Articles
EVALUATING FINELEAF FESCUE CULTIVARS WHEN IRRIGATED WITH MUNICIPAL RECLAIMED WATER
Article number
938_21
Pages
169 – 174
Language
English
Abstract
Due to the low-input, low maintenance nature of the versatile Festuca sp., many new cultivars of various fineleaf fescue species have entered the turfgrass market and are becoming popular low-maintenance choices for a variety of uses.
This study was undertaken to learn more about these low maintenance and drought tolerant grasses and to determine their suitability and performance under municipal reclaimed water irrigation in Californias Central Coast climate, under both mowed and non-mowed conditions.
Fifty three fineleaf fescue cultivars were planted in October 2003 and rated monthly through 2007 for overall quality (turfscore) under both mowed and non-mowed conditions.
The study included several cultivars each of creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue.
All cultivars remained green throughout the year.
None experienced dormancy at any time during the year.
Collectively, non-mowed fineleaf fescue cultivars received higher turfscore ratings than when they were mowed.
Strong creeping red fescues rated at the top of the performance list, under both mowed and non-mowed regimes.
Hard fescue cultivars (plus the lone sheep fescue) received the lowest turfscore ratings under both mowing regimes.
This study was undertaken to learn more about these low maintenance and drought tolerant grasses and to determine their suitability and performance under municipal reclaimed water irrigation in Californias Central Coast climate, under both mowed and non-mowed conditions.
Fifty three fineleaf fescue cultivars were planted in October 2003 and rated monthly through 2007 for overall quality (turfscore) under both mowed and non-mowed conditions.
The study included several cultivars each of creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue.
All cultivars remained green throughout the year.
None experienced dormancy at any time during the year.
Collectively, non-mowed fineleaf fescue cultivars received higher turfscore ratings than when they were mowed.
Strong creeping red fescues rated at the top of the performance list, under both mowed and non-mowed regimes.
Hard fescue cultivars (plus the lone sheep fescue) received the lowest turfscore ratings under both mowing regimes.
Authors
M.A. Harivandi, W.L. Hagan, R. Yokote, K.N. Morris
Keywords
recycled water, no-mow turf, no-mow lawn, Festuca spp.
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