PhysiologyA field study will be established to quantify bermudagrass putting green light requirements during the establishment phase. This field trial will be conducted at the MSU Research Farm located in Starkville, MS. Bermudagrass cultivars will be established by sprigs on a sand-based soil profile. Various shade treatments will be applied using a neutral density, polyfiber black shade cloth. Data collected will include various morphological and physiological parameters.Plugs of bermudagrass will be planted in lysimeters 4 inches in diameter and 16 inches in depth. The bottom 4 inches will be filled with gravel and the top 12 inches will be 100% sand. A 100% sand growing media will be used to ensure roots are completely free of debris prior to root analysis. Each plug of sod will be washed free of soil and roots uniformly trimmed below the thatch layer prior to transplanting into the lysimeters. A starter fertilizer will be applied to each lysimeter at 1lb/1000ft2 prior to transplanting. Destructive root sampling will be initiated ~45 days after planting.

Progress 03/11/14 to 03/10/19

Outputs
Target Audience:The turfgrass industry in Mississippi encompasses all aspects of production and maintenance of turfgrasses for utility, recreation, and beautification. Areas where turfgrasses are established and maintained include home lawns, golf courses, sports fields, industrial sites, parks, roadsides, cemeteries, golf courses, and airports. Turfgrasses provide many benefits including erosion control, oxygen production, urban heat reduction, highway glare reduction, safe playing surfaces for recreation, and aesthetic qualities (McCarty, 2010). Turfgrass cultivar performance warrants improvement through breeding new genetics with inherent resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses in addition to generating management recommendations to enhance resistance to various environmental stresses. Changes/Problems:Dr. Eric Reasor, current PI, is leaving the University. Therefore, we are submitting a final report at this time as this project is now complete. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The research projects mentioned above have exposed several undergraduate and graduate students to research. The students have learned how to develop a research concept, conduct a peer-reviewed search of the literature, initate an experiment, measure response variables of importance, statistically analyze data, write a manuscript for peer-review publication, and present results at a professional scientific meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students (graduate/undergraduate), faculty, and research staff have presented results of the above trials at university and industry field days, professional society and association conferences, classrooms, blog posts, and social media posts. Several of the above trials are curently in preparation for peer-review publication. Also, information generated from trials with experimental cultivars will enable potential license companies to make the best recommendation for thier clients regarding the release of Mississippi bred cultivars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: NTEP evaluation The national tall fescue test that was established at Mississippi State University in 2012 was evaluated through 2017. This variety trial includes 116 cultivars. Misssissippi State generated data, designated as MS-1, is grouped with location performance Index Group 3, which also includes Tennessee, Georgia, and California. The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program is currently analyzing all of the data to compose a final report for university cooperators; however, data from this experiment is available for viewing at www.ntep.org. The 2018 national tall fescue test was established 4 October 2018 and will be evaluated through 2023. This trial will be conducted similar to the aforementioned 2012 national tall fescue test. The 2013 national bermudagrass tests was successfully panted at MSU on 28 June 2013 and evaluated through 2018. This vareity trial contained 35 cultivars including 18 seeded and 17 vegetative cultivars. Plots were maintained at 0.5" mowing height with a mowing frequency of three times per week.The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program is currently analyzing all of the data to compose a final report for university cooperators; however, data from this experiment is available for viewing at www.ntep.org. The 2013 USGA/NTEP Warm-Season Putting Green Test was successfully planted at MSU on July 15, 2013. This variety trial contains 3 species, including 15 bermudagrass cultivars, 11 zoysiagrasses, and two seashore paspalum cultivars. After establishment, plots were mowed daily at 0.15 inches. Data from 2014 is now available for viewing at www.ntep.org. Experimental cultivars from MSU/MAFES (MSB-285 and MSB-264) received the top ranking for turf quality at six out of eleven locations in 2014. At the Starkville, MS site these two cultivars were rated significantly higher than the standard cultivars Tifdwarf, Tifeagle, and Miniverde. The 2018 USGA/NTEP warm-season turfgrass water-use test was successfully planted on 12 July, 2018. This trial includes three turfgrass species including 11 bermudagrasses, 4 zoysiagrasses, and 2 buffalograsses. The objective of this trial is to measure the total amount of water to maintain 50% green turfgrass cover throughout a growing season in addition to measuring recovery of a drought-induced