DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2009.1
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/237
Date of Award
1-2009
Degree Name
MS in Agriculture - Environmental Horticultural Science
Department/Program
Horticulture and Crop Science
Advisor
Terry Vassey
Abstract
Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) has long been known as a turfgrass that utilizes lower levels of inputs than most other cool season turfgrasses (Turgeon, 2005). In recent years, turf breeders have been selecting for cultivars of tall fescue that have finer leaf textures. As the use of tall fescue expands, consumers want to now what cultivar to use and how to manage it. This study looked at 18 tall fescue cultivars grown at two mowing heights of five and 10 centimeters and evaluated plant quality based on stand density, leaf texture, and genetic plant color. In the first year of the study, although there were some differences, there were no continual patterns that proved one cultivar to be better or worst than the others. Lower mowing heights generally had higher stand density ratings and fertilization affected genetic plant color, not mowing height. There was no difference in leaf texture between mowing heights.