Creeping Bentgrass Seed Production in Western in Western Canada

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) is an important species for golf courses and high value turfgrass areas throughout the world. Most of the seed production for this species is in the state of Oregon, but there is potential for seed production in western Canada. The objective of this research was to determine the potential for creeping bentgrass seed production in Manitoba under dryland conditions through cultivar evaluation trials and management studies including: optimal seeding dates, seeding rates, row spacings, nitrogen fertiliser and stand renovation. The results of these studies suggest a 1 kg/ha seeding rate and 30-cm row spacing, with establishment during mid­May. The best method for renovation of established stands is gapping, but close mowing is recommended as a more economical treatment. The results of this research indicated that creeping bentgrass can be successfully grown in Manitoba for seed production and that a cultivar and germplasms developed at the University of Manitoba with desirable turf characteristics produced the highest seed yields under dryland conditions.