period. This trial will be evaluated through 2021. Objective 2: Seeded cultivar evaluation Pure Seed Testing provided an annual report as required by the license agreement summarizing the use of MSU germplasm in 2013. Several genotypes of MSU origin have been used in breeding with their own lines to produce experimental seeded varieties. Seed of two such varieties were sufficiently increased to allow for variety testing at MSU in 2014. This experiment which included 15 cultivars was planted on June 16, 2104. Mowing was performed three times weekly at 0.5 inches. Turf quality of the two MSU-derived experimentals ranked near the top, similar to that of the top-selling cultivars Riviera and Princess 77. The two MSU-derived experimental genotypes are currently in Pure Seed Testing seed yield trials to determine the commercialization potential to consumers. Objective 3: Cross vegetatively propagated bermudagrass cultivars An agreement was drafted between MSU and a sod marketing company to allow MSU breeders to cross the company's patent-protected cultivar with MSU bermudagrass germplasm. This agreement was signed in late 2014 and planned hybridization between the patented cultivar and MSU germplasm is progress. From 2015 to 2017, 69 new experimental genotypes were developed from this agreement. All new experimental genotypes were evaluated and compared to commercial cultivars in field-trials from 2016 to 2018. Two separate randomized complete block experiments evaluated visual establishment rate, turfgrass quality, seed head presence, leaf texture, and spring green-up. Crossing of the company's patent-protected cultivar and MSU germplasm resulted in bermudagrasses that had a faster establishment rate, greater turfgrass quality, fewer seed heads, finer leaf texture, and faster spring green-up compared to commercial standards. Five to twenty experimental lines were then selected for further evaluation in low-input and athletic field scenarios. Furthermore, four of these experimental genotypes will be entered into future National Turfgrass Evaluation Program bermudagrass variety tests. Objective 4: Tall fescue germplasm Wild ecotypes of tall fescue can be found growing throughout the north and central regions of Mississippi. These wild ecotypes are a potential gene pool for the development of adapted cultivars. The challenge is to identify plants which are suitable as parents. Brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn.) is a disease that can be devastating to permanent stands of tall fescue. Plants that are resistant to this disease could make an important contribution to variety development. In 2013, tall fescue ecotypes were collected from cemeteries in central, MS where centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides [Munro.] Hack.) was the predominant species of mowed turf. Thirty six genotypes, including four standard cultivars, and 32 ecotypes were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. and maintained in a controlled greenhouse environment that was conducive to disease development. Plants were rated weekly using a 1 to 9 scale. Statistical analysis of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) revealed significant differences among genotypes for severity of brown patch symptoms. Some ecotypes displayed resistance equal to or higher than proven standard cultivars. Ten of the most resistant ecotypes were transplanted to a polycross field nursery on October 23, 2013. F1 seed from these plants were harvested in late spring 2014. Some of these seed were used to establish mowed turf field plots. These plots in turn were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani to induce brownpatch disease. Healthy plants were recovered for recurrent selection. Other seed from the same polycross were subjected to germination testing under low available water conditions. Seedlings with improved germination were recovered and propagated for selective breeding. Objective 5: Investigate tolerance thresholds Completed, please see 2014 reports Objective 6: Rooting following fungicide applications Completed, please see 2014 reports Objective 7: Rooting following fungicide applications Completed, please see 2014 reports

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Reasor, E.H. and H.W. Philley. Registration of MSA 2-3-98 St. Augustinegrass. Journal of Plant Registrations. (In Press).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Reasor, E.H., J.T. Brosnan, J.P. Kerns, W.J. Hutchens, D.R. Taylor, J.M. McCurdy, D.J. Soldat, and W.C. Kreuser. 2018. Growing degree day models for plant growth regulators applications on ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass putting greens. Crop Sci. 58:1801-1807. doi:10.2135/cropsci2018.01.0077
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Reasor, E.H. and H.W. Philley. 2018. Breeding and evaluating new bermudagrasses with Celebration parentage. [Online]. 2018 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Taylor, D.R., J.T. Brosnan, J.J. Vargas, G.K. Breeden, E.H. Reasor, W.J. Hutchens, J.P. Kerns, and W.C. Kreuser. 2018. Modeling regulation of ultradwarf bermudagrass clipping yield following trinexapac-ethyl and prohexadione-calcium treatment. 2018 Southern Weed Science Society Annual Meeting.
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Reasor, E.H. and J.T. Brosnan. 2018. Research update on off-type grasses in ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. Golf Course Management. June:68-72.


Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientific and Academic Communities, and possibly turfgrass practioners Changes/Problems:I recently inherited this project from a former faculty member; therefore, I have nothing to report. Future reports will include updated content. 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 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The turfgrass industry in Mississippi encompasses all aspects of production and maintenance of turfgrasses for utility, beautification, and recreation. Areas where turfgrasses are planted include home lawns, golf courses, sports fields, industrial sites, parks, roadsides, cemeteries, golf courses, and airports. Turfgrasses provide many benefits, including erosion control, glare reduction on highways, safe playing surface for recreational events, and aesthetic qualities. Turfgrass cultivar performance needs improvement through breeding new genetics, providing weed control and fungicide recommendations, and generating management recommendations to enhance resistance under various environmental stresses. Changes/Problems:All objectives have been met or are on track to be met in the coming years. There are no current major problems to overcome. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The research projects mentioned above have exposed several undergraduate and graduate students to research. The students have learned how to develop a research concept, initiate a trial, collect data, analyze data, write a manuscript for peer-review, conduct a peer-reviewed search of the literature, and present results at a professional scientific meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Student (graduate/undergraduate), faculty, and research staff have presented results of the above trials at field days, conferences, classrooms, blog posts, and facebook posts. Several of the above trials are currently in preparation for peer review publications. Also, information generated from trials with experimental cultivars will enable potential license companies to make the best recommendation for their clients regarding the release of Mississippi bred cultivars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with hybridization, selection, and field evaluations. Finish writing manuscripts for peer-review publications.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: NTEP Evaluation The national tall fescue test that was established at Mississippi State University in 2012 was evaluated through 2016. This variety trial includes 116 cultivars. Data from this experiment is available for viewing at www.ntep.org. Misssissippi State generated data for 2014, designated as MS-1, are grouped with location performance Index Group 3, which also includes Tennessee, Georgia, and California. Top performers at these sites in 2014 included experimental cultivars 'Titanium 2LS', PPG-TF-135 and CCR2. In 2105, MS-1 data is included in Group 2. Top performers in 2015 were Avenger II, Amity (CCR2), MET1, 4th Millenium, Traverse 2, and Titanium 2LS. This experiment will continue through 2017. The 2013 National Bermudagrass Test was successfully planted at MSU on June 28, 2013. This variety trial contains 35 cultivars, including 18 that were planted from seed and 17 vegetative cultivars. Plots were maintained at 0.5-inch mowing height with a mowing frequency of three times weekly. In 2014 at this location, experimental vegetative cultivars, DT-1 and JSC 2-21-18-V, received turf quality ratings that were slightly higher than the standard vegetative cultivar Tifway. In 2015, the newly released cultivar TifTuf (DT-1) and the experimental, OKC 1131, were rated slightly higher than Tifway. Experimental seeded cultivars JSC 2009-2-S and JSC 2009-6-S were rated higher than the seeded standard cultivars, Princess 77 and Riviera. This experiment will continue through 2017 The 2013 USGA/NTEP Warm-Season Putting Green Test was successfully planted at MSU on July 15, 2013. This variety trial contains 3 species, including 15 bermudagrass cultivars, 11 zoysiagrasses, and two seashore paspalum cultivars. After establishment, plots were mowed daily at 0.15 inches. Data from 2014 and 2015 are available for viewing at www.ntep.org. Experimental cultivars from MSU/MAFES (MSB-285 and MSB-264) received the top ranking for turf quality at six out of eleven locations in 2014. At the Starkville, MS site these two cultivars were rated significantly higher for turf quality than the standard cultivars Tifdwarf, Tifeagle, and Miniverde in 2014 and 2015. This evaluation is planned for continuation through 2017. Newly awarded NTEP trials for St. Augustinegrass (27 cultivars) and Seashore paspalum (10 cultivars) were successfully established at the MSU Rodney Foil Plant Science Research Center in summer 2016. These variety trials are expected to continue through 2020. Objective 2: Seeded Cultuivar Evaluation Pure Seed Testing has provided an annual report as required by the license agreement summarizing the use of MSU germplasm each year 2013-2016. Several genotypes of MSU origin have been used in breeding with their own lines to produce experimental seeded varieties. Seed of two such varieties were sufficiently increased to allow for variety testing at MSU in 2014. This experiment which included 15 cultivars was planted on June 16, 2014 and has been continuously evaluated through the summer of 2016. Mowing was performed three times weekly at 0.5 inches. Turf quality of the two MSU-derived experimentals (PST-R6TM and PST-R6MM) has ranked near the top, similar to that of the top-selling cultivars Riviera and Princess 77. Breeder seed is now available and rights to produce and sell these two cultivars are now offered for negotiation through Pure Seed Testing. In 2016, Pure Seed Testing provided seed for a new variety test with ten cultivars, including PST-R6TM, PST-R6MM, and two additional experimental cultivars with MSU linage (PST-R6ED and PST-R6RR).This trial will be maintained at the same level as the 2014 trial for the next three years. Objective 3: Cross Vegetatively Propagted Bermudagrass Cultivars An agreement was drafted between MSU and Sod Solutions, a sod marketing company, to allow MSU breeders to cross the company's patent-protected cultivar, Celebration, with MSU-owned bermudagrass germplasm. This agreement was signed in late 2014 and planned hybridization between Celebration and MSU germplasm has produced progeny. After greenhouse pot screening and vegetative increase, Thirty three new genotypes along with Celebration and Tifway were established in a field variety trial at MSU in June 2016. While this trial is being evaluated for at least three years, planned crosses continue. New field trials will need to be established each year until the agreement expires in 2018. Objective 4: Tall fescue germplasm Wild