This is the first of a three-part series on turfgrass morphology, function, physiology and management implications. This series will feature crowns, leaves and roots, all vitally important parts of turfgrass plants. Today we will concentrate on turfgrass crowns. In his recent textbook on turfgrass management (1998), Nick Christians states, "The crown is the center of activity for the turfgrass plant, and as long as it is alive the plant is alive." If anything, this is an understatement. The crown literally is the turfgrass plant, or at least that which makes a turfgrass a perennial plant. The primary growing points (meristems) are located in the crown which means all grass organs originate from the crown. Most of the energy reserves of a turfgrassplant are stored in its crown.
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