Page 28 - Transitioning Turfgrass

TRANSITIONING TURFGRASS

versity of Padova examined alternative methods
to the use of traditional chemical weeding prod-
ucts on the paths of the golf course over an en-
tire season. The efficacy and cost of pelargonic
acid, acetic acid, flame weeding, and mechanical
scraper were examined and compared. (Photo 2)

Golf course management strategies to improve
biodiversity in naturalised rough zones

Wild areas in a golf course enhance its aesthetic
and environmental value. According to the study’s
findings, interventions should be carried out to en-
courage their growth. Researchers from the Uni-
versity of Padova have been carring out studies
Photo 2 Alternative weed control tests on the car cath. in naturalized rough areas to compare different
approaches to increasing biodiveristy.

vealed that at the specific weather conditions of
the golf course, bermudagrass is more sustainable Perspective use of Rhinantus alectolorophus for
compared to a traditional cool season grasses. A suppressing tall fescue in golf roughs
significantly lower use of water and fertilizers, a
significant reduction in CO emissions were found Researchers of the University of Padova and of

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and no chemical products were necessary. the Brno Mendel University (Czech Republic)
have been studying the use of the Rhinantus
alectolorophus, a hemiparasitic photosynthetic
The adaptability of ultra-dwarf bermudagrass plants which can ‘steal’ water and nutrient from
(Cynodon dactylon x transvaalensis) Miniverde their hosts as Festuca arundinacea, a species fre-
at Northern Italy climatic conditions quently found in the rough areas of Italian golf
courses and in other areas. Promoting its growth
Given the sensitiviity of Agrostis stolonifera to dis- could promote the establishment of new species
eases and the marked improvement in the varieties benefitting insects, wildlife and the landscape.
of bermudagrass for putting greens, 9 greens were
converted to Miniverde. Experts from the Univer-
sity of Pisa and Bologna evaluated the establish-
ment, the resistance to adverse conditions, the wa-
ter requirements, the quality and the resistance to
low temperatures. Alternatives to the greens cover
to defend the turf from the cold were evaluated.

Evaluation of sustainable weeding methods for
the control of spontaneous flora in urban areas

Glyphosate-based herbicides were banned in
Italy three years ago. Researchers from the Un- Photo 3 Insect monitoring in the field.

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