Life Sciences Commons^™

Aerification Effects On ‘Innovation’ Zoysiagrass In 2020–2022, Dani Mcfadden, Jack D. Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When a thatch layer accumulates on turfgrass it can be detrimental to the stand. A field experiment was initiated to investigate aerification treatments and their influence on thatch (organic matter level), quality, and color of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass that was sodded within the past year. Turfgrass that was intensely aerified had less organic matter content in the surface inch of the profile compared to turfgrass that was not aerified. Color was also enhanced in treatments receiving aerification compared to non-aerified turf, which may have been attributed to the trending higher nitrate content in aerified plots. Moderately aerified turf significantly increased rooting …

2019 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Bermudagrass Test: 2022 Data, Linda R. Parsons, Jason Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas represents the northernmost region in the central United States where bermudagrass (Cynodonspp.) can be successfully grown as a perennial turfgrass. Historically, few cultivars that have both acceptable quality and adequate cold tolerance have been available to local growers. Because new introductions are continually being selected for improved hardiness and quality, both seeded and vegetative types need regular evaluation to determine their long-range suitability for use in Kansas.

2021-2022 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Cannabidiol (Cbd) Research Report, Jason Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties of Cannabis sativa L. that produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The crop is globally significant, but only recently was allowed to be grown once again in the United States. Varieties have been selected and are currently grown with a wide cannabinoid profile. Cannabi­noids are of high interest for their putative medical and therapeutic role in humans and companion pets. Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are the two cannabinoids of primary interest. THC is of interest because it determines whether the final product is consid­ered hemp (0.3% THC). CBD is …

Herbicide Effects On Establishment Of Zoysiagrass From Sprigs In Two Consecutive Years, Dani Mcfadden, Jack D. Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Weed control after planting warm-season grasses in the spring can be critical for acceptable establishment of the stand. However, many herbicide labels can be unclear on sprigging restrictions before or after the application of a product. Research was conducted on the growth effects of pre- and postemergence herbicides applied at or near the day of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass sprigging. Preliminary data from this study showed granular (Ronstar G) and liquid (Ronstar Flo) formulations of oxadiazon caused the least amount of injury to zoysiagrass.

Effects Of Glyphosate Applied At Different Times On Dormant Zoysiagrass Cultivars In The Transition Zone, Dani Mcfadden, Jack D. Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Winter annual weeds become a major problem during winter dormancy in warm-season turfgrass stands. In the transition zone, a winter glyphosate application is a common practice to reduce winter annual weed competition in zoysiagrass before emerging from dormancy in the spring. Research was conducted on the effects of glyphosate application timings on spring greenup and quality of experimental zoysiagrass genotypes compared to commercially available cultivars. Preliminary data from this study revealed a quicker spring greenup when glyphosate was applied in November compared to March. However, March-applied glyphosate significantly reduced cool-season weeds in experimental plots and enhanced quality compared to the …

Identifying Herbicides For Use During Zoysiagrass Sprigging, Dani Mcfadden, Jack D. Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Weed control after planting warm-season grasses in the spring can be critical for acceptable establishment of the stand. However, many herbicide labels can be unclear on sprigging restrictions before or after the application of a product. Research was conducted on the growth effects of pre- and postemergence herbicides applied at or near the day of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass sprigging. Preliminary data from this study shows granular (Ronstar G) and liquid (Ronstar Flo) formulations of oxadiazon caused the least amount of injury to zoysiagrass.

Tall Fescue Performance Under Low Maintenance Conditions In The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Test, Jack D. Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) Tall Fescue Test was planted in 2018 at the Kansas State University Olathe Horticulture Center, Olathe, KS. Differences have been observed among entries maintained under low maintenance conditions.

Aerification Effects On ‘Innovation’ Zoysiagrass In 2020-2021, Dani Mcfadden, Jack D. Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When a thatch layer accumulates on turfgrass it can be detrimental to the stand. A field experiment was initiated to investigate aerification treatments and their influence on thatch (organic matter level), quality, and color of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass that was sodded within the past year. Turfgrass that was intensely aerified had less organic matter content in the surface inch of the profile compared to turfgrass that was not aerified. Color was also enhanced in treatments receiving aerification compared to non-aerified turf, which may have been attributed to trending of higher nitrate content in aerified plots.

Comparing Zoysia Experimental Genotypes Developed By Kansas State University, Texas A&M, And Purdue To Meyer In The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Test, Jack D. Fry, Dani Mcfadden

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) Zoysia Test was planted in 2019 at the Kansas State University Olathe Horticulture Center, Olathe, KS. Since planting, three experimental genotypes developed at Kansas State University (with cooperators noted below) have outperformed ‘Meyer’ in establishment rate, turf quality, drought tolerance, and fall color. Earlier research has demonstrated large patch tolerance in all three experimental genotypes.

