Wear Tolerance of Bermudagrass Varieties with Mowing Events and Overseeding for Athletic Fields in the Transition Zone.

Athletic field managers often make decisions on what turfgrass species and varieties to use from past experiences or from non-sports turf related research like Natural Turfgrass Evaluation Program results. Wear tolerance of varieties differs, and can greatly affect the success of an athletic field. Mowing can also affect the performance of an athletic field. Advancements in mowing technology were tested to determine the impact of mowing and mowing plus grooming on wear tolerance. A two year study was conducted at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to test four popular bermudagrass varieties used for athletic fields (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers. x Cynodon transvaalensis Burt-Davy) in the transition zone. ‘Tifway’, ‘Patriot’, ‘Mississippi Choice’, and ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass were compared, and were also subjected to either mowing or mowing plus grooming three times a week, as well as fall overseeding with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) .Simulated athletic traffic was applied twice a week to mimic high school football schedules using a Cady traffic simulator. Quantitative values were taken using digital image analysis for each traffic event to measure changes in percent green cover, color, and turfgrass quality. Total turf cover was measured visually once bermudagrass dormancy occurred. Variety performance differed for each year of the study due to weather conditions. Overseeded and non-overseeded ‘Tifway’ and ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass varieties consistently provided the highest percent green cover, color and quality ratings. However, overseeding bermudagrass was found to improve wear tolerance for all varieties tested. Mowing plus grooming three times a week was found to reduce the percent turf cover in 2006 but not 2007, and had no effect on color or quality. Mowing plus grooming increased overseeding stands by providing better seed to soil contact. ‘Tifway’ and ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass provided the best color.