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TE is a growth regulator that can be applied either as a liquid or dispersable granule. TE regulates top growth by ~50%, so mowings can be reduced during spring and fall when the grass is growing quickly. Many years of research with TE (particularly in the golf course industry) has shown added benefits of TE, including: (1) wear and stress tolerance, (2) better color and density, (3)extending the life of painted lines and logos, (4) improved turf peformance in shade, and (5) quicker spring green-up.

Our research over the last five years has also suggested that TE does not adversely affect wear tolerance, recuperative potential or over-seeding and sodding practices.

More and more sports turf managers are using TE as a standard part of their turf management program. Rates are typically lower than label rate, applied more frequently. In a recent survey of sports turf managers, typical rates were anything from 0.25 to 0.4 fl.oz every two weeks, depending on grass species (see Table 1).

One of the main advantages to using TE is the spring green-up, which is especially important for early spring games like baseball, soccer and lacrosse. In our studies, applications of TE (both Primo Maxx liquid and Governor granules) were made on Kentucky bluegrass turf at two rates - 0.25 and 0.5 fl. oz every two weeks between mid-May and mid-September. The last application in each year were made 9/19/07 and 9/26/08. In both 2008 and 2009, spring green-up was sigifinaclty quicker and turf density and color were significantly improved (see pictures taken in April & May this year).
Sports turf managers that would like to enhance much quicker spring green-up in 2010 should be making applications of TE now, every two weeks, until mid-end September. If fields are not being used this fall, the higher rate could be applied. If fields are being used, lower rates could be applied. There may be a small flush of growth mid-October as the grass grows out of TE suppression then the turf goes into winter dormancy as normal. As always, read the label carefully before application as there are some stipulations. For example, TE should not be applied to drought or stressed turf and the granular TE must be applied to wet leaf tissue. Any questions about our research can be directed to me at sherratt.1@osu.edu

Posted by Pam Sherratt & Arly Drake