Turf-grass Species - Fundamentals of Tropical Turf Management - page 36

survival. Major insect problems include army-worms, cutworms and
white grubs. It is fairly tolerant to most turf-grass diseases. Many
F. arundinacea lawns become thin and unattractive after hot, dry summers,
requiring application of new F. arundinacea seed every autumn.
Festuca rubra L. is best adapted to cold northern climates. It tolerates
cold temperatures, but not heat or drought.
Festuca rubra ssp. fallax (Thuill.) Nyman is best adapted to shade, but
will persist in full sun. It tends to tolerate summer stress a little better
than does F. rubra .
Festuca brevipila Tracey is better adapted to drier areas than F. rubra ,
but tends to thin out in wet years. It is an excellent addition to shade
mixtures for lawns, but will also grow well in full sun.
Festuca ovina L. is generally used in low-maintenance areas.
The genus Agrostis (Festucoideae)
The genus Agrostis is composed of about 220 species, but only a few are
suitable for use as turf. All species have fine leaf texture and are adapted
to low mowing heights.
Agrostis palustris Huds. is used mainly on high-quality turfs main-
tained at low mowing heights. It is the primary cool-season grass for golf
greens in the temperate regions of the world. It can be used also on
fairways and tees if mowed a little higher. A. palustris is seldom used
for lawns. It requires intensive care, specialized mowing equipment and a
generally high level of maintenance. A. palustris has a relatively shallow,
but very dense, root system.
Agrostis capillaris L. is a fine-textured, sod-forming turf-grass. Unlike
A. palustris it is not well adapted to very low mowing heights, so it is
better suited for golf course fairways than for greens or tees.
Agrostis canina L. is the finest textured of the Agrostis species. It forms
more beautiful putting surfaces than any other warm- or cool-season turf-
grass. It grows well along coastlines and other areas where the weather is
mild, cool and moist.
Agrostis species of rather minor importance as turf-grasses include
Agrostis alba L., Agrostis castellana Boiss. et Reuter and Agrostis idahoensis
Nash.
The genus Lolium (Festucoideae)
Lolium includes eight species. Their most important characteristic is their
rapid seed germination and establishment.
Lolium perenne L., perennial rye-grass, is a bunch-grass known for its
rapid germination and establishment. It is useful for quick repair of