Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) Perennial Rye, Seeded Couch and Tall Fescue evaluation Trials

Transcription

1 Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) Perennial Rye, Seeded Couch and Tall Fescue evaluation Trials Bruce Davies Canberra Institute of Technology Project Number: TU00006

2 TU00006 This report is published by Ltd to pass on information concerning horticultural research and development undertaken for the turf industry. The research contained in this report was funded by Ltd with the financial support of Turfgrass Association of Australia. All expressions of opinion are not to be regarded as expressing the opinion of Ltd or any authority of the Australian Government. The Company and the Australian Government accept no responsibility for any of the opinions or the accuracy of the information contained in this report and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their own interests. ISBN Published and distributed by: Horticultural Australia Ltd Level 1 50 Carrington Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) Fax: (02) horticulture@horticulture.com.au Copyright 2003

3 Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) And Final Milestone Report Rye grass, Tall Fescue and Seeded Couch Seed Trial September 2000 April 2003 Project Number TU00006

4 Table of Contents 1. Media Summary 2. Project Background 3.0 Establishment Stage (rye and tall fescue varieties) 3.1 Schedule of Events 3.2 Establishment Evaluation Data 3.3 Rye grass coverage data 3.4 Tall Fescue Coverage Data 3.5 Rye grass Establishment Data 3.6 Tall fescue establishment data 3.7 Discussion 4.0 Mature stage 4.1 Mature stage Evaluation Data 4.2 Rye grass colour data 4.3 Tall Fescue Colour data 4.4 Rye grass density data 4.5 Tall Fescue density data 4.6 Fescue seasonal growth data 5.0 Seeded Couch Trials 5.1 Establishment Data 5.2 Percentage cover data 5.3 Seeded Couch Colour data 5.4 Seeded Couch Density data 6.0 Acknowledgments

5 1.0 Media Summary The ACT Turfgrass Association of Australia conducted a Rye, Tall Fescue and Seeded Couch trial to determine the best varieties for turf use during various seasons of the year. Canberra has a wide temperature variation between the seasons, ranging from maximums of 35 degrees Celsius in the summer to minimums of 6 degrees in the winter. The local turf industry can utilise the data from this trial to improve variety selection for the ACT and Southern Tablelands region. The trial was conducted over a two-year period from September 2000 April The grass varieties were sown in a triplicated random block design, with individual plots being 1.2m by 1.2m in size. The trial plots were evaluated monthly against the following criteria: Colour, Density and Shredability. Seasonal growth was evaluated once during each season. The data in the final report is to be used by individuals in order to select the best variety for their purpose. Each data table has been given a statistical Least Significant Difference (LSD) figure, which indicates the varieties that are so simular, that they are considered to have the same rating. E.g. varieties of Rye that have a rating between 5 and 7 are considered equal if the LSD is 2.0. The TGAA ACT did not ever intend on having a variety that is recommended as the best variety. Each variety has superior characteristics at different times of the year. Each variety attracts a different retail price to the consumer as well. It is therefore recommended that turf managers select a variety that will best suit their purpose based on cost and seasonal characteristics. For example, a turf manager with a healthy budget and a need for high quality turf during the winter football season would evaluate the data and make a selection based on those varieties that perform best in the winter. On the other hand, a turf manager from a town council that has a restricted budget would evaluate the data and select a variety that is inexpensive and performs best all throughout the year or during a particular season. Copies of this trial data is available on

6 2.0 Project Background This trial project was conducted by the Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) and. The purpose of the trial is to collect data over a period of two years on triplicated trial plots of Rye, Tall Fescue and Seeded Couch grass varieties. The Turfgrass Association of Australia has a membership of approximately 800 members across Australia. It is an association for professional greenkeepers from golf clubs, bowling greens, sports fields, contractors, significant landscapes and anyone with an interest in turf. The members of the Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) have been particularly interested in conducting such a trial as the data from the trial will be a valuable source of information when selecting seed varieties best suited to their requirements. Trials have recently been conducted in Melbourne and Sydney (Austep) however the ACT and southern tablelands region experiences extreme Winter and Summer temperatures which aren t experienced at the Austep trial sites. This report is based on data collected over a two year period. The plots were affected by fire damage from the severe fires in Canberra on January 18 th This cut the trial evaluation short by three months. Data was not collected in January, February and March Establishment stage The Rye grass and Tall Fescue varieties were sown on the 25 th September The seeded couch varieties were sown in mid December 2000 (this is when soil temperatures will be around 18 degrees Centigrade) and the establishment data of the couch is included in this report. Each variety has been replicated three times and location of each variety trialed was selected by a random number selection. The Rye varieties were sown at 30 grams/metre and the tall fescue was sown at 40grams/metre. Three evaluations, based on the establishment of the plots, have taken place since the sowing of the plots on the 25 th September The evaluation dates were the 20 th October, 15 th November and the 8 th December The data collected during the establishment stage has been based on the following criterion; 1. Seedling vigour (based on plant health, vigour and height) 2. Overall coverage (the maturity and tillering stage of each variety) The first criterion was rated on a scale of 1-9 (1= poor, 9= excellent) and each individual plot was given a score. The second criterion was rated as a percentage of overall grass cover in the plot.

