SUPPRESSION OF PASPALUM NOTATUM FL(U)EGG(E) (BAHIAGRASS) ALONG AUSTRALIAN ROADSIDES

摘要

The management of Paspalum notatum Flüeggé (bahiagrass) along roadsides in Australia requires increased activities and expenditure when compared to other grasses.This is largely due to the rapid and prolific inflorescence production of this species during the summer months,which causes the requirement for more frequent mowing interventions to maintain these areas in a safe and aesthetically pleasing condition.Plant growth regulators or herbicides have been successfully used in highly managed turfgrass systems in southeastern USA to reduce the mowing requirements of P.notatum.Hence,research was conducted to evaluate if these same practices could be used for the suppression of P.notatum along roadsides in southeastern Queensland,Australia.The results of these experiments indicate that several plant growth regulators have the potential to be utilized for the management of P.notatum in such situations.Reducing mowing frequency results in reduced maintenance costs and implementing these management practices may also reduce the safety risks to motorists and transportation workers.