Mowing Height Influence On Carbohydrate Content of Buffalograss.

Total nonstructural carbohydrate determinations for turf-type buffalograss [Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.]  genotypes as influenced by mowing height (MH) have not been previously investigated.  The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of buffalograss genotype and mowing height on sugar and starch content throughout the growing season.  The study was initiated in June 2008 and conducted at the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass Research Facility at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center located near Mead, NE.  Soil type was a Tomek silty clay loam (fine montmorillonitic mesic Typic Agriudoll).  Female vegetative cultivars, Legacy and Prestige, along with selections NE2979 and NE2964 from the buffalograss breeding program at the University of Nebraska were used for this study.  The turfgrass was mowed at 1.6 cm and 5.0 cm.  Sugar and starch content data will be collected through November 2009.  Starch content was greatest in July for 2008 and June for 2009.  Sugar content was greatest in June for 2008 and 2009.  All genotypes exhibited similar sugar and starch content trends throughout the growing season.  Differences were observed among genotypes for sugar and starch content.  Mowing height did not influence sugar or starch content of buffalograss; however, seasonal trends and differences among genotypes were observed.