Turf Talk: Plant Growth Regulators

Plant growth regulators (PGR) are an essential tool in the management of ultradwarf bermudagrass greens, like ours here at The Oaks.  The ultradwarfs are such aggressive growers that without something to control/regulate growth, acceptable green speeds would be next to impossible to achieve.   In order to avoid a spring “flush” in growth this year, which usually leads to slow speeds, we began our PGR program earlier in the growing season.  This has allowed us to achieve acceptable speeds, but does come with some draw backs. 

PGR’s are known for their “bronzing” of the turf. When PGR use is initiated later in the season the bronzing only last 1-2 weeks. Since we started earlier, our bronzing period has been more prolonged. Different strands react to PGRs in different ways. Thus some strands have already passed the bronzing period, while others have not, which can make the appearance more pronounced. This will subside in the near future, and I assure you our greens are as healthy as you could ask for this time of year-evidenced by our roots being as deep as the cup cutter!

 

This article was submitted by John Fields, Golf Course Superintendent