A recent study, conducted by scientists at Michigan State University, offers valuable insights into the physiological responses of turfgrass species to prolonged ice encasement. This research has significant implications for turfgrass management strategies in cold climates, where ice encasement often threatens plant survival.
The study explores the recovery patterns, gas exchange dynamics, and metabolic adaptations of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua) under controlled ice-encasement conditions. These findings are highly relevant for golf course superintendents, sports field managers, and researchers dedicated to maintaining healthy turf in challenging winter environments.
Key Findings Include:
Plant Recovery: The duration of ice encasement significantly influenced the survival and regrowth of both species, with annual bluegrass demonstrating greater sensitivity to prolonged ice cover compared to creeping bentgrass.
Gas Evolution: Ice encasement led to reduced oxygen availability and elevated levels of toxic gasses, such as carbon dioxide and ethanol, within plant tissues.
Metabolite Dynamics: Changes in carbohydrate reserves and stress-related metabolites revealed distinct survival strategies between the two species, offering new avenues for targeted turf management practices.
This study found that annual bluegrass exhibits reduced regrowth after ice encasement compared to creeping bentgrass, potentially due to its earlier and greater release of ethylene and CO2, signaling a more active metabolism. Differences in plant and soil respiration and metabolic rates between the two species during and after winter dormancy may contribute to this disparity. Specific metabolites were linked to annual bluegrass's susceptibility and creeping bentgrass's tolerance, with fructose depletion observed in annual bluegrass crowns but not in creeping bentgrass. Additionally, creeping bentgrass maintained higher amino acid levels in leaves and crowns. Further research is needed to explore plant, soil, and microbial factors affecting these responses and to investigate mechanisms such as key carbohydrates and amino acids in winterkill studies of turfgrass species.
The research highlights the importance of monitoring ice encasement duration and implementing proactive measures, such as improved drainage systems and the use of protective covers, to reduce the risk of winter injury.
Dr. Merewitz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University. Her research interests and current projects include: Management strategies to reduce wheat winterkill, winter hardiness of malting barley in Michigan, using physiological and hormone indicators to develop a novel winter preparatory management strategy for winter wheat.
The full article can be found on the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05394-24
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
