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| Web URL(s): | https://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/?file=/2000s/2003/030702.pdf
Last checked: 01/25/2017
Requires: PDF Reader |
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| Publication Type:
| Professional |
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| Author(s): | Gross, Patrick J. |
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| Author Affiliation: | Director, USGA Green Section Southwest Region |
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| Title: | Looking kindly at kikuyugrass: Long considered an invasive weed, this warm-season grass is managed by many courses as a desirable turf species |
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| Source: | USGA Green Section Record. Vol. 41, No. 4, July/August 2003, p. 2-8. |
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| Publishing Information: | Far Hills, NJ: United States Golf Association, Green Section |
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| # of Pages: | 7 |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Pennisetum clandestinum; Turfgrass profile; History; Golf courses; Breeding improvement; Forage; Seeds; Temperatures; Winter dormancy; Growth; Turfgrass establishment; Propagation; Sodding; Seeding; Vegetative propagation; Mowing; Vertical mowing; Aerification; Fertilization; Irrigation requirements; Growth regulators; Pest control; Pros and cons
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| Abstract/Contents: | Discusses the use of kikuyugrass as quality playing turf, despite its history as an unwanted weed. Explains that "some courses had no choice but to learn to manage their former enemy as it gradually spread over most of the course." Describes the history and background of kikuyugrass, which originated in the Kenyan highlands of Africa. States that "it is a course-textured grass with a rapid growth rate, and it is commonly used as a forage grass and turfgrass in mild coastal climates and sub-tropical regions." Describes the grass's importation into the United States in 1918. Discusses the characteristics of kikuyugrass, explaining that "the leaf blades are flat and pointed at the tip and typically grow in length from 1" to 10". Leaf color is a medium to lime-green that some golfers and superintendents find objectionable." Discusses the propagation and establishment of the grass, explaining that "the irony of kikuyugrass is that it spreads rapidly where it is unwanted, but it can be slow to establish in existing turf or when efforts are made to actively cultivate and spread it." Describes the primary methods of propagation for kikuyugrass. Discusses aspects of kikuyugrass management, explaining that "while kikuyugrass can survive with only a moderate level of maintenance, a more intensive program is necessary to provide optimum playing conditions." Describes the practices of mowing, vertical mowing, aeration, fertilization, watering, pest control, the use of plant growth regulators and controlling enchroachments with kikuyugrass. States that "superintendents have learned to successfully manage kikuyugrass as a fine golfing turf for fairways, roughs, and even tees by embracing the strengths of the grass and overcoming the problems with creative maintenance practices." |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 6 |
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| Note: | Includes sidebars, "Advantages and disadvantages of kikuyugrass," p. 7 and "Key points for the successful management of kikuyugrass," p. 8
Pictures, color |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Gross, P. J. 2003. Looking kindly at kikuyugrass: Long considered an invasive weed, this warm-season grass is managed by many courses as a desirable turf species. USGA Green Sec. Rec. 41(4):p. 2-8. |
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| Web URL(s):
https://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/?file=/2000s/2003/030702.pdf
Last checked: 01/25/2017
Requires: PDF Reader |
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MSU catalog number: SB 433.15 .U84 |
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