Crop Talk
Harvest is in full swing. Most of the fawn tall fescue is in and farmers are now working on orchardgrass and gulf annual ryegrass. From information we have gathered, it appears that all three of these crops are yielding close to average . For example, one 50 acre field of gulf ryegrass yielded right on the previous 4 year average; 3% above the previous 3 year average; and 2% below the previous 7 year average (the seven year average includes the 1999 bumper crop). Most of the annual ryegrasses are yet to be harvested and cutting has begun on turf tall fescues and perennial ryegrasses. As always, we welcome your calls and look forward to sharing information and answering any questions.
The Latest NTEP Data for Perennial Ryegrasses is Out
The NTEP (National Turfgrass Evaluation Program) has just published the latest data from the 1999 Perennial Ryegrass planting. This is the 4th and last year of the trial. Below are some observations about our three entries.
For a complete copy of the NTEP’s report, visit www.ntep.org.
Nexus
Nexus’ natural dark green color consistently helped it rate at or near the top of color ratings for the entire period, confirming Nexus as one of the darkest varieties currently available. Not surprising, Nexus also had high winter color ratings. Nexus showed very good quality overall and fine leaf texture. Density ratings for Nexus were always high, and especially high for the summer months. One location rated winter kill this year; and, although all the entries had severe damage, Nexus was amongst the hardier varieties. Regarding diseases, Nexus showed strong and steady resistance to leaf spot, stem rust, dollar spot, snow mold, pink patch and brown patch. It’s ability to fight back crabgrass and respond to traffic are worth noting as well. States that Nexus performed particularly well in include CA, IA, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MO, NY, RI, SD, and UT.
Paradigm
Like Nexus, Paradigm had very consistent turf quality scores. Paradigm is lighter in color than Nexus, but still a very attractive green. One of the most notable features Paradigm brings to end-users is an increased level of gray leaf spot resistance. In three years of trial data, Paradigm rated statistically equal with the highest rating given for gray leaf spot resistance during each of the three years. Density ratings for Paradigm have always been high, especially the spring ratings, as have the ground coverage numbers. Fall ground coverage was impressively high every year, indicating that Paradigm has great recovery from summer stresses. Winter kill survivability was equal to Nexus and the rest of the leading ryegrasses. As far as stress and disease resistance, note Paradigm’s strong showings in drought tolerance, stem rust, dollar spot, snow mold, brown patch, pink patch, and resistance to poa annua and crabgrass. Paradigm also did really well in traffic tolerance trials at Missouri. States that Paradigm performed particularly well in include CA, IA, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NY, RI, UT, and VA.
Renaissance
Renaissance turf quality scores have been essentially equal to Paradigm. Renaissance is a bit lighter in color to Paradigm. Although it was not rated ‘at the top’ of any particular category, Renaissance showed itself to be a very stable variety . Like Nexus, it seems to have better than average summer performance exhibited in summer density and ground coverage ratings, as well as a quicker-than-average establishment rate. Fall coverage has been exceptional, indicating , like Paradigm, it has excellent recovery from summer stress and would be ideal for fall sports applications, like football. Renaissance has very good resistance to red thread, as well as strong resistance to snow mold, and dollar spot. Excellent resistance to poa annua, crabgrass and snow mold along with good winter density contribute to Renaissance’s value. States that Renaissance performed particularly well in include CA, IA, IL, IN, KY, KS, MI, NY, UT, and VA.