Delaying dormancy on Champion Bermuda greens Cancel The title field is required!

1. Eubanks Marc H

   
   9/6/2011 6:09 PM

   I was recently asked if there was anything that could be sprayed on Champion Bermuda greens that would delay dormancy. I do not know if they were referring to frost or soil temperatures, but I knew that those of you with these ultra-dwarfs in the transition zone would know. I believe they are attempting to keep them greener - longer into the fall. Any ideas or past experience, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

   
   
   
   
2. Wahlin Scott B

   
   9/6/2011 6:09 PM

   The furthest north I have been involved with Bermudagrass greens management (Tifdwarf) was Jacksonville, FL., so I am asking; "If you delayed dormancy wouldn't you be exposing a supple plant to harsh conditions that may cause long-term damage?" I would think you would want to harden it off heading into cold weather. I would paint them.

   
   
   
   
3. Eubanks Marc H

   
   9/6/2011 6:09 PM

   That makes sense. Perhaps that is what they were referring to when they said, " they looked light green during the winter"... I'll bet that is what it was.

   
   
   
   
4. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   9/8/2011 12:09 PM

   Ok I have TifEagle but when I had a budget I tended to use higher amounts of K towars the end of the year and raised my HOC's to .150" right around the first frost which was usually light. I would continue feeding the K to them until they went dormant. I would generally get about 5 frost before they would go totally dormant but when we got temps around 60 degrees they would green back up within 5 days. This may go on and on throughout the winter (outside of New Orleans). At first I was concerned with the draw down on my crown structures nutrients from the up and down but never did see any real issues.
   
   Now that I do not have a budget and very much chemicals I just let them do what they need to. There is a night and day difference between not using the K and using it.

   
   
   
   
5. Baker Daniel

   
   9/10/2011 6:09 AM

   @mary1 - where are you located? When I was in Houston, we kept the K up at the end of the year with K-Mag and a foliar product. We also used some Floratine products with great success. We had many years where we never lost all the color. Now I'm four hours further south and the greens never really go dormant. It's a trip to be mowing grass like this in January.

   
   
   
   
6. James Gray

   

   1 posts
   
   9/12/2011 8:09 AM

   Paxton park golf course in Paducah ky. Has champion greens. Maybe you should give them a call.

   
   
   
   
7. Keith Fellenstein

   

   0 posts
   
   9/12/2011 10:09 AM

   Iron will help prolong color for short time.