Tests eliminate Poa annua

Golf Course News, Jul 2005

Industry news

Hubbard, Ore. - After three years of testing, Turf-seed announced a program for eliminating Poa annua in ryegrass fairways and re-establishing more desirable species. The trials tested the herbicide Velocity at Arrowhead Golf and Athletic Club in Molalla, Ore.

The program consists of applications of Velocity every two weeks at the rate of 10 to 15 grams per acre, in addition to using a spiker/seeder to incorporate bentgrass or perennial ryegrass seed into the treated areas, which will germinate and replace the dying Poa annua.

The program allows superintendents to eradicate and replace Poa annua without the dramatic and sudden loss of grass. Throughout the trials, it was discovered seeding must precede spraying Velocity to avoid plugging the spiker/seeder with drying Poa annua.

"Once we figured out the right combination of application rate and timing, we knew we could replace the Poa annua pretty easily," says J.D. Clarizio, superintendent at Arrowhead Golf and Athletic Club and trial host since 2002. "This process will make converting ryegrass fairways relatively easy compared to a total renovation project."

Turf-Seed also sponsored a similar research to eliminate Poa annua in bentgrass fairways.

For more information about the program, visit www.turf-seed.com.