James Thackston, Haibo Liu, and Steven Long. Clemson University, 102 R Sumter Ln, Central, SC 29630
The physiological and nutritional functions of potassium (K) on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) are well documented by the information on the interaction between K and plant growth regulators is lacking. The main objective of this study is to explore the correlation between K and the most commonly used plant regulator, trinexapac-ethyl (TE, Primo) on creeping bentgrass performance. A factorial, 3 x 2 randomized complete block design was implemented for this study under greenhouse conditions using lysimeters (40 cm depth and 15 cm in diameter) with a root zone mix constructed as USGA putting green specification. 'L-93' creeping bentgrass was transplanted to the lysimeters as washed sod from a research green established in 2002 at Clemson University, South Carolina. Treatments include three annual K rates of 0, 97.2, and 194.4kg K ha-1 applied biweekly and trinexapac-ethyl (Primo Max, 1 EC) were applied by using a specialized spraying chamber. The turf was maintained similar to collection for this study comprised of turf quality ratings, clipping and root yields, and nutrient analysis. The first year results showed no differences in turf quality based on 1 to 9 scale (in where 9 = perfect turf and 1 = dead turf). All turf quality readings averaged 6 or above. Additionally, the treatment under 0 kg K ha-1 significantly reduced clipping yield at on of two clipping samplings collected. As being reported by other studies, TE reduced clipping yields throughout the study. The results of two years to the study will be addressed.
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