Magazine - Introducing Memorial Creeping Bentgrass

By Cameron Henley in Industry News on 17th Jun 2010 6:00

Memorial Creeping Bentgrass is an excellent performer in a closely mown situation.

It is an ideal variety for use in golf greens, tees and in blends for fairways. Memorial Bentgrass has a medium to fine leaf texture with a medium to dark green colour. Its improved resistance to Dollar Spot and Brown Patch aids in the reduction of fungicide applications which helps reduce associated maintenance costs.



Key points
· Outstanding resistance to Dollar Spot and Brown Patch
· Very good wear tolerance with good ball mark recovery
· Quick to establish
· Good spring green up Characteristics and areas of use


Breeding history
Memorial Creeping Bentgrass is a result of eight years of selection for improved Dollar Spot and Brown Patch resistance which began at Rutgers University in 1996 with selections from Old Golf Course in Arizona. 25 plants where harvested from these selections and sent on to The Scotts Company for further selection to increase seed yield. In 2003, a foundation field of Memorial Bentgrass was planted in the Willamette Valley of Oregon leading to certified seed now being available.

Sowing rate and maintenance
A sowing rate of 5-7 g/m2 or 50 -70 kg/ha is recommended to a depth of no more than 5mm deep. A light rake of a cultivated surface will create a seed bed and a gentle roll following seeding will ensure good soil to seed contact, which is required to achieve successful establishment. The seedbed must be kept moist by irrigation applications, the frequency of which should correspond with weather factors such as temperature, wind and cloud cover. The surface should be rolled to firm the surface prior to the first mowing taking place, solid rollers are advised to minimise plant injury. The first mowing should not remove more than one third of the total leaf blade, so for greens to be cut at 5mm the sward height must not be more than 15mm in length.

Fertiliser applications should be made prior to sowing and throughout the establishment phase. Soil analysis will determine the amount of fertiliser necessary to achieve optimum establishment. Light and frequent top dressing of the surface (Greens) is recommended to smooth surface and remove uneven areas.




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Read more articles in Industry News, by Cameron Henley or from June 2010.