Degree Day - Seed Inhibition in Poa Annua Greens

Seed inhibition on Poa Annua greens must be achieved, as it leads to a decrease in the quality of the greens, affecting ball speed and roll, and the visual effect is also very negative. Seed proliferation leads to a general weakening of the Poa Annua greens, with a decrease in quality and an increase in stress and the possibility of fungal disease proliferation.

The growth regulator Etephon is indicated for the inhibition of seed formation in greens of Poa Annua, and the success of its application lies in its use prior to seed formation. There are studies (2010-2012) carried out by Dr Michael J. Foxe, consultant agronomist, and David Brady, Superintendent, which give a good estimate on the use of Etephon. growth regulator Etephon in terms of the key moment of its first application (Etephon growth regulator is hydrolysed to the growth hormone ethylene in the turf on which it is applied). The procedure is based on the degree daysand its estimation is based on taking the average temperatures above 7ºC, the base temperature. Therefore, when a series of days above this temperature is reached, the degree day readings begin to be taken. Thus, a day with an average temperature of 12ºC would give 12-7= 5 degree days, another with 13ºC would be 13-7=6, so both would add up to a total of 11 degree days; once the accumulated 110 degree days have been reached, the optimum moment for the application of the regulator is established on the basis of these tests. Therefore, from this moment onwards and with intervals established below these degree days, these are the indicated moments for its application. Tiloom recommends applications in different climates, taking into account the thermal integrals and therefore optimising their application. The use of weather stations is highly recommended for the calculation of these parameters. Tiloom offers you the best weather stations and their integration for optimum utilisation.

The combined use of the growth regulator Trinexepac-Ethyl / Etephon (1/20) is recommended for more efficient application, D.M. Kopec, J. Gilbert and M. Pessarakli 2001.