Effect of Primo on overseeding
November 19, 1997
As detailed in the Super Journal report, “Evaluation of Primo rates and application: timing strategies for improved transition and turf quality on common bermudagrass fairways” (476 KB pdf document), trinexepac-ethyl can have both positive and negative effects on turfgrass quality. Key findings included:
- Of the 41 treatments tested (4 rates, 5 timing strategies and single vs. double applications), we found that Primo treatments made at the time of the first ryegrass mowing (on October 23, 1996, or 1 day after the first mowing) resulted in an improved Fall transition from bermudagrass to ryegrass and significantly higher quality ryegrass during the critical winter and spring months than other treatments tested.
- The most economical of the highest ranked treatments was a single application of Primo Liquid at 0.5 oz/1000 sq feet, applied on 10/23/96.
- In contrast, Primo applications made later in the Fall (October 30, 1996, or 8 days after the first mow), produced a negative effect on turf quality during the 1997 Spring transition.
- These results confirm that the currently labeled rate of 0.5 oz/1000 square feet for use of Primo Liquid in overseeding programs is the optimal rate for use in overseeding programs in the Low Desert, but that the currently recommended application timing (1 - 5 days before overseeding) may need to be adjusted. To confirm the results of this study, a 1997/98 trial that re-tests the highest ranked treatments from this year’s study is recommended for initiation in September, 1997.
Project title: CEvaluation of Primo rates and application: timing strategies for improved transition and turf quality on common bermudagrass fairways
Principal investigators: Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D. and Larry Stowell, Ph.D., CPAg, PACE Turfgrass Research Institute
Cooperators: Tom Baty, Indian Wells Country Club
Sponsors: Hi Lo Desert GCSA and Novartis