Siduron Effects on Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) Emergence, Growth, and High Temperature Injury

Abstract

Spring establishment of tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb. ‘Kentucky 31’) is preferred over fall for turfs in Nebraska. Siduron [1-(2-methylcyclohexyl)-3-phenylurea] is commonly used for weed control in spring-seeded tall fescue. Siduron application rates of 6.8, 13.6, 27.2, and 40.8 kg/ha were compared with an untreated control in this study. All siduron applications reduced stand development. The 6.8 kg/ha rate nearly doubled the number of days for seedling emergence. Abnormal seedlings increased with increasing application rates and percent germination decreased with increasing rates. Tiller number declined at rates of 13.6 kg/ha and above. Plants treated with 6.8 kg/ha were 1.3 cm shorter than those growing in the untreated control. Plant and root dry matter production decreased with increasing application rates. Root weight was reduced more than plant weight. Degree of wilting and drought injury increased at 13.6 kg/ha. Water use declined with increased siduron application rates. The amount of water lost before wilting occurred also declined as siduron application rates increased. High temperature injury on seedlings was reduced with increasing rates of siduron. Reduction in high temperature injury was significantly correlated (r = 0.98) to reduced plant tissue moisture.