Poa Annua and seedheads

I thought I would do a little blog about one of our grass species Poa Annua. As some of you may know that the Poa Annua is predominantly an annual grass species (like the name suggests), but it does have perennial bio- type. At this time of year the Annual reptans seed prolifically (meaning the plant is setting   seed out for the next set of plants). 

Poa Annua does seed at low levels all year round but between May and June this increase is noticeable especially on putting green surfaces. Please see the graph below. These readings are based on a metre squared of a green.

This noticeable seed was the main reason that Wentworth rebuilt all the west course greens a couple of years ago as the greens where seeding during the tournament making hard to get green speeds and stop the ball snaking. A lot of  high profile clubs have done this but Poa is one of the toughest grass species and these clubs have to fight to keep this off their greens or plan to relay them every 7 years or so. 

Below is a picture of Poa seeds on a green. Please see the small yellow/white seeds.

The rest of us in the country (not including links courses) have to do our best to reduce the seed heads during this period. We at Muswell Hill have always tried to increase our Bent grass species in our greens so that there is less Poa around. Please note we are not trying to remove the Poa totally but just get a nice blend. We have been brushing,  Poa busting, verti cutting, top dressing, keeping an eye on moisture levels ( as high and low levels will increase seed productivity) and spraying chemicals to reduce the seed head numbers. I would also like to add that Poa/bent mixed greens still produce some of the best in the country, especially on courses with years of maintenance on them like Muswell Hill. 

Here is a picture of the seeds on longer areas of grass. This makes it easier to see.

The seed heads which started later than normal this year but are making up for it are well underway but I expect the seed head flush to continue for a couple of weeks especially with potentially dry weather in prospect. 

We will carry on working hard to reduce these over the coming weeks until this years seeds have gone and we can carry on with our great summer of golf ahead !