BENTGRASS CONVERSION WORKS Bentgrass seedlings are very small and initially weak. Some varieties such as Macdonald, Flagstick, MacKenzie, Cobra 2 or Ninety-Six Two have greater seedling vigor and can greatly increase your chances of success. In competition for critical resources including light, water and nutrients the established plant always has an advantage over the seedlings. Timing the overseeding to correspond with favorable growing conditions is extremely important. In some regions this may be an early fall application, whereas in other regions it may be in the late spring or early summer. The existing plants must be weakened to give the seedlings a chance to compete. The new seedlings must be kept moist, which may make the existing playing surface softer and slower. BENTGRASS TO BENTGRASS OR POA ANNUA TO BENTGRASS 1. Apply a growth regulator such as Primo or Paciobutrazol 2. Do not apply a pre-emergent herbicide before seeding 3. Reduce height of cut on existing turf (scalp < 0.115 or lower for greens) 4. Verticut heavily to reduce any thatch & further weaken existing turf (this can also be done after core aerifying) 5. Core aerify with largest acceptable tines to create holes in canopy. Solid tines may also be used. This allows seedling time to establish before competition returns & assures seed to soil contact. Topdress or drag in cores to fill holes. Dimple tines & Graden sand inject also work well. 6. Conversion is best in late spring through late summer. Pythium control is very important -- Allegiance treatment gives14-17 days of control. Seed as late in spring or as early in fall as play conditions allow. June 19, July 1, August 17 & 20 were most successful in New Jersey. August seeding was better at Purdue. 7. Seed Macdonald, Focus, Futura Pro, MacKenzie, Futura Greens or Cobra 2 at 1-3 lbs/1000 ft & topdress or drag seed in 8. Keep surface moist - Stay on the dry side if converting from Poa annua 9. Fertilize lightly after germination with quick release nitrogen 10. Low cut height allows more light & reduces competition 11. Selected Poa annua herbicides are safe to use before & after seeding. Consult a chemical rep for advice. 12. Repeat spring & fall for at least two years. Results are generally seen in the third year. BENTGRASS BLENDS & CULTIVARS • Summer stress tolerance • Strong root growth in the summer • Resists Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, Pink Snow & Pythium • Ideal for greens • Competitive against Poa annua • High disease resistance • Rapid germination • Superior Dollar Spot resistance • Competes against Poa annua • Superior greens, tees & fairways • Rapid establishment for interseeding • Resistant to Poa annua invasion • Superior turf quality • Lateral spread for recovery • Excellent disease resistance Advanced Genetics for Superior Performance CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 175 West H Street O: 541-369-2251 Halsey, OR 97348 F: 541-369-2640 dlfinfo@dlfna.com DLFNA.com JOIN THE REVOLUTION CREEPING BENTGRASS REPORT CARD
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