Poa annua…..

This last week people have been asking about the Poa…Well, Pencross was the variety of bent our greens were planted to in fall 1995. Pencross is also the variety of bent that is currently on the Tees. It is an old variety of bent that is not as aggressive as the newer bents. So here is my spiel on Poa:

Poa loves the colder, wetter seasons that we’ve had the last few seasons. (Yes, the 2010 season was warm; we had to use additional water to cool plants). We will be scaling back on overhead sprinkler applications of water, expect to see more hand watering.

Poa will start growing when the soil thaws. Bent prefers 55 degrees. Bent will change color but not normally grow much until then. Currently, we are approaching the high 50’s on putting surfaces. Depth of temp is measured at 4”.

Poa is a prolific seed head producer, up until a handful of seasons ago; there was a limited few choices in the controls of seed heads. I’ve applied a proven combination of growth regulators on the putting surfaces to control seed heads this season, so far so good.

Poa is the only grass that is on ALL seven continents of the Earth. It is highly adaptable to growing and cultural conditions. Oakmont CC in Pittsburgh mows Poa at .080” (no typo) everyday.

Poa hates extended heat and humidity (days, not hours.). Period.

Poa doesn’t like a growth regulator called Paclobutrazol, it will cause the Poa to look off color and grow shorter. I’ve used this in the past and will continue its use in the future.

So this season, expect to see the greens aerator on a more rigid schedule of venting. The topdresser will be seen at least once every 14 days, with rates of sand varying at times.

And finally, this next weekend is our first adventure in a 2 day tournament at the Sanctuary GC. The I-80 Am is currently full. The greens are putting nice and expect some difficult pins.