Root Studies
Selecting
for drought resistance is dynamic and is affected by many genetic
factors. Studies have been conducted by NexGen Turf Research to
demonstrate that enhancing root systems has a positive effect on
drought performance. Following a rainfall event water moves downward
through the soil profile. Plants with extended roots grow deeper
into the soil profile and can utilize water for a longer period of
time. Our selection method was developed to improve the rooting
ability of grass cultivars.
Tables
are designed to hold tubes filled with silica sand. Tubes are set at
a slight angle and each tube has its own water emitter. The emitters
are set on a timer and each tube receives the same amount of water.
The angle of the tubes promotes the roots to grow mainly along one
side of the tube to allow for easier harvesting. The plants are
clipped once per week and the clippings are weighed.
Plants
are selected with clipping amounts that do not exceed the average of
the initial population. Plants with deep roots often have more shoot
mass. Therefore, it is important to select against increased shoot
mass so that mowing frequency is not increased.
After plants with very low or high amounts of shoot mass are discarded, the remaining plants are examined to locate the ones with superior roots.
Studies involving Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass and Texas x Kentucky Bluegrass have been conducted using root study tubes, a rain-out shelter, and field studies.
