Note: Program subject to change without notice

Thursday, November 8, 2007
337-7

Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum Responses to Various Growth Stimulants.

Mohammad Pessarakli, D.M. Kopec, and J.J. Gilbert. The University of Arizona, Forbes Bldg., Room 303, Department of Plant Sciences, Tucson, AZ 85721

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.), cv. Tifway 419 and Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz), cv. Sea Isle 2000 were studied in a greenhouse to evaluate their growth responses in terms of shoot and root lengths and shoot and root dry matter (DM) weights influenced by various growth stimulants (Bio-Turf Pro, FerroGrow, and Desert Soil Solution 1). Grasses were grown hydroponically under control (one-half strength Hoagland solution No. 1 with no growth stimulant) and recommended rates of three growth stimulants [Bio-Turf Pro (138 mL/L per 100 m2), FerroGrow (8 kg/100m2), and Desert Soil Solution 1 (21.5 g/m2). The recommended rate of each Plant Bio-Stimulant was given on the container by each company and also tested and verified in our previous studies]. Four replications of each treatment were used in a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design in this investigation, using Hoagland solution No. 1. Grass shoots (clippings) were harvested weekly, oven dried at 60o C, and DM weights recorded. At each harvest, both shoots and roots lengths were measured and recorded. At the last harvest, roots were also harvested, oven dried at 60o C, and DM weights were determined and recorded. The results show that any growth stimulant significantly increased shoot lengths and shoot DM weights of both grasses compared with the control. However, among the various growth stimulants, Bio-Turf Pro stimulated the growth of both grasses the most, followed by FerroGrow, and Desert Soil Solution 1 stimulated the growth of both grasses the least. For both grasses, shoots (lengths and DM weights) were more stimulated by the growth stimulants than the roots. The stimulation effects of the Plant Bio-Stimulants on both grasses were observed at the very early harvests and continued throughout the study period. The beneficial effects of the growth stimulants were more on Seashore Paspalum compared to Bermudagrass.