HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Elkins, D. M. Articles by Briskovich, M. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Elkins, D. M. Articles by Briskovich, M. A. Agricola Articles by Elkins, D. M. Articles by Briskovich, M. A.

Effect of Chemical Growth Retardants on Turfgrass Morphology¹

Studies on chemical growth retardation of turfgrasses have often dealt with chemical effects on aerial parts with little or no attention devoted to root development, or to rhizome and tiller number. If a retardant is to be used for grass growth control, long-term effects on subterranean as well as aerial parts must be considered.

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the influence of 19 growth retardant treatments on several morphological growth parameters of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Most growth retardant treatments which caused aerial growth reductions also restricted root spread, volume, and dry weight. Some retardants also reduced tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass tiller number and bluegrass rhizome development.

The implications of these results are serious in terms of maintainance of long-term stand of vigorous turf. Growth retardants for turf must be developed which retard top growth without detrimentally affecting root, rhizome, or tiller development.

Key Words: Kentucky bluegrass • Poa pratensis L. • Rhizome development • Root development • Tall fescue • Festuca arundinacea Schreb. • Tillering

² Professor and former research assistants.

Received for publication July 31, 1976.