AuxiGro® WP was evaluated for effects on bermudagrass seed production in the Palo Verde Valley of far eastern California. Four rates of this product, in addition to a 4 oz./acre rate with two fertilizers were tested, as were the fertilizers only to separate treatment effects. Highest yields from subplot harvests were noted from the 2 and 4 oz./acre rates of AuxiGro® WP, and germination percentages from these treatments and resultant pure live seed were also numerically higher (81-99 lbs./acre) than that noted from untreated bermudagrass, although most plant parameters did not result in statistical difference.

Usage of gibberellic acid inhibitors have been documented to increase seed harvest of grasses in the Pacific Northwest, but had not been evaluated for bermudagrass seed production in the low desert. Four rates of PalisadeTM (1-4 pts/acre)and three rates of Apogee7 (7-29 oz) were applied to 'Cheyenne' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) to evaluate their effects on seed production. Treatments were applied just prior to inflorescence appearance, and lowest two rates of both chemistries included both single as well as double applications with second application approximately two weeks after experiment initiation. All PalisadeTM treatments significantly reduced plant heights and inflorescence heights, as did twice applied Apogee7 treatments for plant heights. Most PalisadeTM treatments also significantly reduced total inflorescence length as well as opened 'heads'. Data indicate that higher rates of both chemistries and especially PalisadeTM significantly reduced seeds per unit area. Of the treatments, only the lowest rate of Apogee7 (1 pt/acre) resulted in a numeric increase of seeds/acre compared with the untreated check.

Two rates of the insect active ingredient zetacypermethrin (MustangMax) were evaluated for control of summer insect pests on bermudagrass, with application made about one month prior to harvest. Crop was 22 inches tall when treatments were applied and had a dense stand, which also intercepted much of the treatment. Little difference existed between the two rates of zetacypermethrin in this study. Treatments reduced planthopper numbers by slightly over 50% for the first 9 days after application. Reduction of bermudagrass mirid populations was 45% at two days post treatment, but numbers of this insect were numerically higher in MustangMax treated plants than in untreated plots at subsequent sample dates. Treatments also resulted in significantly lower numbers of damsel bugs and minute pirate bugs at two days post treatment, while only reducing grass thrips numbers by about 20% through 13 days after application. Bark lice were more prevalent in the treated plots, thought due to a reduction of predatory beneficial insects. More effectiveness from this chemistry would be expected earlier in the growing season when plants are shorter, therefore allowing greater coverage and contact with insects as this chemistry is not systemic.

Bermudagrass germplasm was evaluated for turfgrass color, quality, chlorosis symptoms, leaf texture and percent plot ground cover, in order to assess turf adaptation under desert conditions. Both experimental materials and commercially available germplasm were different for these traits during 1988, which was the second year's evaluation of a 5-year-long national trial for turf-type bermudagrass.