Turfgrass Winterkill Observations from the Upper Great Plains: Desiccation and Cold Temperature

摘要

THE winter of 2013-2014 was atypically harsh for many plants across the Great Plains region of the United States. Above average winds, large temperature swings, and minimal precipitation resulted in desiccation injury on many plants including many turfgrass stands. Lack of snow cover resulted in severe winterkill. Damage occurred throughout much of the state of Nebraska and southern South Dakota. Cool-season grasses such as creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) and roughstalk bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.) were severely impacted despite being considered two of the most cold tolerant turfgrass species (Beard, 1973). Turf on golf course tees, fairways, and putting greens was especially susceptible to injury.