Establishing Seeded Tall Fescue With Covers And Drip Irrigation Methods, Alex P. Bach, Dale J. Bremer, Cathie C. Lavis, Steven J. Keeley, Mu Hong

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The use of covers may improve establishment of seeded turfgrass but their use in combination with drip irrigation techniques has not been evaluated. We investigated the effects of two cover types and three irrigation methods on establishment of seeded tall fescue turfgrass. For spring seeding of tall fescue[Schedonorus arundinaceus(Schreb.) Dumort.], turf establishment was successful with subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) and aboveground drip irrigation (AGD) in fine textured soil in the transition zone. With SDI, AGD, or sprinkler irrigation, both polyester mesh (Poly) and straw blanket (Straw) covers improved turf establishment in the order of Poly>Straw>No Cover, …

Effects Of Drip Irrigation And Cultivation Methods On Establishment Of Seeded Tall Fescue, Alex P. Bach, Dale J. Bremer, Cathie C. Lavis, Steven J. Keeley, Mu Hong

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is becoming increasingly popular for maintaining turfgrass, in part because it conserves water. However, turf managers considering SDI may wonder if SDI is effective in establishing seeded turfgrass, should the need arise. Also, can verticutting or core aeration be used to establish the seedbed without damaging the buried driplines? Is one of those two cultivation methods better than the other? These questions were evaluated in this study. An aboveground drip irrigation system (AGD) was also evaluated because it has been suggested as a portable method for establishing turfgrass planted along roadsides.

Results indicated seeded tall fescue …

Simulation Of Nitrous Oxide Emissions In Zoysia Turfgrass Using Daycent And Dndc Ecosystem Models, Mu Hong, Yao Zhang, Ross Braun, Dale J. Bremer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is an important greenhouse gas (GHG) implicated in global climate change. Process-based ecosystem models, such as DAYCENT and DNDC, have been widely used to predict GHG fluxes in agricultural systems. However, neither model has yet been applied to warm-season turfgrasses such as zoysiagrass. This study parameterized, calibrated, and validated the DAYCENT and DNDC models for N₂O emissions from Meyer zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonicaSteud.) using Bayes’ theorem and field data from Braun and Bremer (2018a, 2019) and Lewis and Bremer (2013). Results indicated DAYCENT, but not DNDC, reasonably simulated the impacts of irrigation …

2021 Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Trial, Dani Mcfadden, Jack D. Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferaL.) is the most common cool-season grass used for putting surfaces in Kansas and other temperate regions of the world. Fine-textured and high-density cultivars (‘Penn A-1’, ‘Penn A-2’, and ‘Penn A-4’) released in the late 1990s are widely accepted throughout the transition zone. However, new cultivars with attractive characteristics continue to be selected, evaluated, and introduced to determine their long-term suitability for Kansas.

Influence Of Herbicides And Irrigation On Tall Fescue Shoot And Root Growth, Dani Mcfadden, Jack Fry, Steve Keeley, Jared Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When turfgrass stands are under renovation, a common problem is removing weeds prior to seeding because seedling turf does not emerge and compete well with weeds that are present. However, most herbicide labels recommend waiting for a defined period of time prior to seeding. If seeding is done prior to the date prescribed on the herbicide label, seed germination and seedling growth may be inhibited. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of irrigation prior to seeding on seedling growth after herbicide application. Overall, irrigation had no influence on the impact of herbicides on shoot or root growth …

Emergence And Growth Of Tall Fescue Seedlings After Postemergence Broadleaf Herbicide Application, Dani Mcfadden, Jack Fry, Steve Keeley

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Effective weed control prior to seeding is essential for proper turfgrass establishment since competition from weeds can cause sward establishment to fail. Herbicides with multiple active ingredients from different chemical families could increase weed control efficacy, but hinder the establishment of newly seeded turf. Research trials were initiated in the fall of 2020 in Olathe and Manhattan, KS, to determine if tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) could be seeded earlier after application than stated on the herbicide labels. Overall, this study demonstrated that seeding between 0 to 14 days after an application of carfentrazone-ethyl + MCPP + 2,4-D + …