ecotypes of tall fescue can be found growing throughout the north and central regions of Mississippi. These wild ecotypes are a potential gene pool for the development of adapted cultivars. The challenge is to identify plants which are suitable as parents. Brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn.) is a disease that can be devastating to permanent stands of tall fescue. Plants that are resistant to this disease could make an important contribution to variety development. In 2013, tall fescue ecotypes were collected from cemeteries in central MS where centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides [Munro.] Hack.) was the predominant species of mowed turf. Thirty six genotypes, including four standard cultivars, and 32 ecotypes were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. and maintained in a controlled greenhouse environment that was conducive to disease development. Plants were rated weekly using a 1 to 9 scale. Statistical analysis of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) revealed significant differences among genotypes for severity of brown patch symptoms. Some ecotypes displayed resistance equal to or higher than proven standard cultivars. Ten of the most resistant ecotypes were transplanted to a polycross field nursery on October 23, 2013. F1 seed from these plants were harvested in late spring 2014. Some of these seed were used to establish mowed turf field plots. These plots in turn were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani to induce brownpatch disease. Healthy plants were recovered for recurrent selection. Other seed from the same polycross were subjected to germination testing under low available water conditions. Seedlings with improved germination were recovered and propagated for selective breeding. Selected F1 plants are being maintained in greenhouse pot culture for future screening against drought and disease. Additional Cultivar Evaluation Evaluate winter survival and disease susceptibility of St. Augustinegrass genotypes bred at North Carolina State University. In June, 2016 a field variety test was planted at MSU to evaluate new St. Augustinegrass genotypes bred at NCSU under the direction of Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis. These 116 experimental cultivars resulted from hybridization between Raleigh, a cold tolerant cultivar, and Seville, a high density cultivar. Plots have been rated for establishment rate and gray leaf spot disease. Winter survival will be assessed each spring. This experiment is expected to run through spring 2018. Additional Breeding Selecting shade tolerant St. Augustinegrass genotypes. MSA 2-3-98 is a MSU-patented St. Augustinegrass that was selected for winter survival and turf quality. To continue our St. Augustinegrass breeding and improvement efforts, we crossed MSA 2-3-98 with a commercial cultivar whose patent had expired. Forty five progeny genotypes were produced and vegetatively propagated. In summer, 2016 a shade structure which reduced light by 80% was erected inside a greenhouse to screen for shade tolerance. This structure was large enough to accommodate three potted replicates of fifty genotypes. This method has allowed selection of genotypes least affected by reduced light. These selected genotypes will be used as parents for future generations of plants with enhanced shade tolerance. Objectives 5 - 7: Completed, please see 2014 report

    Publications

    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Craft, J. and C.M. Baldwin. 2016. Maintaining soil physical properties for ultradwarf greens. Golf Course Management. 84(5):93.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Baldwin, C.M. and G. Hock. 2016. Augmenting reality in a plant science lab. 24 June 2016. Honolulu, HI. 62nd Annual NACTA conference. (Oral presentation).
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Craft, J., C.M. Baldwin, J.D. McCurdy, B.R. Stewart, M. Peterson, and E.K. Blythe. 2015. An alternative approach to aerification for a tifway bermudagrass athletic field. 2015 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Minneapolis, MN. (poster)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Tucker, M., C.M. Baldwin, W.H. Philley, and S. Wait. 2015. Tall fescue and bermudagrass cultivar response to drought stress at the germination growth stage. 2015 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Minneapolis, MN. (undergraduate oral competition)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: McCurdy, J.D, L. Hathcock, S. Meacham, B.R. Stewart, H.W. Philley, C.M. Baldwin, R.J. Moorhead, and D. Sullivan. 2015. Aerial and ground based imagery techniques for evaluation of NTEP variety trials. 2015 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Minneapolis, MN. (oral)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Stewart, B.R., C.C. Jones, H.W. Philley, C.M. Baldwin, and J.D. McCurdy. 2015. Recovery from fraze mowing: when can we play again? 2015 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Minneapolis, MN. (poster)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Baldwin, C.M. and J. Craft. 2015. Novel Organic Matter Management Strategies. 15 October 2015. Biloxi, MS. 1st Deep South Turf Expo. (Oral presentation).
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Baldwin, C.M. 2016. Novel organic matter management strategies. 18 April 2016. Franklin, TN. Middle Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association Meeting.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Baldwin, C.M. 2016. Maintaining soil physical properties utilizing DryJect Technology. 9 February 2016. San Diego, CA. DryJect Corporate Franchise Meeting. (oral presentation).
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Baldwin, C.M. Agronomics 101. 25 January 2016. Technicians Workshop, The Preserve Country Club, Vancleave, MS. (oral presentation).
    • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Philley, H.W., S.B. Wait, and E.Flournoy. 23 August. 2016 Turfgrass and Ornamental Field Day. Starkville, MS (3 presentations). New Bermudagrass Cultivars Management Practices Associated with New Putting Green Cultivars PGRS and Growing Degree Days
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: 2016 Craft, J.M. Maintaining soil physical property integrity in turfgrass management systems. M.S. Thesis, Mississippi State University
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Tucker, M.A., C.M. Baldwin, H.W. Philley, S.B. Wait, and E.K. Blythe. 2016. Tall fescue and bermudagrass cultivar response to drought stress at the germination growth stage. Int. Turf. Soc. Res. J. (in press).
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Baldwin, C.M., G. Hock, and B.R. Stewart. 2016. An on-the-course classroom experience for turfgrass majors. NACTA. (in press).
