Evaluation of Plant Growth Regulators for Use in Grounds Maintenance at Military Installations

Abstract : A 3-year study to evaluate the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) for reducing grounds maintenance costs was conducted at four military installations. Test plots were treated once a year, in the spring, for 3 consecutive years at the following installations: Red River Army Depot, Texas; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Charleston Naval Weapons Station, South Carolina; and Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pennsylvania. The objectives of this study were to: (a) evaluate the effectiveness of PGR treatments on the dominant turf species at each location; (b) determine the cost-effectiveness of PGR use versus conventional mowing practices; and, (c) provide guidance for incorporating PGRs into installation grounds maintenance programs. Roundup + Oust and Oust + Escort were the most successful treatments evaluated over the 3-year period at the Red River Army Depot. Both treatments provided control of problem broadleaf and grass weed species without adversely affecting the desirable bermudagrass. (Author)