Overseeding, N Rate and Traffic in Tifeagle Bermudagrass.

Hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) putting greens are often overseeded with a cool season species at the onset of fall dormancy.  Little is known about the impact of winter play on the overseed, or on the subsequent bermudagrass as it emerges from winter dormancy.  The objective of this research was to examine the combined and separate effects of overseeding, traffic and N rate on the performance of a hybrid bermudagrass putting green (cv 'Tifeagle') overseeded with Poa trivialis.   The two year study was conducted in Auburn, AL, with N rate (0, 0.5, 1 or 2 g N m^-2 month^-1) and overseed (yes or no) treatments arranged in a factorial design, with a split in traffic (yes or no).  Collected data included color, quality, clipping yield and N content, shoot density, golf ball roll, and rate of grass growth via prism measurement.  In general, highest color and quality were achieved at the highest N rate.  Traffic had the greatest effect on turf quality.  The presence of the overseed did not improve turf quality, either for the overseed or the bermudagrass.  The presence of the overseed significantly decreased bermudagrass shoot density.  The presence of the overseed did not prevent damage to the trafficked bermudagrass.