Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) Quality As Influenced by Multiple Low-Rate Applications of Fenoxaprop

Abstract

Multiple applications of fenoxaprop (0.027, 0.036, and 0.045 kg ai ha–1) were field-applied on either 2-, 3-, or 4-wk intervals to ‘Penncross' creeping bentgrass maintained at putting green height in Easton, MD and Silver Spring, MD during 1989 and 1990. At both locations, yearly averaged creeping bentgrass quality ratings decreased with increasing fenoxaprop rate. Creeping bentgrass discoloration and thinning were minimal at 0.027 kg ha–1 fenoxaprop and did not reduce season-long turf quality below acceptable levels at either site in 1989 or 1990. Substantial discoloration and thinning was observed at 0.045 kg ha–1 fenoxaprop and acceptable season-long quality was limited to Easton in 1990. Significant spray frequency treatment effects were noticed at both sites in 1989 but not 1990. Increasing the spray interval from 2- to 4-wk improved creeping bentgrass quality from unacceptable to acceptable in two of the final four evaluation dates at Easton and five of the final six dates at Silver Spring.