FIELD EMERGENCE OF SOLID-MATRIX SEED PRIMED TURFGRASSES

Seedling emergence is a critical stage in turfgrass establishment, inf luencing the management and use of turfs. A series of field experiment s and supplemental germination tests were conducted to determine solid matrix priming (SMP) effects on turfgrass species and cultivars. Seed ling emergence was investigated under field conditions for three cool- season species, 11 cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) (Pea pratensi s L.), seven cultivars of perennial ryegrass (PR) (Lolium perenne L.), and seven cultivars of tall fescue (TF) (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) . The SMP treatments reduced time required for emergence and improved final emergence. The degree of effects varied among species and cultiv ars, and environmental conditions. The greatest SMP responses appeared in slow-emergence species, such as KEG, under cool temperatures. The apparent emergence responses observed under field conditions resulted from combined effects of original seed vigor, SMP treatments, and envi ronmental conditions. The use of SMP turfgrass seed of selected cultiv ars-species may be preferable to the use of unprimed seed when seeding schedule is delayed, unseasonably cold weather is forecasted, and/or quick renovation is desired.