Abstract
Since the 1990s, the application of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars has increased in newly-constructed Korean golf courses as opposed to the previously-used zoysiagrass. However, there have been few reports studying the selection and characterization of these Kentucky bluegrass cultivars under Korean weather conditions. A total of 12 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars were tested for their adaptability in environmental stresses during summer conditions in Korea in order to select the best Kentucky bluegrass cultivars for use in Korean golf courses. This study found that two Kentucky bluegrass cultivars ('Midnight' and 'Bluestone') maintained their green throughout the summer season and had a high degree of root density, as compared to the other cultivars tested. These two cultivars also had a good rate of coverage in the early growth period. These characteristics make them suitable for application on sports fields and golf courses, which receive many divots and the frequent replacement of turfgrass sod caused by both biotic and abiotic stress. Two other cultivars, the 'Ginney' and 'Nuglade', also displayed good visual quality and high rate of coverage under summer conditions. In conclusion, the 'Midnight' and 'Bluestone' cultivars performed well in areas including the maintenance of their green color, the number of roots and the rate of coverage during the summer months. These characteristics are necessary for golf courses sports fields, which receive many divots and requirethe frequent replacement of turfgrass. further research on a range of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars, including a sensitivity test for many pathogens and recovery rates from a variety of stresses, is required in the near future.