Selection Of New Zoysiagrass Genotypes For Golf Course Fairways, Greens, And Tees In The Upper Transition Zone, Manoj Chhetri, Jack Fry, Megan Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A set of 70 experimental zoysiagrass genotypes along with three standards, ‘Meyer,' ‘Innovation,' and ‘KSUZ 1201,' were evaluated for turf performance in the northern transition zone. The genotypes were previously selected from a set of 935 progeny that resulted from pairwise crossings of cold-hardy zoysiagrass parents with fine-textured, under-utilized zoysiagrasses. All 70 progeny survived the winter of 2019–2020 and thus were evaluated based on their turf performance. The preference of selection was based first upon spring green up ratings, followed by leaf texture (finer preferred), vigor, turf quality, and wilt during dry down. A total of 20 best progeny were …

Performance Of Kansas State University’S Cold And Large Patch-Tolerant Zoysiagrasses In The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Test, Jack Fry, Manoj Chhetri

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) Zoysia Test was planted in 2019 at the Kansas State University Olathe Horticulture Center, Olathe, KS. Since planting, three experimental genotypes developed at K-State (with cooperators noted below) have outperformed ‘Meyer’ in establishment rate, turf quality, drought tolerance, and fall color. Earlier research has demonstrated large patch tolerance in all three experimental genotypes.

Aerification Effects On ‘Innovation’ Zoysiagrass Thatch And Quality, Jack Fry, Dani Mcfadden

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When a thatch layer accumulates on turfgrass it can be detrimental to the stand. A field experiment was initiated to investigate aerification treatments and their influence on organic matter, quality, and color of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass that was sodded within the past year. Turfgrass that was intensely aerified had less organic matter content in the surface inch of the profile compared to turfgrass that was not aerified. Color was also enhanced in treatments receiving aerification compared to nonaerified turf, which may have been attributed to trending of higher nitrate content in aerified plots.

Using Ethephon For Seedhead Suppression Of ‘Innovation’ Zoysiagrass, Manoj Chhetri, Jack Fry, Megan Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The performance of ethephon (Proxy) on seedhead suppression of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass was evaluated during the 2019–2020 growing season in Manhattan, KS. Treatments evaluated Proxy applied in a single autumn application at 5 fl. oz./1,000 ft²on multiple dates between August 28 and November 26, 2019. Seedhead suppression ranged from 15% (application on November 1) to 82% (applied on September 4). Dates between September 4 and October 3 were the optimum application window for ethephon application on Innovation zoysiagrass as seedhead suppression was at least 62% with minimal turf injury occurring.

2019 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Bermudagrass Test: 2019–2020 Data, Linda Parsons, Jason Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas represents the northernmost region in the central United States where bermudagrass (Cynodonspp.) can be successfully grown as a perennial turfgrass. Historically, few cultivars that have both acceptable quality and adequate cold tolerance have been available to local growers. Because new introductions are continually being selected for improved hardiness and quality, both seeded and vegetative types need regular evaluation to determine their long-range suitability for use in Kansas.

2020 K-State Industrial Hemp Cbd Variety Trial, Jason Griffin, Clint Wilson, Tami Myers

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties ofCannabis sativaL. that produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The crop is globally significant, but only recently was allowed to be grown once again in the United States. Varieties have been selected and are currently grown with a wide cannabinoid profile. Cannabinoids are of high interest for their putative medical and therapeutic role in humans and companion pets. Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are the two cannabinoids of primary interest. THC is of interest because it determines whether the final product is considered hemp (0.3% THC). CBD is …

Laboratory Calibration Of The Spectrum Field Scout Tdr 300, W. Dyer, D. Bremer, P. Rossini, M. Stone, A. Patrignani

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil moisture sensors (SMSs) are a useful tool that aid in data-driven water management decisions. However, default factory calibrations can be inaccurate and soil-specific calibrations are often required to obtain higher accuracy in the determination of soil water storage and plant available water. In this study, we conducted a lab calibration for the Field Scout TDR 300, which is a popular SMS used in the turfgrass industry. Five soils of different soil textural classes were packed in containers with known soil moisture for the laboratory calibration. The logarithmic model best fit the data for the course- and fine-textured soils, with …

Testing Label Restrictions On Seeding Timings Of Tall Fescue And Kentucky Bluegrass After Herbicide Application, Dani Mcfadden, Jared Hoyle, Steve Keeley, Zane Raudenbush

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

During a lawn renovation, weeds are often a major problem because they grow more aggressively than seedling turf. Turfgrass seedlings need starter fertilizer and plenty of water for proper establishment, which makes an ideal environment for weeds to thrive as well. With current herbicide label restrictions, there are limited weed control strategies during the critical establishment period. Research trials were initiated in the fall of 2019 in Manhattan, KS, to determine if tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) could be seeded into a stand at different intervals after herbicide application before restrictions on …

