Seasonal Cultural Management Practices for Aging Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Greens in the Subtropics: II. Mechanical Practices of Topdressing and Verticut Frequency

To provide optimum playing surfaces, many golf courses have utilized ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars [Cynodon transvaalensis (L.) Pers. × Cynodon dactylon (Burtt-Davy)] for greens although little is known about regionally defined cultural management. A 4-yr experiment was conducted in South Florida, USA, on a United States Golf Association specified green to examine the effect of topdressing and vertical mowing frequency on ultradwarf bermudgrass cultivars ‘Champion’, ‘TifEagle’, and ‘FloraDwarf’ for primarily quality, growth, tissue nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), and ball roll distance. Weekly topdressing during the wet season enhanced quality and reduced the presence of disease-like symptoms. TifEagle increased above ground growth when topdressed weekly compared to Champion and FloraDwarf. As the green aged, however, topdressing bi-weekly during dry season months became important for maintaining quality. Influence of vertical mowing on all observations and measurements were minimal and not consistent from season to season. Further long-term research is needed to determine how changing mechanical management on a seasonal basis can optimize ultradwarf bermudgrass for quality, vigor and performance.