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hodges, B.P., C.M. Baldwin, B. Stewart, M. Tomaso-Peterson, J.D. McCurdy, E.K. Blythe, and H.W. Philley. 2016. Quantifying a daily light integral for establishment of warm-season cultivars on putting greens. Crop Sci. 56:1-9.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Craft, J.M., C.M. Baldwin, H.W. Philley, J.D. McCurdy, B.R. Stewart, M. Tomaso-Peterson, and E.K. Blythe. 2016. Impact of dry-injection cultivation to maintain soil physical properties for an ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green. HortScience 51:1171-1175.


    Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The turfgrass industry in Mississippi encompasses all aspects of production and maintenance of turfgrasses for utility, beautification, and recreation. Areas where turfgrasses are planted include home lawns, golf courses, sports fields, industrial sites, parks, roadsides, cemeteries, golf courses, and airports. Turfgrasses provide many benefits, including erosion control, glare reduction on highways, safe playing surface for recreational events, and aesthetic qualities. Turfgrass cultivar performance needs improvement through breeding new genetics, providing weed control and fungicide recommendations, and generating management recommendations to enhance resistance under various environmental stresses. Changes/Problems:All objectives have been met or are on track to be met in the coming years. There are no current major problems to overcome. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The research projects mentioned above have exposed several undergraduate and graduate students to research. The students have learned how to develop a research concept, initate a trial, collect data, analyze data, write a manuscript for peer-review, conduct a peer-reviewed search of the literature, and present results at a professional scientific meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Student (graduate/undergraduate), faculty, and research staff have presented results of the above trials at field days, conferences, classrooms, blog posts, and facebook posts. Several of the above trials are currently in preparation for peer-review publications. Also, information generated from trials with experimental cultivars will enable potential license companies to make the best recommendation for thier clients regarding the release of Mississippi bred cultivars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Finish writing manuscripts for peer-review publications.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: NTEP evaluation The national tall fescue test that was established at Mississippi State University in 2012 was evaluated through 2015. This variety trial includes 116 cultivars. Data from this experiment is available for viewing at www.ntep.org. Misssissippi State generated data, designated as MS-1, is grouped with location performance Index Group 3, which also includesTennessee, Georgia, and California. Top performers at these sites in 2014 included experimental cultivars 'Titanium 2LS', PPG-TF-135 and CCR2. This experiment will continue through 2017. The 2013 National Bermudagrass Test was successfully planted at MSU on June 28, 2013. This variety trial contains 35 cultivars, including 18 that were planted from seed and 17 vegetative cultivars. Plots were maintained at 0.5-inch mowing height with a mowing frequency of three times weekly. In 2014 at this location, experimental vegetative cultivars, DT-1 and JSC 2-21-18-V, received turf quality rating that were slightly higher than the standard cultivar Tifway. The 2013 USGA/NTEP Warm-Season Putting Green Test was successfully planted at MSU on July 15, 2013. This variety trial contains 3 species, including 15 bermudagrass cultivars, 11 zoysiagrasses, and two seashore paspalum cultivars. After establishment, plots were mowed daily at 0.15 inches. Data from 2014 is now available for viewing at www.ntep.org. Experimental cultivars from MSU/MAFES (MSB-285 and MSB-264) received the top ranking for turf quality at six out of eleven locations in 2014. At the Starkville, MS site these two cultivars were rated significantly higher than the standard cultivars Tifdwarf, Tifeagle, and Miniverde. Objective 2: Seeded cultivar evaluation Pure Seed Testing provided an annual report as required by the license agreement summarizing the use of MSU germplasm in 2013. Several genotypes of MSU origin have been used in breeding with their own lines to produce experimental seeded varieties. Seed of two such varieties were sufficiently increased to allow for variety testing at MSU in 2014. This experiment which included 15 cultivars was planted on June 16, 2104. Mowing was performed three times weekly at 0.5 inches. Turf quality of the two MSU-derived experimentals ranked near the top, similar to that of the top-selling cultivars Riviera and Princess 77. Objective 3: Cross vegetatively propagated bermudagrass cultivars An agreement was drafted between MSU and a sod marketing company to allow MSU breeders to cross the company's patent-protected cultivar with MSU bermudagrass germplasm. This agreement was signed in late 2014 and planned hybridization between the patented cultivar and MSU germplasm is progress. New genotypes will be evaluated in the greenhouse and field in upcoming seasons. Objective 4: Tall fescue germplasm Wild ecotypes of tall fescue can be found growing throughout the north and central regions of Mississippi. These wild ecotypes are a potential gene pool for the development of adapted cultivars. The challenge is to identify plants which are suitable as parents. Brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn.) is a disease that can be devastating to permanent stands of tall fescue. Plants that are resistant to this disease could make an important contribution to variety development. In 2013, tall fescue ecotypes were collected from cemeteries in central, MS where centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides [Munro.] Hack.) was the predominant species of mowed turf. Thirty six genotypes, including four standard cultivars, and 32 ecotypes were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. and maintained in a controlled greenhouse environment that was conducive to disease development. Plants were rated weekly using a 1 to 9 scale. Statistical analysis of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) revealed significant differences among genotypes for severity of brown patch symptoms. Some ecotypes displayed resistance equal to or higher than proven standard cultivars. Ten of the most resistant ecotypes were transplanted to a polycross field nursery on October 23, 2013. F1 seed from these plants were harvested in late spring 2014. Some of these seed were used to establish mowed turf field plots. These plots in turn were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani to induce brownpatch disease. Healthy plants were recovered for recurrent selection. Other seed from the same polycross were subjected to germination testing under low available water conditions. Seedlings with improved germination were recovered and propagated for selective breeding. Objective 5: Investigate tolerance thresholds Completed, please see 2014 reports Objective 6: Rooting following fungicide applications Completed, please see 2014 reports Objective 7: Rooting following fungicide applications Completed, please see 2014 reports

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Baldwin, C.M., G. Hock, and J.D. McCurdy. 2015. Student reflection of blogging in a turfgrass weed management course. NACTA. (in press).
