2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Water resources are becoming increasingly restricted for use in amenity landscapes, and the inability of water users to characterize drought stress related to plant health can result in inappropriate use of water during drought conditions. St. Augustinegrass (SA) [Stenotaphum secundatum (Walt.) Kutnze] is a widely used warm-season turfgrass found throughout the southern United States and near the Gulf Coast. Data comparing SA cultivar’s performance during extended drought stress conditions and recovery is limited, and existing results are from late summer and fall conditions. Cultivars Delmar, Floratam, Palmetto, Raleigh, and Tamstar were evaluated in a consecutive 60-day drought in spring 2018. Following drought, turf will be evaluated during a 60-day recovery period. Using a rating system, drought response and recovery will be quantified as number of days to increase or decrease to 50% green ground cover. Results may have significant impact on both landscape irrigation behaviors and turfgrass cultivar recommendations.