Identification Of Cold-Hardy Zoysiagrass Genotypes For Tees And Greens In The Upper Transition Zone, Manoj Chhetri, Jack Fry, Megan Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Since the summer of 2017, 1,376 experimental zoysiagrass genotypes have been evaluated for winter survival in Olathe, KS, in an attempt to identify high quality, fine-textured types that survive in Kansas. After planting 458 progeny in the field in August 2017, only 17 experimental progeny survived when evaluated in spring 2018 (4%). In 2018, those 17 survivors were included with a new planting of 918 experimental progeny. In spring 2019, it was determined that 70 genotypes survived (8%). The 70 surviving progeny were transferred to a new, adjacent plot area in June 2019 and they varied in leaf texture (3.0 …

Water Savings And ‘Innovation’ Zoysiagrass Quality In Response To Irrigation Strategy, Manoj Chhetri, Jack Fry, Megan Kennelly, Dale Bremer, Jared Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Performance of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass was evaluated under four irrigation regimes: a) routine irrigation (1.2 inches weekly); b) evapotranspiration (ET)-based irriga­tion (60% of estimated ET); c) soil water sensor (SWS)-based irrigation; and d) no irrigation. The SWS-based irrigation method reduced water application by 72% and 56%, respectively, compared to routine or ET-based irrigation. Visual turf quality of turf receiving SWS-based irrigation remained above the minimal acceptable level throughout the study. Innovation zoysiagrass sustained acceptable quality for more than 21 days with no irrigation, and nonirrigated turf recovered fully within four weeks after irrigation treatments ceased and turf was well irrigated. Soil …

2019 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Cbd Variety Trial, Jason Griffin, Michael J. Shelton, Clint Wilson, Tami Myers

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties ofCannabissativaL. that produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The crop is globally significant, but only recently allowed to be grown again in the United States. Varieties have been selected and are currently grown with a wide range of cannabinoid profiles. Cannabinoids are of interest for their putative medical and therapeutic role in humans and pets. Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are the two cannabinoids of primary interest. THC is of interest because it determines whether the final product is considered hemp (0.3% THC). CBD is of interest …

Water Requirements Of ‘Meyer’ Zoysiagrass For Survival And Recovery After Prolonged Drought, Mu Hong, Dale Bremer, Steve Keeley

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Water restrictions on irrigation are generally not science-based and may cause irreversible damage to turfgrass or inadvertently waste water. The objectives of our study were to evaluate effects of minimum water applications to ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonicaSteud.) on 1) turfgrass performance during prolonged dry downs; and 2) survival and recovery thereafter. Zoysiagrass was watered with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% reference evapotranspiration (ET) replacement for two months in two consecutive summers under an automated rainout shelter (excluded all rainfall) near Manhattan, KS. Results indicated that irrigation at 20 to 30% ET slowed the decline in …

2019 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Bermudagrass Test: Establishment Data, Linda Parsons, Jason J. Griffin, Michael J. Shelton

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas represents the northernmost region in the central United States where ber­mudagrass (Cynodonspp.) can be successfully grown as a perennial turfgrass. His­torically, few cultivars that have both acceptable quality and adequate cold tolerance have been available to local growers. Because new introductions are continually being selected for improved hardiness and quality, both seeded and vegetative types need regular evaluation to determine their long-range suitability for use in Kansas.

Evaluation Of Selected Large Patch-Tolerant Zoysia Spp. For Performance In Kansas, Manoj Chhetri, Jack Fry, Megan Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Turf quality characteristics and large patch incidence of ten selected experimental zoysiagrass genotypes were evaluated during the 2018–2019 growing season in Manhattan, KS, and establishment rate of the same ten was evaluated in Olathe, KS. Although plots were inoculated withRhizoctonia solani(AG 2-2 LP) in September 2018 in Manhattan, no large patch occurred. However, the genotypes showed vari­ability in turf performance measured by turf quality, spring greenup, fall color reten­tion, and genetic color. In Olathe, KS, at Shadow Glen Golf Club, the ten genotypes were planted on June 17, 2019. The range in visual ground coverage on September 27, …

2019 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Dual-Purpose And Fiber Trial, Jason Griffin, Kraig Roozeboom, Lucas Haag, Michael Shelton, Clint Wilson, Tami Myers

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties ofCannabis sativaL. that produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The crop is globally significant, but only recently allowed to be grown again in the United States. Varieties that have numerous industrial uses have been selected for improved fiber and grain production. However, there is no information available regarding adaptability or production of these varieties in Kansas.

In 2019, Kansans were allowed to apply for research licenses to grow industrial hemp. It was assumed the crop would grow well throughout Kansas since there are wild remnant populations of …