2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt) Engelm.] is a native warm season turfgrass that is being utilized for decreased inputs in the landscape. Proper timing for glyphosate applications for reducing green cover loss period is vital for planning a transition. Limited information exists on glyphosate timings including pre- and post-seeding for conversion from tall fescue (Lolium arundinacea) to buffalograss to reduce the green cover loss period. The objective of this study was to determine the best glyphosate timing for conversion of tall fescue to buffalograss. Field studies were conducted in 2015 and 2016 at the Rocky Ford Research Center in Manhattan, KS. Plots were seeded with 195.29 kg ha^-1 non-deburred ‘Sharp’s Improved II’ buffalograss. Experimental design was a 5 by 5 factorial, randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were applied to 1.2 x 1.2 m plots on designated intervals with the seeding date as 7 July 2015. Main effects included glyphosate application timings on the intervals weeks before seeding (WBS) and days after seeding (DAS). WBS treatments included 4, 3, 2, 1 WBS, and nontreated. DAS treatments included 0, 2, 4, and 7 DAS, and nontreated. Combinations of each WBS and DAS application timing were included to view timing interactions. Glyphosate applications were all made at a rate of 2.2 kg ha^-1. Buffalograss visual cover (0 to 100%), tall fescue visual cover (0 to 100%), buffalograss color (1 to 9), buffalograss quality (1 to 9), digital image analysis (percent green cover), and weed cover (0-100%) were collected weekly. All data was analyzed using SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC), and means were separated according to Fisher’s Protected LSD (P < 0.05). Buffalograss establishment was slowed when prior to seeding there was no application or if spraying 7 DAS. All treatments provided acceptable establishment by trial conclusion (70 DAS), except the treatments receiving no glyphosate.