Kentucky
bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) (KBG) is a cool-season turfgrass species that
is commonly used in lawns and golf courses in the U.S. Tall fescue (Festuca
arundinacea Schreb.), another cool-season species, is also popular for use
in lawns and is sometimes used in golf course roughs. In some areas of the
U.S., these grasses are subjected to frequent drought which results in heat
and drought stress symptoms and irrigation is required in order to maintain
acceptable quality. Kentucky bluegrass commonly goes dormant during periods
of high temperature and drought. Tall fescue has good drought avoidance because
of its relatively deep rooting system but some turfgrass managers prefer the
finer texture and recuperative capacity that KBG offers.
New hybrid bluegrasses (HBG), which are genetic crosses between KBG and native Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.), have the appearance of KBG but may be able to withstand higher temperatures and extended drought without going dormant. In warm climates such as the southern United States, HBG may stay green all year long. Furthermore, HBG may use less water than other cool-season species while maintaining their green color. This is especially important given the increasing competition for water and the rising costs of irrigation.
Photo above: After one month at high temperatures in a growth chamber, the hybrid bluegrass (Thermal Blue; top row) showed superior heat resistance to tall fescue (Dynasty; middle row) and Kentucky bluegrass (Apollo; bottom row).
Publications from research at K-State.
Magazine and Newsletter Articles:
Comparison of performance of two hybrid bluegrasses with Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. 2006. Dale J. Bremer, Kemin Su, Steven J. Keeley, and Jack D. Fry. Golf Course Management 74 (12):78-82.
Texas bluegrass hybrids: The real deal for Kansas or is the jury still out? Dale Bremer. TurfNews, October, 2006.
Peer-Reviewed:
Su, K., D.J. Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2008. Rooting characteristics and photosynthesis of two hybrid bluegrasses, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue. Agronomy Journal (in press). Abstract
Su, K., D.J. Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2007. Effects of High Temperature and Drought on a Hybrid Bluegrass Compared with Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. Crop Science 47:2152-2161. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2006.12.0781
Bremer, D.J., K. Su, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2006. Performance in the Transition Zone of Two Hybrid Bluegrasses Compared with Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi: 10.1094/ATS-2006-0808-02-RS.
K-State Turfgrass Research Reports:
Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2007. Effects of High Temperature and Drought on a Hybrid Bluegrass Compared with Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. K-State Turfgrass Research Report of Progress 981.
Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2007. Effects of Drought on the Performance of Two Hybrid Bluegrasses, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Tall Fescue. K-State Turfgrass Research Report of Progress 981.
Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2007. Mowing Height and Drought Effects on a Texas Bluegrass Hybrid Compared with Kentucky Bluegrass. K-State Turfgrass Research Report of Progress 981.
Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2006. Root Lengths of Two Hybrid Bluegrasses, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Tall Fescue: A Greenhouse Study. K-State Turfgrass Research Report of Progress 962.
Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2006. Root Lengths of Two Hybrid Bluegrasses, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Tall Fescue: A Field Study. K-State Turfgrass Research Report of Progress 962.
Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2006. Membrane Lipid Composition and Heat Tolerance in Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and a Hybrid Bluegrass. K-State Turfgrass Research Report of Progress 962.
Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. 2005. Comparison of the heat and drought tolerances of a Texas bluegrass hybrid compared with Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue: A growth chamber study. K-State Turfgrass Research Report of Progress 946.
Posters:
High Temperature and Drought Effects of a Texas Bluegrass Hybrid Compared with Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. Presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSJ meetings in Seattle, WA, Oct 31-Nov 4, 2004. Won 3rd place in Graduate Student Competition!
Performance in the Transition Zone of Two Hybrid Bluegrasses, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Tall Fescue during Well-watered and Drought Conditions. Su, K., D.J Bremer, S.J. Keeley, and J.D. Fry. Presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSJ meetings in Indianapolis, IN, Nov 12-16, 2006.
