Currently, a two-year field study is in progress to evaluate the winter shade tolerance of ‘L93' creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera var. palustris (Huds.) to various reduced light environments, effect of morning vs. afternoon shade, effect of trinexapac-ethyl application on shade tolerance, and the effect winter shading has on turf quality during stressful summer months. Data collection for each treatment will include visual turfgrass quality (TQ), total root biomass, total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC), clipping yield, chlorophyll content, daily light measurements (PPFD), and monthly canopy, soil, and air temperature. Initially, the full-day high shade treatment (95FD) produced greatest TQ (7.3), however, by month two and three, TQ declined 33% and 44%. Main effect means of TE applications showed no effect on TQ in December or January, but significantly reduced TQ 10% in February; however, by May and June, TE increased quality by 12% and 4% compared to nontreated (without TE) treatments. No statistical differences for total root biomass were noted for shade treatment or TE application. Trinexapac-ethyl reduced clipping yield by 35% when averaged across all treatments and monthly collection dates. The 95FD treatment produced 48% and 36% greater clipping yield than the full-day low shade (55FD) and control (No shade). TE did not impact chlorophyll content, however, 95FD in March had a 21% increase compared to the control.
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