Warm-season greens grass trial - Environmental and management guidelines suited for new and old cultivars

The Horticulture Australia funded project, Management Guidelines for Warm-Season Grasses in Australia (TU05001), has allowed a detailed greens grass study to take place and enabled researchers and superintendents to work together to collect meaningful data on a range of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy (Cynodon hybrid) and Paspalum vaginatum O. Swartz (seashore paspalum) cultivars suitable for golf or lawn bowls use. The end result provides superintendents and greenkeepers with additional knowledge to accompany their skills in managing or upgrading their greens to produce a denser, smoother and faster putting or bowls surface. However, neither turfgrass selection nor finely tuned management program will overcome unrealistic expectations (especially in relation to usage), poor growing environments, or limitations due to improper construction techniques.

Background to the approved beneficial Cynodon spp. vegetative cultivars within Australia

The growth of the Australian turfgrass industry has significantly expanded over recent decades. One reason for this occurring has been with development of better suited or higher quality turfgrass cultivars for Australia’s harsh climatic conditions. In recent years drought has widely affected the turfgrass industry and as such, greater drought tolerant C4 grasses such as Cynodon spp. have been used. In 2008, as part of the 24th Australian Turfgrass Conference Proceedings, Peter McMaugh wrote an extensive article on the couch grass breeding history in Australia. This paper contains an extension to his work detailing the current (1950s to 2010) Cynodon species found in Australia. Detailed information has been sourced in relation to the origin and development of the grasses which are suitable for turfgrass use. Such detail provides an interesting picture of the source of proliferation of newer cultivars and how the Australian industry has evolved with the introduction of overseas and Australian selected cultivars. The information adds to the preceding work, including morphological and agronomic attributes and how closely each selection or cultivar is related. The cultivars discussed in this article (listed alphabetically) are derived from one of the four classifications identified by the breeder/author, being (i) Cynodon sp. (although the cultivar contained within the taxa fits best being classified as a Cynodon hybrid), (ii) Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis (Cynodon hybrid), (iii) Cynodon dactylon (green couch) and (iv) Cynodon dactylon x C. magenissii.

Integrated Pest Management in Ornamentals: Information Guide. Horticulture Series: Agrilink,your growing guide to better farming.

Each Agrilink kit has been designed to be both comprehensive and practical. As the kits are arranged to answer questions of increasing complexity, they are useful references for both new and experienced producers of specific crops. Agrilink integrates the technology of horticultural production with the management of horticultural enterprises. REPRINT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ! For updated information please call 13 25 23 or visit the website www.daff.qld.gov.au (Select: Queensland Industries – Agriculture link) This publication has been reprinted as a digital book without any changes to the content published in 2000. We advise readers to take particular note of the areas most likely to be out-of-date and so requiring further research: see detailed information on first page of the kit. Even with these limitations we believe this information kit provides important and valuable information for intending and existing growers. This publication was last revised in 2000. The information is not current and the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed by the State of Queensland. This information has been made available to assist users to identify issues involved in integrated pest management in ornamentals. This information is not to be used or relied upon by users for any purpose which may expose the user or any other person to loss or damage. Users should conduct their own inquiries and rely on their own independent professional advice. While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained in this publication.

Rice flower production guidelines for growers

Rice flower, an Australian native species, has been cultivated in appreciable quantities as a cut flower crop since 1991. Although the plant can be highly productive, achieving consistently high commercial yields can prove elusive. Rice Flower production guidelines for growers is essential reading for producers who would aspire to grow and market rice flower well. For anyone with an interest in new crop development, this book provides a valuable insight into the intricacies of growing an indigenous species commercially.

Trialing new cut flower varieties

Field trial of new cut flower, floriculture, foliage varieties.

Extension of Chemical Phytotoxicity Testing Facility for Warm-Season Turfgrasses

The turf industry needs to access a range of more selective, effective and environmentally acceptable pesticides, which will help to address environmental concerns while maintaining the industry's internationally competitive status. This includes both new pesticides being developed globally for turf use and older generic chemicals previously registered for other agricultural purposes and now requiring extension of that registration for use in turf.

Traffic tolerance of warm season turfgrasses under Community Sportsfield Conditions

The four-year Horticulture Australia (HAL) project is the first scientific study within Australia to assess simulated and actual wear studies of warm-season turfgrasses suitable for sportfield use. The study has allowed researchers and turf professionals to compare traffic (wear and compaction) tolerance and turf management requirements (e.g. mowing) of the current dominant varieties.

Quantifying surfactant interaction effects on soil moisture

Quantifying surfactant interaction effects on soil moisture and turf quality.

Determining Optimum Irrigation Scheduling Techniques for Key Wildflower Crops

Determining Optimum Irrigation Scheduling Techniques for Key Wildflower Crops.

Using mulch to improve water use efficiency of in-ground native flowers

Monitoring of soil moisture fluctuations under mulched and un-mulched native flowers will provide valuable information in assessing the crop water use and potential water savings associated with adoption of this practise. This information would be valuable in encouraging growers to adopt best management practises for sustainable flower production.

Improvement and Maintenance of Turf Demonstration Plots

DEEDI have built and maintained a living library of turf grass selections of 138 different turf cultivars. Material is also preserved in tubs in a protected growing environment. The maintenance and ongoing upgrading of these plots requires significant resources to maintain their integrity. As the plots have been in place since 2000, they are currently in need of significant repair. This project will assist in the improvement and maintenance of the turf library for the benefit of the turf industry producers and Australian turf research more generally.

South East Queensland - Irrigation Futures

Service provision project to be undertaken by staff from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) to the Flower Association of Queensland Inc. (FAQI) to fulfil FAQI's requirements under the South East Queensland - Irrigation Futures project.

Positioning the Cut Flower Industry to Respond to the Climate Change

Contribute to the current understanding of climate impacts on cut flower and foliage growing in Queensland.

TU10025 Erosion control - turf research and development facility

The aim of this project is to construct a large-scale erosion control education and demonstration facility at Redland Research Station. This will be done in collaboration with the Australian turf industry (as members of the steering committee) and consultant researcher Dr Rob Loch (project partner). The project will employ a part-time industry development officer (IDO) for Turf Australia to increase engagement with the project by the target audience. The project’s main strategy is to extend the research results from HAL funded project Optimising Turf Use to Minimise Soil Erosion on Construction Sites TU08033 so that the maximum return on investment can be derived for the turf levy payers and HAL from that study.

Rural Water Use Efficiency 4

The purpose of this proposal is to detail the proposed service provision project to be undertaken by staff from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI – formerly DPI&F) to the Flower Association of Queensland Inc (FAQI). FAQI to successfully fulfil FAQI’s requirements under the Rural Water Use Efficiency 4 project.