APPLIED RESEARCH
By Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Greg Breeden, Research and Extension Associate, Turfgrass and Weed Science, University of Tennessee; and Jay McCurdy, Undergraduate Turfgrass Management Student, University of Tennessee-Martin
M
oss, specifically silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum), has become an increasing problem on bentgrass putting greens. With lower mowing heights and possibly lower fertility
making the turf less competitive, common moss is suddenly a weed problem. The dense stands that moss develops on a bentgrass green are virtually impenetrable to bentgrass growth. Since the beginning of herbicide development in the mid-1900s, however, herbicide research has focused on grass or broadleaf species. No company or herbicide researcher has (Note: QuickSilver is not currently registered for use on bentgrass greens for moss control. It is set, however, to be fully registered later this year.)
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ever considered a terrestrial moss species a weed problem.
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com