2018 journal article

Air Temperature Effects on Turfgrass Colorant Transfer

CROP FORAGE & TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT, 4(1).

By: G. Pinnix n, R. McCauley n & G. Miller n

co-author countries: United States of America 🇺🇸
Source: Web Of Science
Added: December 3, 2018

Core Ideas Air temperature during turf colorant application can greatly affect colorant performance. Turf colorant applications that occur in colder temperatures increases the risk of colorant transfer onto absorbent materials. Turf colorant selection is imperative as certain products are able to adhere to the turfgrass canopy better than others. Turf colorants are used to provide green color to turfgrasses during times of stress and dormancy. When used to treat dormant turfgrass, proper application timing is imperative to increase functionality. The objective of this field study was to evaluate effects of air temperature on colorant transfer onto an absorbent material. Seven turfgrass colorants were applied to dormant ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] and ‘El Toro’ zoysiagrass ( Zoysia japonica Steud.) at three air temperatures (25, 45, and 60°F). Colorant transfer for each air temperature treatment was sampled at 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after application (DAA) by dragging an absorbent cloth the length of treated turfgrass plots. When applied at 25°F, colorant transfer was 2.2 and 2.3 times greater than the amount transferred at 45 and 60°F, respectively. Regreen, Fairway, Perennial Ryegrass, and Premium all exceeded the threshold for colorant transfer (0.030 reflectance) 7 DAA when applied at 25°F. Spaint was the only product to have an acceptable measure of colorant transfer across air temperatures. Additionally, Regreen did not have an acceptable level of colorant transfer at any point during evaluations. When applied at 45 and 60°F, colorant transfer for Spaint, Green Turf Paint, and Green Dye Turf were at least 5 and 6 times lower, respectively, compared to other colorants. Data implied increased potential for colorant transfer when applied at 25°F compared to 45 or 60°F and illustrate variability in product transfer potential.