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Prodiamine Effects on Quality and Rooting of Kentucky Bluegrass Turf
Author(s) -
Hummel Norman W.,
Fowler Melissa Craven,
Neal Joseph C.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1990.0011183x003000050003x
Subject(s) - poa pratensis , biology , agronomy , zoology , field experiment , horticulture , poaceae
As new herbicides are investigated for use on turf, it is important to study the effects continued use of these materials have on desirable grass species. A field investigation was conducted to determine the influence of prodiamine [2,4‐dinitro‐ N 3 , N 3 ‐dipropyl‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1.3‐benzenediamine] application rate and frequency on Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis L.) turf over a 4‐yr period. Root mass and turfgrass density decreased following prodiamine treatment. Turfgrass quality ratings decreased as prodiamine rate increased, but remained acceptable at rates below 1.1 kg ha −1 a.i. The projected use rate for prodiamine in the northeastern USA is 0.56 kg ha −1 a.i. Quality was reduced and necrotic ring spot ( Leptosphaeria korrae Walker and Smith) disease more severe when prodiamine was applied annually vs. biennially. Percent turf area damaged by necrotic ring spot also increased as prodiamine rate increased, but was most severe at rates greater than 2.2 kg ha −1 a.i. The quality, density, and disease data indicated that annual applications of prodiamine can be detrimental to Kentucky bluegrass turf. These results suggest that it may be advantageous to avoid prodiamine applications in successive years or to alternate it with less phytotoxic preemergence herbicides.