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Baldwin, C.M., A.D. Brede, and J.J. Mayer. 2015. Growth regulation and tank mixing associated with a glyphosate-tolerant perennial ryegrass cultivar. HortTech. 25:214-220.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Baldwin, C.M., E.K. Blythe, A.D. Brede, J.J. Mayer, and R. Golembiewski. 2015. Glyphosate tolerance of two perennial ryegrass cultivars from fall applications and at seedling growth stages. HortScience. 50:304-309.
    • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Craft, J. and C.M. Baldwin. 2015. Alternative approach to aerification: A research update. Mississippi Turfgrass. Fall 2015:17-19.
    • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hodges, B.P., C.M. Baldwin, B.R. Stewart, M. Peterson-Tomaso, and E.K. Blythe. 2015. Quantifying light needs for bermudagrass green establishment. Golfdoms SuperScience. 71(1):33.
    • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hodges, B.P. and C.M. Baldwin. 2015. Quantifying the light requirements of ultradwarf putting green establishment. Mississippi Turfgrass. Winter 2015:10-12.
    • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: McCurdy, J. and C.M. Baldwin. 2015. Selecting and managing turfgrass for shade. MAFES Publication #2892.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Tucker, M. and C.M. Baldwin. 2015. Tall fescue and bermudagrass cultivar response to drought stress at the germination growth stage. 23 April 2015. Starkville, MS. Undergraduate research symposium.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Baldwin, C.M., G. Hock, and B.R. Stewart. 2015. Behind the scenes: Working a professional golf event. 17 June 2015. Athens, GA. 61st Annual NACTA conference. (Poster presentation).
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: McCurdy, J.D., W. Philley, C. Baldwin, and B. Stewart. 2015. Effects of Preemergence Topramezone Application upon Sprigged Bermudagrass Establishment. Proc. South Weed Sci. Soc. Annual Meeting, Savannah, GA, 28 January 2015.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Flournoy, E., C.M. Baldwin, H. Philley, and B. Hodges. 2014. Use of glyphosate-tolerant perennial ryegrass cultivars in the southeastern united states. 2014 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Long Beach, CA.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Philley, H., C.M. Baldwin, M. Tomaso-Peterson, and B. Stewart. 2014. Screening tall fescue ecotypes for brown patch resistance. 2014 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Long Beach, CA.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Schnore, J., A. Carter, C.M. Baldwin, A. D. Brede, S. Samudio, and S. Ullrich. 2014. Rooting differences of two rhizomatous and two non-rhizomatous cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) under two fertilizer regimes. 2014 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Long Beach, CA.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Baldwin, C.M., G. Hock, and J. D. McCurdy. 2014. Blogging about turfgrass weeds: a strategy to improve students writing skills in a turf weed management course. 2014 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Long Beach, CA
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: McCurdy, J.D., C.M. Baldwin, H. Philley, B. Stewart, and J. Ruffin. 2014. Comparison of visual rating techniques and spectral reflectance characteristics during turf variety trial evaluations. 2014 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Long Beach, CA.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hodges, B.P., C.M. Baldwin, J. McCurdy, B.R. Stewart, M. Peterson-Tomaso, and E.K. Blythe. 2014. Quantifying a daily light integral for bermudagrass putting green establishment. 2014 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Long Beach, CA. (Oral presentation).
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hodges, B.P. 2014. Quantifying a daily light integral for bermudagrass putting green establishment. M.S. Thesis, Mississippi State University.


