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Publication Type:
| Report |
Author(s): | Tompkins, D. K.;
Bubar, C. J.;
Ross, J. B. |
Author Affiliation: | Tompkins and Bubar: Ph.D. |
Title: | Physiology of low temperature injury with an emphasis on crown hydration in Poa annua L. and Agrostis palustris [1996] |
Section: | Stress physiology studies Other records with the "Stress physiology studies" Section
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Source: | PTRC - Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre 1996 Annual Report [Alberta]. 1996, p. 40-49. |
Publishing Information: | [Olds, Alberta: Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre] |
# of Pages: | 10 |
Abstract/Contents: | "This study has attempted to develop a better understanding of the environmental effects of fall, winter and spring on the survival of Poa annua (annual bluegrass) and Agrostis palustris (creeping bentgrass). In particular, crown moisture content (crown hydration) was examined for its effect on the survival of turf through the winter and spring. Measurements of relative hardiness levels throughout this period were recorded. Creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass were only able to withstand temperatues [temperatures] of -5°C during the periods of active growth before 50% of the plants were killed (LT50). As winter approaches plants in cold climates begin to acclimatize for the cold periods ahead. With the onset of colder temperatures the process of hardening begins so that plants might withstand lower temperatures. In this study it was found that a period of freezing temperatures was necessary to promote significant hardiness levels. Hardened annual bluegrass reached LT50 values of -21°C in the fall of 1995 and -18°C in the fall of 1996. Creeping bentgrass reached values near -40°C for both years. These levels remained constant throughout the winter months and the length of time that the plants were frozen did not significantly reduce hardiness levels. During this time percent moisture content of the crown tissues were also recorded. As plants hardened crown moisture contents decreased. Observed crown moisture levels in creeping bentgrass were lower than annual bluegrass. Reduced crown moisture content and increased hardiness levels were highly correlated. Plant hardiness levels remained constant as long as the plants remain frozen. However, when temperatures rise above freezing the process of dehardening takes place. Temperatures of 8°C were sufficient to reduce hardiness levels in the indoor study. The longer that plants were subjected to these temperatures the greater the loss of hardiness. Plots that were grown on the field yielded similar data. April of 1995 had one week when there were a number of warm days. Plants rapidly dehardened that week. As plants dehardened percent moisture content of the crown tissues increased. Moisture levels were particularly high when snow melt occured [occurred]. Mortality in these plants occured [occurred] at higher temperatures. Snow cover proved to be a good insulator and did not allow temperatures in the crown area of the plant to increase. These lower temperatures helped the plants retain their hardiness. Maintaining dormancy for as long as possible during the transition period from winter to spring helped both annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass survive this period." |
Language: | English |
References: | 8 |
Note: | Summary appears as abstract Tables Graphs |
| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete): Tompkins, D. K., C. J. Bubar, and J. B. Ross. 1996. Physiology of low temperature injury with an emphasis on crown hydration in Poa annua L. and Agrostis palustris [1996]. Prairie Turfgrass Res. Annu. Rep. p. 40-49. |
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