This past weekend, It was time for us to apply our first "plant protectants" of the year. For this application, we used two different growth regulator products that do a few things for the plant (and golfer.) The first and most obvious thing they will do is improve green speed. The second and more important (long term) result of this application is they will improve turfgrass health and stamina in the summer by reducing Poa Annua seedheads. Our greens are made up of both creeping bentgrass (Agrostis Stolonifera) and annual bluegrass (Poa Annua.) Only the Poa Annua produces those pesky white seedheads in late spring, that cause poor putting conditions. Research shows that with this application, in addition to faster and smoother greens, the energy the plant puts forth toward manufacturing shoots and leaves is reversed. Simply, instead of pushing out shoots and leaves, the turf grows more prolific roots. Deeply rooted turf can pull more nutrients and water from soils when summer heat usually causes root systems to die off.
Happy putting!
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