Fraise Mowing as a Spring Transition Aid. Issue 1 (29th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCauley, Raymond K.; Pinnix, Garland D.; Miller, Grady L.
• Is Part Of: Crop, forage & turfgrass management. Volume 5:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2019-08-29
• Subjects: Crop science -- Periodicals; Agronomy -- Periodicals; Forage -- Periodicals; Turf management -- Periodicals; Agronomy; Crop science; Forage; Turf management; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 633
• DOI: 10.2134/cftm2019.04.0025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-3832

Abstract

Abstract : Core Ideas: Fraise mowing can reduce perennial ryegrass cover in overseeded bermudagrass turf. More aggressive fraise mowing treatments had less ryegrass cover after treatment. June fraise mowing treatments produced a more consistent transition. Fraise mowing temporarily reduced bermudagrass cover and turf quality. Perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) often must be removed culturally or chemically from overseeded hybrid bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] in the spring. Fraise mowing has traditionally been used for shallow organic matter management. However, turfgrass managers are utilizing this novel cultural practice for additional uses including annual bluegrass ( Poa annua L.) removal in cool‐season turf. The objective of this study was to evaluate fraise mowing as a viable spring transition aid. Hybrid bermudagrass was overseeded with perennial ryegrass in the fall of 2016 and 2017. Fraise‐mowing treatments were made at three depths (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 inches) in May and June of 2017 and 2018. Perennial ryegrass‐cover, bermudagrass‐cover, and turfgrass quality (TQ) were assessed weekly after fraise mowing until late July each year. Intermediate and deep (0.5‐ and 0.75‐inch) fraise mow treatments in May reduced perennial ryegrass cover compared with the untreated control. All fraise‐mowing treatments performed in June resulted in decreased ryegrass cover. However, all treatments including untreated controls had no ryegrass present and ≥ 90% bermudagrass cover in late July of both years. Unacceptable TQ (<6) followed fraise mowing at all depths. Fraise‐mowing depth and timing impacted the duration of unacceptable TQ. The intermediate June fraise‐mowing treatment effectively removed perennial ryegrass and had unacceptable TQ for the shortest duration after treatment. Fraise mowing at 0.5‐ or 0.75‐inch depths provides turf managers with an effective cultural practice for removing perennial ryegrass from overseeded bermudagrass.