Irrigation frequency influences establishment of silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) and rooting of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) on simulated golf greens

The encroachment of moss on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) golf greens is a significant problem throughout the world. Although chemical control products for moss exist many are not registered for this use in Europe and Canada. As a result turfgrass managers must rely on cultural methods to manage moss encroachment. A survey of 15 golf courses in southwestern Ontario positively identified silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) (STM) as the primary species of moss present. In order to determine the effects of irrigation practices on STM establishment two independent greenhouse experiments were conducted in which the quantity and frequency of irrigation were altered. Pots containing creeping bentgrass were inoculated with STM and irrigated at either 75% or 100% open pan evaporation (Eₒ) and at 1-, 2-, 4-, or7-day intervals. Volumetric water content was measured in the top 5.7 cm of the pots to confirm that changes in water availability were a result of irrigation practices. Between the two levels tested, irrigation quantity had no effect on the presence of STM. In the first experiment irrigation at 1-day and 2-day intervals had significantly more STM invasion than irrigation at 4- and 7-day intervals. In the second experiment point quadrat counts showed that irrigating at both 1-day and 2-day intervals resulted in significantly more STM and that the most moss was observed with the daily irrigation regime. Root data were also collected to determine the effect of irrigation practices on root mass. The daily irrigation treatments in both experiments had reduced root mass although in the first experiment only the root mass below 12 cm was lower. In the second experiment the total root mass was highest for the 4-day irrigation interval with the 2- and 7-day intervals having intermediate root mass and daily irrigation resulting in the least.