7 The three plots for each variety were then averaged out which gave a total score. The total scores for each evaluation day have been averaged to give an overall score for each variety. 3.1 Schedule of Events September 25 th October 2000 October 20 th 2000 November 15 th 2000 Sowing of the submitted Rye grass and Tall Fescue varieties. Approval from for funding First evaluation Second Evaluation December 8 th 2000 Third evaluation Since the sowing of the plots, a couple of problems had arisen. These problems were rectified, however it is important to be aware of these problems. 1. Canberra had experienced an extremely wet spring with November rainfall being double the monthly average. The day after the plots were sown, we experienced a huge thunderstorm with approximately 20mm of precipitation over a two-hour period. This caused some of the seed to wash within the plot, which had an affect on the total plot coverage. Data recorded over the three evaluation days, for this report, was collected with this problem taken into account. The plots were topped up with seed to improve the coverage over the plot. 2. One of the varieties submitted did not germinate over the triplicate plots. The variety is a Tall Fescue called Plantation, which was submitted by Williams Seeds. This was the only variety that did not germinate and because it occurred for the one variety, and over the three plots for this variety, we conclude that the problem lies with the viability of the seed rather than a problem with the trial site. After discussions with Ben Coombe of Williams Seeds, he agreed to send down some more Plantation seed for sowing in March The last problem we encountered was an outbreak of summer grass. The site appeared to be clean of weeds at the time of sowing. During the establishment period, summer grass became apparent and was growing across the whole site. Chemical control is possible using Dimension before the plant has reached a fourtiller stage. Dimension will kill young seedlings. A decision was made to wait until the seedlings reached a more mature stage and then spray with Dimension. The whole site was sprayed with Dimension at the recommended rate of 7 Litres/Ha.

8 3.2 Establishment Evaluation Data The following data was collected on the first evaluation only. Each of the three plots for each variety was evaluated and an average score was calculated. The scores are outlined in the table on the next page. The score is given as a percentage of cover over the trial plots. The data on the following page is for the Tall Fescue varieties and the methodology remains the same. ESTABLISHMENT STAGE 3.3 Rye Grass Coverage Data Assessment Date: 20 th October Variety Code Coverage (%) Premier 2 R SR4100 R Sonata R Tophat R Pleasure R Arena R Edge R R Assure R Quickstart R Ascend R SR4330 R SR4200 R Barlennium R Divine R Checkmate R Allsport R Racer R Calypso 2 R Catalina R Endurance R Majesty R Least Significant Value (LSD) (0.05) = no least significant difference

9 3.4 Tall Fescue Coverage Data ESTABLISHMENT STAGE Assessment Date: 20 th October Variety Code Coverage (%) Matador F Torpedo F Mustang 2 F Houndog 5 F Crossfire 2 F SR8600 F SR 8500 F Ninja F Millennium F Anthem 2 F Barlexus F Statesman F Tracer F Aventi F Duster F Plantation F Least Significant Differences (LSD) (0.05) = 22.2% The plantation plots were so poor in comparison to the rest; we decided to resow this variety with new seed submitted.

10 3.5 Rye Grass Establishment Data ESTABLISHMENT STAGE Assessment Dates: 20 th October, 15 th November, 8 th December Variety Code Score Endurance R SR4100 R PG901 R Tophat R Arena R Catalina R SR4200 R Calypso 2 R Premier 2 R Edge R Pleasure R Assure R Checkmate R Quickstart R Barlennium R Sonata R Divine R Ascend R SR4330 R Racer R Allsport R Majesty R Least Significant Difference (LSD) (0.05) = 1.0

11 ESTABLISHMENT STAGE 3.6 Tall Fescue Establishment Data Assessment Dates: 10 th October, 15 th November, 8 th December Variety Code Score Torpedo F Matador F Anthem 2 F Mustang 2 F Houndog 5 F Aventi F SR8600 F Barlexus F Statesman F Ninja F Millenium F Crossfire 2 F SR8500 F Duster F Plantation F Least Significant Difference (LSD) (0.05) = Discussion The Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) has been determined to rate the different varieties against each evaluation criterion. The selection criterion for this establishment stage is explained in section 2.0. The purpose of this trial data is to allow the end user to select appropriate species and varieties for their individual requirements. For this reason, the Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) will not be recommending one overall variety at the end of the trial. The varieties will be rated on each evaluation criteria.