    Progress 03/11/14 to 09/30/14

    Outputs
    Target Audience: The turfgrass industry in Mississippi encompasses all aspects of production and maintenance of turfgrasses for utility, beautification, and recreation. Areas where turfgrasses are planted include home lawns, golf courses, sports fields, industrial sites, parks, roadsides, cemeteries, golf courses, and airports. Turfgrasses provide many benefits, including erosion control, glare reduction on highways, safe playing surface for recreational events, and aesthetic qualities. Turfgrass cultivar performance needs improvement through breeding new genetics, providing weed control and fungicide recommendations, and generating management recommendations to enhance resistance under various environmental stresses. The objectives of this project include: 1-Evaluate the performance of turfgrass cultivars included in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program at Mississippi State University. 2-Evaluate seeded bermudagrass cultivars developed by Pure Seed Testing, a US based turf breeding company, from germplasm obtained under license agreement from the MSU breeding program 3-Cross proprietary vegetatively propagated bermudagrass cultivars with MSU-selected germplasm to produce new and improved patentable varieties. 4-Select and breed Mississippi-adapted tall fescue germplasm with improved heat tolerance and disease resistance. 5-Investigate tolerance thresholds and renovation programs to new and improved turfgrass genetics. 6-Determine the rooting characteristics of four bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cultivars following fungicide applications of azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin. 7-Generate daily light integral (DLI) curves based on percent cover using regression analysis, 2) identify light requirement differences between bermudagrass cultivars for establishment, and 3) develop data for use in the release and commercialization of a Mississippi State University (MSU) bred bermudagrass putting green cultivar. 8-Determine the rooting characteristics of four bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cultivars in greenhouse trials. Changes/Problems: All objective have been met or are on track to be met in the coming years. There are no current major problems to overcome. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The research projects mentioned above have exposed several undergraduate and graduate students to research. The students have learned how to develop a research concept, initate a trial, collect data, analyze data, write a manuscript for peer-review, conduct a peer-reviewed search of the literature, and present results at a professional scientific meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Student (graduate/undergraduate), faculty, and research staff have presented results of the above trials at field days, conferences, classrooms, blog posts, andfacebook posts.Several of the above trials are curently in preparation for peer-review publication. Also, information generated from trials with experimental cultivars will enable potential license companies to make the best recommendation for thier clients regarding the release of Mississippi bred cultivars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Finish writing manuscripts for peer-review publications.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: NTEP evaluation The national tall fescue test that was established at Mississippi State University in 2012 was evaluated throughout 2013. This variety trial includes 116 cultivars. Data from this experiment is available for viewing at www.ntep.org. Top performers at this site in 2013 included experimental cultivars ZW 34, PPG-TF-157, PPG-TF-137, SRX-TPC, IS TF 310 SEL. This experiment will continue through 2017. The 2013 National Bermudagrass Test was successfully planted at MSU on June 28, 2013. This variety trial contains 35 cultivars, including 18 that were planted from seed and 17 vegetative cultivars. Plots were maintained at 0.5-inch mowing height with a mowing frequency of three times weekly. Data collected during 2013 included rate of establishment, turf quality, and fall color. Data from 2013 and 2014 will be ready for viewing at www.ntep.org in early 2015. The 2013 USGA/NTEP Warm-Season Putting Green Test was successfully planted at MSU on July 15, 2013. This variety trial contains 3 species, including 15 bermudagrass cultivars, 11 zoysizgrsasses, and two seashore paspalum cultivars. After establishment plots were mowed daily at 0.15 inches. Data collected during 2013 included rate of establishment, turf quality, and fall color retention. Data from both years will be ready for viewing at www.ntep.org in early 2015. Objective 2: Seeded cultivar evaluation Pure Seed Testing provided an annual report as required by the license agreement summarizing the use of MSU germplasm in 2013. Several genotypes of MSU origin have been used in breeding with their own lines to produce experimental seeded varieties. Seed of two such varieties were sufficiently increased in 2013 to allow turf evaluation trials to be planted at MSU and Texas A&M University in 2014. Objective 3: Cross vegetatively propagated bermudagrass cultivars An agreement was drafted between MSU and a sod marketing company to allow MSU breeders to cross the company’s patent-protected cultivar with MSU bermudagrass germplasm. This agreement is under negotiation. Objective 4: Tall fescue germplasm Wild ecotypes of tall fescue can be found growing throughout the north and central regions of Mississippi. These wild ecotypes are a potential gene pool for the development of adapted cultivars. The challenge is to identify plants which are suitable as parents. Brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn.) is a disease that can be devastating to permanent stands of tall fescue. Plants that are resistant to this disease could make an important contribution to variety development. In 2013, tall fescue ecotypes were collected from cemeteries in central, MS where centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides [Munro.] Hack.) was the predominant species of mowed turf. Thirty six genotypes, including four standard cultivars, and 32 ecotypes were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. and