Evaluation of Green Turf Colorants as an Alternative to Overseeding on Putting Greens

摘要

United States has become a popular alternative to overseeding during the winter. However, there is limited information available about colorant brands and appropriate application rates. A field study was conducted in Raleigh, NC, in 2008-2009 on a dormant iniverdebermudagrass putting green and semi-dormant iamondzoysiagrass putting green to evaluate 12 turfgrass colorants. The results indicate that applying turf colorant at rates of both 80 gallons per acre (gpa) and 160 gpa differentially enhances the appearance of both grasses. All the colorants provided acceptable color when applied to the semi-dormant zoysiagrass. However, the colorants Ryegrass, Ultradwarf Plus, Bermudagrass, and Bermuda Green failed to provide acceptable colorant color when applied to dormant bermudagrass. Turfgrass hue values indicated that Wintergreen Plus retained color for the longest period of time. Turf in a Bottle and Regreen retained color for an equally long period when applied to bermudagrass and zoysiagrass respectively; however, Regreen became bluish as it faded with time. This research shows the aesthetic value that some turf colorant products can offer as an alternative to overseeding.