R110 - AGRISPON GERMINATION STUDIES ... - Agrisciences.com

AGRISPON GERMINATION
STUDIES WITH GOLF
COURSE GRASSES
by Paul W. Syltie, Director of Research
Appropriate Technology Ltd., Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
December 16, 1994
R 110 4/7/97

AGRISPON GERMINATION STUDIES WITH GOLF COURSE GRASSES
Paul W. Syltie 1
ABSTRACT
A study using Agrispon biostimulant, a metabolic activator of rhizosphere organisms to increase root and
leaf growth, to treat 25 golf course grass varieties -- perennial ryegrass, fescue, and creeping bentgrass --
revealed significant improvements in early growth of all varieties. Of the four Agrispon rates utilized
(0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, and 10%), the 0.01 and 0.1% rates (corresponding to field rates of 0.285 and 2.85 l/ha)
in most cases performed best, increasing root and leaf dry yields over all grass species combined by 26 to
31%. Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass gave significant yield increases of 37 and 35% at 0.1 and 1%
Agrispon respectively, while Southshore Creeping Bentgrass yielded a significant 35% increase in dry
matter at 1% Agrispon. All bentgrass varieties produced a highly significant yield increase at 0.01%
Agrispon. Different response curves to the product for different varieties are shown. It is theorized that
differences in response to Agrispon at different application levels for specific varieties relate to subtle
differences in the microorganism content of the original potting soil, and consequential differences in root
and leaf nutritional benefits. The utility of this product for golf course turf establishment and maintenance
are discussed.
Introduction
The non-toxic biostimulant Agrispon has been defined as a multi-mode of action, multi-active agent biochemical in
documents submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1 With active agents including zeatin, salicylic
acid, triacontanol, 9-β-L(+)adenosine, porphyrins, glycosides, nucleic acids, and others, this liquid extract of
certain plants and minerals has been proven to stimulate the growth and yield of numerous agricultural, forestry,
horticultural, and other crops around the world since 1976. 2
Among the crops giving excellent responses to Agrispon are grasses of all types. This relatively new technology
utilizes the principle of "rhizosphere [root-zone] stimulation" to evoke its responses. The active agents are applied
to the seeds, roots, soil, and foliage, and through a biochemical cascade effect involving microbial and plant root
cells the metabolism of bacteria, fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, and other microorganisms is increased. 3 Mycorrhizal
fungi are especially triggered to proliferate and effectively expand the feeding volume of roots through the
extensive network of hyphae that these fungi send out from the root cortex. As the roots receive more minerals,
growth regulators, hormones, antibiotics, and other growth-benefiting substances from activated microorganisms,
the plant absorbs these nutrients from the roots and intensifies its growth. 4 In the process, soil properties such as
structure, porosity, and bulk density are also benefited. 5
Of increasing importance in recent decades is the cultivation of grasses for golf courses, lawns, parks, cemeteries,
and other areas requiring turf grasses. At the present time an estimated 1.8 million acres across the United States
are growing turf grasses on about 15,000 golf courses. 6 These golf courses are among the most heavily maintained
cropland areas within the country. The means discovered to speed the establishment of grass stands in new or
renovated golf courses would be invaluable to prevent erosion, and hasten the establishment of a playable sod
surface.
The potential for Agrispon to benefit the growth of turf grasses -- especially on golf courses -- has been elucidated
in several sources. 7,8,9,10,11,12 Among the effects noted are improved germination, early rooting and growth, leaf
chlorophyll development, nitrogen-use efficiency, water-use efficiency, leaf and root growth, and improvements in
soil characteristics such as structure, porosity, and tilth. 13 To investigate the potential of Agrispon to improve golf
course grass germination and early growth, a study by Syltie in 1994 revealed nine conclusions, 14 including the
following:
1 Director of Research, Appropriate Technology Ltd., 3601 Garden Brook, Dallas, Texas 75234, U.S.A.
R 110 4/7/97

