Photosynthesis
• 2-ranked leaf arrangement • Chlorophyll gives green color• Photosynthesis is process of using
light to create carbohydrates (food)
Carbohydrates (CHO)
ExcessExcess CHO can be produced CHO can be produced and storedand stored• Favorable conditionsFavorable conditions• High mowing heightHigh mowing height• Adequate NAdequate N
Carbohydrates (CHO)
Lack of CHO available during temperature stress
• High respiration– Process of CHO
consumption
• Lower CHO production
CLIMATE ZONES
• Cool season zones (humid and dry)• Warm season zones (humid and dry)• Transition zone: too hot is summer,
too cold in winter– Zoysia and tall fescue
COOL-SEASON VS. WARM-SEASON TURFGRASSES
Cool-season turfgrassCool-season turfgrass• Spring and fall are favorableSpring and fall are favorable• 65 to 75 F 65 to 75 F • Semi-dormant in winter Semi-dormant in winter • C3 plants (# of carbon atoms in PS)C3 plants (# of carbon atoms in PS)• 12 to 18” roots12 to 18” roots
COOL-SEASON VS. WARM-SEASON SPECIES
Warm-season turfgrassWarm-season turfgrass• Summer Summer • 80 to 95 F 80 to 95 F • Semi to dormant in winter Semi to dormant in winter • Lose chlorophyll below 50 F Lose chlorophyll below 50 F • C4 (# of carbon atoms in PS)C4 (# of carbon atoms in PS)• 36” roots36” roots
MORPHOLOGY
Shoots: aboveground parts
Blade: upper part of leaf
Sheath: lower part of leaf
• Older leaves on outside, new leaves develop on the inside of sheath
MORPHOLOGY
Crown: heart of the turfgrass plant
• Highly compressed nodes– Nodes: region of
new growth
Turfgrass Cultivar
Cultivar: short for “cultivated variety”• Differences within species that are
bred• Tolerances, color, texture, growth
rate…
Non-Spreading Turf
Bunch type: tillers are formed from crown
• New plants develop from nodes on crown (daughter plants)
• Tight bunch of turfgrass plants
Non-Spreading Turf
Bunch type: tillers are formed from crown
• New plants develop from nodes on crown (daughter plants)
• Tight bunch of turfgrass plants
Spreading Turf
Stoloniferous: crowns develop lateral stems that grow aboveground
• Nodes along stem capable of rooting and forming new plant
ROOTING
Highly fibrous• Great ability to “mine” the soil• Low P fertilizersRoots are dependant on shoots for
CHOStorage of excess CHO
ROOTING
Over-irrigation reduces root systemDrier soils stimulate root growth• High hormone production that slows
shoot growth