Golf Course Industry Magazine caught up with Dr. Clark Throssell, director of research for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, to chat about the use and benefits of cytokinin on turfgrass.
Explain what cytokinin is and how it works on turfgrass?
Dr. Throssell: Cytokinin is a plant hormone that promotes cell division and plays a role in many plant processes. Seaplant extract products contain high levels of cytokinin. Cytokinin production in creeping bentgrass is naturally high in spring and declines in summer as temperatures increase. By applying a seaplant extract product that contains cytokinin, superintendents can maintain more creeping bentgrass roots during periods of heat stress compared to creeping bentgrass not treated with seaplant extract. More roots translate to improved turfgrass performance.
Why is this a good time to review how cytokinin did or can help maintain turfgrass health in the future?
Now is a great time to review the successes and shortcomings experienced in 2012 while the season is still fresh in your mind. Hot, and in many cases, dry weather dominated turf performance in 2012. Did your creeping bentgrass putting greens perform well during the heat in 2012? If not, you should consider regular application of a seaplant extract product that contains cytokinin in 2013.
What has recent research shown about the use of cytokinin?
Research at a number of universities has consistently shown that products containing cytokinin can improve creeping bentgrass performance on putting greens during periods of heat stress. The keys to getting the benefits of cytokinin are to begin applications prior to the onset of extreme heat and making regular applications of a cytokinin containing product throughout the heat stress period.
What can superintendents do now to boost turfgrass health next year?
An opportunity to improve creeping bentgrass putting green performance in 2013 exists with regular applications of seaplant extract containing cytokinins. Now is the time to learn more about cytokinin and seaplant extract products that contain cytokinin. Listen to presentations at turf conferences and search for information on university and company websites.
What are keys to successful use of cytokinin?
Select a seaplant extract product that contains cytokinin that is compatible with the rest of your greens management program, apply the product before extreme heat stress, and apply regularly throughout the summer until cooler temperatures return in the fall.