Cover Story
Roughstalk Bluegrass Control in Tall Fescue
By Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D., Professor of Weed Science, and Adam Nichols, Research Assistant, Hampton Roads Ag. Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech
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oughstalk bluegrass seed has sometimes been included in turfgrass seed mixes for shady areas, and it has been used as an overseeding grass for winter color in bermudagrass. Like most cool-season species, it grows actively in fall through spring. Roughstalk bluegrass leaves have a finer texture and a light-green or yellowish-green color, making them stand out against the darker green color of turf-type tall fescue, and thus, clumps of this bluegrass species are noticeable in lawns and other turf areas in spring and fall. Also, roughstalk bluegrass is not as heat-tolerant as tall fescue and will go dormant during the heat of Virginia summers. When the heat and drought of summer arrives, this plant will turn reddish or brown, making it stand out that time of year. Summer annual weeds may fill in areas where this
22 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2017 www.vaturf.org