A LITTLE DRYNESS HELPS. To the delight of many golfers, the relatively dry conditions in the Midwest have resulted in firm fast conditions on many golf courses. Agronomically, moisture stress prior to summer high temperatures is also desirable. Turfgrass plants that undergo moisture stress are more heat tolerant than those not exposed to moisture stress. Drought pre-conditioned plants tend to accumulate ion solutes, specifically potassium, at higher levels during periods of high temperature stress compared to non-drought stress plants (Jiang & Huang, 2001). The higher ion concentration allows for a relative higher osmotic adjustment potential during summer stress. In addition, a deeper more extensive root system develops if conditions are dry prior to high temperature stress (Jiang & Huang, 2001).
HENBIT APPEARS IN WEAK LAWNS. Henbit is another weed that appears in weak lawns this time of the year. Henbit is a winter annual that is erect and produces a characteristic purple flower. It can grow to 4 to 12 inches high on unsturdy stems. Henbit is rarely a problem in homelawns that are dense and vigorous. Henbit can be confused with ground ivy. Ground ivy looks similar to henbit except the leaves are attached to a petiole while henbit leaves are attached to the stem. In addition, the stem of ground ivy is square.
SOIL TEMPERATURES.
|
|