maintained in a controlled greenhouse environment that was conducive to disease development. Plants were rated weekly using a 1 to 9 scale. Statistical analysis of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) revealed significant differences among genotypes for severity of brown patch symptoms. Some ecotypes displayed resistance equal to or higher than proven standard cultivars. Ten of the most resistant ecotypes were transplanted to a polycross field nursery on October 23, 2013. F1 seed from these plants will be harvested in late spring 2014 for the purpose of planting field trials and conducting recurrent selection. Objective 5: Investigate tolerance thresholds Overall, 30 days after a single glyphosate application resulted in marginal Replay perennial ryegrass (PRG) color; however, all plots treated with glyphosate ≥ 16.6oz/A fully recovered 40 days after initial application (DAIA). Regarding sequential applications, safest treatments were noted at rates ≤ 16.6oz/A when applied 8 weeks apart in March followed by (fb) May. An application interval of 4 weeks should be avoided if rates exceed 8.3oz/A due to season long reduction in Replay color. Overall, applying traffic following glyphosate applications was most harmful to Replay following sequential applications in March fb April. Finally, bermudagrass injury from glyphosate treatments was not noted in July for both years across all studies. Objective 6: Rooting following fungicide applications Overall, significant differences were not noted between treatments. Therefore, results from this greenhouse study indicates the fungicides did not improve rooting characteristics of the selected bermudagrass cultivars. Objective 7: Light requirements of bermudagrass DLI curves were successfully established for each cultivar included in the study. TifEagle bermudagrass: 30.06 mol m-2 s-1 MiniVerde bermudagrass: 28.07 mol m-2 s-1 Champion bermudagrass: 27.06 mol m-2 s-1 Diamond zoysiagrass: 42.26 mol m-2 s-1 MSB-285 bermudagrass: 38.18 mol m-2 s-1 Plant height, clipping yield, chlorophyll, Normalized Differential Vegetative Index (NDVI), and percent cover were recorded throughout the duration of the study. Data was analyzed using SAS. Treatment effects were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with mean separation based on Fisher's least significant difference (a = 0.05). Plant Height Plant hieght was measured 25 days after sprigging (DAS), prior to the first mowing. A ruler was used to measure the height from the soil surface to the tallest part of the turfgrass plant. Cultivar by shade showed a significant interaction. Under full sunlight and 30% shade, all cultivars plant height were similar. Under 55% shade, TifEagle had 36% lower plant height compared to Champion bermudagrass, while MS-285 had 24% lower plant height compared to MiniVerde. Under 80% shade, Diamond plant height was significantly lower than all other cultivars. NDVI NDVI was measured using a GreenSeeker NDVI sensor at 71 and 85 DAS. At 71 DAS, cultivar and light showed a significant interaction. No differences were noted for the full-sunlight, 30%, and 80% shade treatments. Under 55% shade, MS-285 NDVI was significantly lower than Champion and MiniVerde. At 86 DAS, both cultivar and shade level showed a significant difference, but not significant interaction. Full-sunlight and 30% shade levels were significantly higher than 55% shade, which was significantly higher than80% shade. Regarding cultivar, Champion had 11% higher NDVI rating than MS-285. Clipping Yield Clipping Yield was collected at 45 and 103 DAS. A John Deere 180B greens mower was used to make a pass lengthwise over each plot and clippings were collected. 80% shade treatment plots were not included due to the lack of grass cover. Clippings were oven dried for 72 hours at 60C and weighted. Cultivar and shade level showed no significant interaction for clipping yield, regardless of collection date. At 45 DAS, full sunlight had significantly less clipping yield than 30% and 55% shade, while MS-285 produced 41%, 54%, 66%, and 72% greater clipping yield than TifEagle, MiniVerde, Champion, and Diamond, respectively. At 106 DAS, no differences were detected due to shade levels. Regarding cultivar performance, MS- 285 had ~49% greater clipping yield than MiniVerde, TifEage, Diamond, and Champion. Chlorophyll Chlorophyll was measured at 64 and 103 DAS. Chlorophyll was extracted using dimethyl-sulfoxide and measured using a spectrophotometer. At 64 DAS, no significant differences or interactions were noted. At 106 DAS, there were no significant difference between shade levels. Regarding cultivars, Champion produced 42% greater chlorophyll concentration than Diamond. Objective 8: Rooting characteristics 'Sunday' bermudagrass produced significantly greater root biomass and root length density (RLD)than 'TifEagle', 'Champion', and 'MiniVerde'. RLD measures the total root length per volume of soil. A high RLD has been strongly correlated with nitrate leaching reduction for several turfgrass species.

    Publications

    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hodges, B.P., C.M. Baldwin, B.R. Stewart, M. Peterson-Tomaso, and E.K. Blythe. 2013. Quantifying a daily light integral for bermudagrass putting green establishment. 2013 Annual Meeting Abstracts [ASA/CSSA/SSSA/CSSS]. Tampa, FL. (Oral presentation). ~80 attendees.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hodges, B.H., Baldwin, C.M., B.R. Stewart, M. Peterson-Tomaso, and E.K. Blythe. 2014. Quantifying a daily light integral for bermudagrass putting green establishment. 6 March 2014. Starkville, MS. Southern Natural Resources Graduate Student Symposium.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Flournoy, F and C.M. Baldwin. 2014. Use of a glyphosate-tolerant perennial ryegrass cultivar in the southeast. 31 July 2014. Starkville, MS. Undergraduate research symposium.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B.P. Hodges, W.P. Philley, and C.M. Baldwin. 2014. Bermudagrass selection: A research update. 19 May 2014. Choctaw, MS. Golf Course Management Workshop.
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hodges, B.P. 2014 Quantifying a daily light integral for warm-season putting green species. Mississippi State University Thesis.