Oregon State University

By Ruying “Wrennie” Wang and Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University

The inherent disease resistance associated with fine fescues is partially the result of Epichloë endophytes. Epichloë endophytes are symbiotic fungi that live within the turfgrass and help protect the host plant from various environments stress and pathogens. Previous research has identified Epichloë endophyte strains in hard fescue that provide resistance to dollar spot and red thread diseases.

By Nicole P. Anderson and Brian C. Donovan, Oregon State University

Since the late 1940s, open-field burning has been used as a widespread practice in grass seed production in the Pacific Northwest. Post-harvest residue management is an important factor in several fine fescues, including creeping red fescue and Chewings fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass seed crops.

By Emily Braithwaite and Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University

Part of the multi-state USDA-SCRI fine fescue initiative was to identify ways that people can incorporate these low-input grasses into existing landscapes. We know that the fine fescue species persist in shade, with low water requirements, and low fertility requirements, but overcoming the social barrier for adopting more sites with these grasses was a primary focus of this initiative.

By Emily Braithwaite and Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to begin using commercial “patch and repair” products on their lawns to seed bare or damaged areas from the previous seasons. These products contain about 85 to 90% inert matter (i.e. wood or paper based-mulch) to help retain moisture, and the other 10 to 15% is fertilizer and grass seed.

By Alec Kowalewski and Emily Braithwaite, Oregon State University

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is a collaborative effort between turfgrass seed breeders and North American universities.  Under the direction of Kevin Morris, NTEP uses the following steps when developing and maintaining trials.

Turfgrass researchers from Oregon State University recently produced many interesting videos as part of their virtual 2020 OSU Field Day. This video features Emily Braithwaite, a faculty research assistant at Oregon State University who conducts research as part of our Low Input Turf project, discussing some of their fine fescue management trials.

By Emily Braithwaite and Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University

Fine fescue golf courses are a staple of the Pacific Northwest.  Director of Agronomy Eric Johnson has been managing fine fescues on golf courses since 2001.  He began at Bandon Dunes, but has spent the last 8 years at Chambers Bay in Washington.  When he first arrived, the course was wall-to-wall fine fescue and colonial bentgrass.  But in the last two years, he has transitioned his greens over to annual bluegrass. 

By Nicole Anderson and Brian Donovan, Oregon State University

Previous blog posts provided by Purdue University (Braun and Patton) and Oregon State University (Kowalewski et. al.) turf personnel have done an excellent job of describing fine fescue taxonomy and providing an overview of the characteristics associated with the five kinds of fine fescues, respectively. Discussions about fine fescues are often associated with their uses as low-input turfgrasses in homeowner lawns, public green spaces, and golf course fairways.  As fine fescues draw more attention because of their low-input turf attributes, it is critical that a reliable and consistent supply of seed is available in the consumer marketplace. 

By Alec Kowalewski, Emily Braithwaite and Brian McDonald, Oregon State University

Generally, fine fescues are described as low input turfgrasses because as a group these plants tolerate shade and low fertility, and can persist with minimal irrigation.  However, each of these fine fescues has a unique set of functional components.  This blog post will provide an overview of the characteristics associated with each of the five fine fescues.