Vegetative tillering in creeping bentgrass

Growth and development of creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera L.) under non-competitive and competitive conditions were studied.

Growth chamber experiments under non-competitive conditions with high and low tiller producing bentgrass populations produced plants with differing tiller appearance rates. However, the plants developed at a similar rate with respect to growth stage (using West's growth stages for stoloniferous plants). The populations produced similar above ground dry weights plant ^-1. Dry weight partitioning patterns between tillers within the populations were different with the high tiller producing population demonstrating a more even dry matter distribution.

Tiller development patterns were similar under long and short days. Short days led to a reduced growth stage and tillering rate and retarded stolon development. The low tillering population had more coleoptilar tillers than the high tillering population. Coleoptilar tillers accounted for a large portion of the difference in tiller number between the short and long day environments for the low tillering population.

Increased tillering rate in seedlings led to higher turf tiller densities. Stolon internode length was negatively related to turf tiller density. A positive relationship was found between seedling stolon internode length and internode lengths found under turf conditions. Seedling selection may be used to reduce selection cycle duration where tillering characteristics are of interest.

Seeding rate was found to influence the rate of turf development. Lower seeding rates led to an increase in tillers plant ^-1, larger plant weight and better wear stress resistance potential. Wear stress resistance potential of turf appeared to have equilibrated at 9-12 weeks after seeding.

Tiller density increased with turf age up to three years after seeding. Cultivar differences were consistent over time. Within year fluctuation in tiller density was found. Above ground biomass accumulation increased with time and tiller density.

Cultivars responded differently to ice and snow management in the spring with respect to their survival rate.

Creeping bentgrass growth and development is predictable. Tiller number and growth stage may be utilized to ascertain the relative developmental status of plants under experimental conditions. Controlled environment growth studies are a useful tool in the selection for tiller related traits.