12 4.0 MATURE STAGE 4.1 Mature stage evaluation data The plots were evaluated during 2001, 2002 as mature plots. The first evaluation was to take place in January 2001, however, due to the pre emergent effect of Dimension and the loss of the undesired summer grass, some of the plots required some additional seed where the summer grass was growing. This seed was not mature enough to evaluate until April and so the January, February and March evaluations were to be added on in Due to the January bushfires in Canberra, some of the plots were scorched beyond an acceptable level for evaluation purposes. This meant that the evaluation period finished in November Plots were evaluated against the following criterion: Turf colour. A score shall be made from 0 to 9 from light green to dark green as follows: (1,2) Yellow green (3,4) Light green (5,6) Intermediate green (7,8) Dark green (9) Dark shiny green Turf density. A visual score of the number of living plants per unit area (excluding damaged areas) where 0 (bare ground visible) to 9 (very dense). Cut ability and shredding. A visual score of how cleanly the sward cuts where; 5 = severe shredding that creates a white colored turf, to 0 = no significant shredding apparent. Incidence of insect pests, disease and weed invasion. This involves: -Positive identification of the pest(s). -Estimation of the total area (%) of pest/disease damage or area (%) taken up by weeds. -Determining whether the affected areas are localised patches or are uniformly spread throughout the plot. The incidence and type of disease including rust and insect pests should be assessed any time they are observed, and separately assessed where more than one occurs.

13 Colour and density was recorded each month and shred ability, disease pests and weeds were reported on as they were noticed. The data listed on the following pages, is set out based on the criterion mentioned above. Shred ability The incidence of shredding was recorded on one evaluation day and was evident amongst several varieties. As this occurred on one occasion, the evaluation committee decided it might have been due to blunt mower blades.

14 MATURE STAGE 4.2 Rye grass colour data Code overall total Variety 6th April th May th June th August th September th October 2001 R Barlennium R Premier R Ascend R allsport R R Calypso R Catalina R Sonata R Racer R Majesty R Checkmate R Top Hat R Edge R SR R Divine R Assure R SR R Pleasure R Quickstart R SR R Arena R Endurance LSD = 0.5 6th December st January st March th April th May st June nd August th September st November th November 2002

15 4.3 Tall Fescue Colour Data MATURE STAGE Code Total average Variety 6th April th May th June th August th September th October th December st January st March th April th May st June nd August th September st November th November 2002 F Matador F Plantation F Barlexus F Anthem F Duster F Houndog F SR F Tracer F Millenium F SR F Aventi F Ninja F Mustang F Crossfire F Torpedo F Statesman LSD = 0.6

16 MATURE STAGE 4.4 Rye grass Density data Code Total average Variety 6th April th May th June th August th September th October 2001 R Sonata R Top Hat R Premier R Assure R SR R Calypso R R Arena R Edge R Ascend R Catalina R SR R SR R Pleasure R Racer R Quickstart R Checkmate R Barlennium R Divine R allsport R Majesty R Endurance LSD = 0.8 6th December st January st March th April th May st June nd August th September st November th November 2002

17 MATURE STAGE 4.5 Fescue Density Data Code Total averages Variety 6th April th May th June th August th September th October th December st January st March th April th May st June nd August th September st November th November 2002 F SR F Aventi F Plantation F Anthem F Mustang F Houndog F Statesman F Barlexus F Crossfire F Ninja F SR F Duster F Matador F Torpedo F Millenium F Tracer LSD = 0.8

18 5.0 Seeded Couch Trials 5.1 Establishment data. The couch plots were sown in December The couch plots were evaluated during the establishment stage for % cover of each plot. They were then evaluated for colour, density, shreddability and disease pests and weeds. 5.2 Percentage Coverage Data Assessment Dates; 15 th February, 15 th March Variety Code Score Mirage C % Mohawk C137 60% Primo C % Shangrilla C141 50% Blue Muda C139 50% Sydney C % Princess C138 40% Majestic C %

19 Seeded Couch Plots 5.3 Colour Data Code Total averages Variety 18th May th June th August th September th October th December st January st March th April th May st June nd August th September st November th November 2002 C Princess C Mirage C Majestic C Sydney C Shangrila C Primo C Mohawk C blue muda NS

20 Horticulture Research Development Corporation 5.4 Density Data Seeded Couch Plots Code total averages Variety 18th May th June th August th September th October th December st January st March th April th May st June nd August th September st November th November 2002 C Princess C Mirage C blue muda C Sydney C Primo C Mohawk C Shangrila C Majestic LSD = 1.0 1

21 Horticulture Research Development Corporation 2

22 Horticulture Research Development Corporation 3

23 Horticulture Research Development Corporation Acknowledgements: Project Management Team Project Leader Administrator Bruce Davies Paul Janssens Trial Evaluators Mr Bruce Davies Canberra Institute of Technology Mr Keith McIntyre Horticultural Engineering Mr John Lloyd Parliament House, Canberra Mr John Clarke ACT Department of Urban Services Mr Paul Janssens Australian National Botanic Gardens 4

24 Horticulture Research Development Corporation The Turfgrass Association of Australia (ACT Incorporated) would like to acknowledge the support from the following organisations; HRDC Chemturf Clean Seeds Globe Australia Heritage Seeds Pyne Gould Guiness Scotts Australia Turf and Irrigation Supplies Valley Seeds Williams Seeds Wrightson Seeds Canberra Institute of Technology Australian Sports Commission Yowani Country Club Tuggeranong Valley Rugby Union Club Canberra North Bowling Club ACT Racing Club Federal Golf Club Canturf ACT Bureau of Sport and Recreation ACT Department of Urban Services Joint House Department Ainslie Football Club Queanbeyan Bowling Club 5

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