Turf Covers for Winter Protection of Bermudagrass Golf Greens

• DOI: 10.1094/ats-2007-0423-01-rs
• Publication Date: 2007-04-27T14:43:36Z
• Authors: J. Michael Goatley; J. Pat Sneed; Victor L. Maddox; Barry R. Stewart; D. Wayne Wells; H. Wayne Philley
• Keywords: Winter wheat

Research trials were conducted on a bermudagrass (Cynodon magennissii Hurc. 'MS-Express') putting green at the Mississippi State University Golf Course over winter months of 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003 to evaluate how various turf covers modify surface temperatures turfgrass growth when applied for temporary cold temperature protection. Average daily maximum, minimum, mean recorded, as well average range in under covers. Temperature responses varied with cover composition, permeability, color, lesser extent, thickness. An experimental translucent overwintering blanket provided highest maximum temperatures, but also had greatest range, indicating potential excessive heating cover. A commercially available interwoven polyethylene high soil its minimum not significantly different from uncovered control two three years, apparently much energy acquired during day was lost after sundown. Doubled layers white or black polypropylene only slightly increased compared single layers. All some degree potentially desirable modifications, selection use would depend particular needs manager.