Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L). Pers.) is considered to be one of the most difficult to control grass weeds in turf throughout the U.S. Recent breeding efforts have produced much more desirable bermudagrass cultivars, and therefore its use has increased. Ironically, as bermudagrass use becomes more popular it poses even greater difficulties to the turf manager. The need to control these warm season turfgrass species, without causing injury to other desirable turfgrass species, is one of the most intractable problems a turf specialist encounters. Herbicides previously used to selectively control bermudagrass such as siduron and oxadiazon have proven to be of only minimal efficacy or to induce significant injury to other desirable turfgrasses. Tests conducted in 1993, 1994 and 1995 have indicated that fenoxaprop plus fluazifop (Horizon 2000R) controlled bermudagrass effectively. Six bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) cultivars and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) were used in the susceptibility studies. Visual control and cover ratings were taken at two-week intervals until ten weeks after the final treatment. Sequential applications of labeled rates of fenoxaprop or fluazifop alone only temporarily controlled bermudagrass shoots. Horizon 2000 applied at 0.40 kg ai/ha in three sequential applications proved effective in controlling bermudagrass rhizomes and stolons. From results of previous studies and research conducted here it has been hypothesized that synergistic effects of fenoxaprop on fluazifop allow both differential control of various bermudagrass cultivars and increased tall fescue tolerance to these herbicides. / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves -). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves -). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1987.

Thesis (M.Phil.) - University of Queensland, 2005. / Includes bibliography.

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) have many desirable forage attributes, are grown extensively throughout the USA, and combined form a productive pasture mixture. The objective of this research was to develop recommended management practices for alfalfa-tall fescue mixtures and compare livestock performance, forage quality, and productivity of this mixture to N-fertilized endophyte-free tall fescue. Forty-eight Angus or Angus crossbred steers were rotationally stocked on a four-replicate alfalfa-tall fescue and N-fertilized tall fescue pasture system during 2002 and 2003. Livestock gain, forage quality, and forage production were monitored throughout the seasons. Management treatments conducted within wire exclosures included defoliation height, rest period, exclosure movement, and month and were evaluated using detailed botanical composition and persistence measurements. Defoliation height, rest period, and month all affected alfalfa-tall fescue competition. Alfalfa was generally more competitive with longer rest periods and shorter heights, although results were not consistent. Alfalfa composition and persistence declined dramatically over the 2003 season due to climate, grazing management, and cultivar. Cool, high moisture conditions stimulated tall fescue growth and reduced alfalfa vigor and survival. Livestock gains were higher for pure tall fescue at one date in 2002, but higher overall for alfalfa-tall fescue during 2003. Forage quality (CP, NDF and ADF) was consistently higher for alfalfa-tall fescue during both seasons. In conclusion, both alfalfa-tall fescue and N-fertilized endophyte-free tall fescue produce productive pastures and high ADG in beef steers in Virginia, but continued management research is required to maintain the alfalfa component of this mixture. / Master of Science

Since the 1980s, there has been a change in the way reforestation is being carried out in the south of Sweden. Landowners have to an ever greater extent chosen to plant Norway spruce (Picea abies) independent of the fact that it would be better, due to local conditions, to plant Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). The reason behind this is that Scots pine has a higher rate of game damage than Norway spruce. The damage is mainly caused by elk (Alces alces) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Since there are ways to manage forests with a balance between wildlife and tree production, a collaboration was started between the forest industry and the Swedish Forest Agency (Skogsstyrelsen). It is called” More Scots pine” (Mera tall) and the aim is to change the attitudes of and to teach landowners what can be done to decrease game damage and how to succeed with reforestation when using Scots pine. This study is a comparison of regeneration areas that were harvested during the 2002/03 season and the 2012/13 season, to see if there is a change of landowners choice of plant species. The result of this study showed that there’s an increase of the proportion of Scots pine on regeneration sites, 19,5% in 2002/3 to 29,9% in 2012/13. There were also changes in site adaption in regeneration sites, 12,5 % adapted sites in 2002/03, to 28,6% in 2012/13. Game damage was measured in regeneration sites from season 2012/13 on 24 % of Scots pine plants treated with game repellent and on 35 % of the untreated plants. Game damage on spruce measured 11 % on treated plants and 47 % of untreated plants.

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Civil and Structural Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work