1. In all cases, Agrispon at all dilutions stimulated the growth of healthier, more vigorous roots and leaves.
2. Agrispon at all dilutions usually increased total leaf and root dry weights, especially for ryegrass,
bermudagrass, bentgrass, and some fescue and bluegrass varieties.
3. No extra advantage occurred from applying Agrispon to the seed, and drying the seed before planting.
Applications to the seed and soil, or to the soil surface above the planted seedbed, produced total root and
leaf growth as great as did the treated seed.
4. Chlorophyll development and intensity of green color were generally greater for Agrispon treatments than
for the controls.
The purpose of this study was to further refine the findings of the previous study, 14 and in particular to discover
how Agrispon may speed the establishment of turf for a wider selection of golf course grasses.
Materials and Methods
Thirty-seven varieties of golf course grass seeds were supplied for this study by Benz Golf Course Architects, Los
Gatos, California, in August of 1994. These seeds had been obtained from O.M. Scott Company, Jacklin Golf, and
Lofts Seed Inc. These varieties are listed below.
O.M. Scott Company:
Abbey Kentucky Bluegrass [Poa pratensis L., cv. Abbey]
Bristol Kentucky Bluegrass [Poa pratensis L., c.v. Bristol]
Accolade Perennial Ryegrass [Lolium perenne L., cv. Accolade]
Ovation Perennial Ryegrass [Lolium perenne L., cv. Ovation]
Azetec Tall Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Aztec]
Adobe Talla Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Adobe]
Banner Fire Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Banner]
Brigade Hard Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Brigade]
Penncross Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds., cv. Penncross]
Seaside Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds., cv. Penncross]
Pro Cup Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds., cv. Pro Cup]
Sonesta Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers., cv. Sonesta]
Sahara Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers., cv. Sahara]
Sabre Poa Trivialis [Poa trivialis, cv. Sabre]
Cypress Poa Trivialis [Poa trivialis, cv. Cypress]
Jacklin Golf:
Adelphi Kentucky Bluegrass [Poa pratensis L., cv. Adelphi]
Eclipse Kentucky Bluegrass [Poa pratensis L., cv. Eclipse]
Advent Perennial Ryegrass [Lolium perenne L., cv. Advent]
APM Perennial Ryegrass [Lolium perenne L., cv. APM]
Pixie Tall Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Pixie]
Arid Tall Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Arid]
MX-86 Sheep Fescue [Festuca ovina L., cv. MX-86]
Ecostar Hard Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Ecostar]
Penncross Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds., cv. Penncross]
Putter Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds., cv. Putter]
Cheyenne Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers., cv. Cheyenne]
Sunrise Seeded Zoysia Japonica [Zoysia japonica, cv. Sunrise]
Lofts Seed Inc.
Baron Kentucky Bluegrass [Poa pratensis L., cv. Baron]
Ram I Kentucky Bluegrass [Poa pratensis L., cv. Ram I]
Prelude Perennial Ryegrass [Lolium perenne L., cv. Prelude]
Yorktown II Perennial Ryegrass [Lolium perenne L., cv. Yorktown II]
Rebel Tall Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Rebel]
2

Tribute Tall Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Tribute]
Jamestown II Chewings Fescue [Festuca rubra var. cummufata Guad., cv. Jamestown II]
Reliant Hard Fescue [Festuca rubra L., cv. Reliant]
Penncross Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds., cv. Penncross]
Southshore Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds., cv. Southshore]
Three different soils were used in this study, two being Fir silly clay looms and one an artificial golf green mix of
80% sand and 20% peat moss. The chemical analyses and textural determinations of these three soils are
presented in Table 1.
All three soils were high in calcium, but reasonable in the levels of magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Potassium
was very low in the golf green mix. Organic matter levels were quite low, but nitrogen was reasonably high
despite the low organic matter levels. Sulfur was very low in all three soils. Copper and boron were both deficient
in all three soils, and iron and zinc as well in the golf green mix. However, none of the deficiencies were serious
enough to prevent reasonably good growth for all treatments over the duration of the study.
Table 1. Soil test values for potting soil in a grass germination study. 16
Frio silty clay loam
Parameter Soil 1 Soil 2 Golf green mix
Total exchange capacity, meq/100 g 20.54 18.40 12.17
pH 8.1 7.8 8.2
Organic matter, % 1.5 2.0 1.5
N, lb./acre 50 60 50
Sulfate, as S, lb./acre 12 12 16
P 2 O 5 , lb./acre 344 388 44
Ca (exch.), lb./acre 6,487 5,533 4,110
Mg (exch.), lb./acre 608 636 306
K (exch.), lb./acre 813 904 46
Na (exch.), lb./acre 32 44 77
Percent base saturations:
Ca 79.0 75.2 84.4
Mg 12.3 14.4 10.5
K 5.1 6.3 0.5
Na 0.3 0.5 1.4
Other bases 3.3 3.6 3.2
B, ppm 0.40 0.39 0.10
Fe, ppm 73 139 3
n, ppm 160 250 23
Cu, ppm 0.3 0.6 0.2
Zn, ppm 2.3 4.4 1.1
Texture:
Sand 59.3% 61.3% 98.6%
Silt 29.3% 25.3% 0
Clay 11.4% 13.4% 1.4%
Five pots for each variety were lined up in rows and filled with soil. All of the bluegrass and ryegrass varieties,
plus Aztec and Adobe Tall Fescue, received the Frio silty clay loam-1 soil, while all the rest of the varieties of
fescue, bermudagrass, trivialis, and zoysia received Frio silty clay loam-2 soil. The creeping bentgrass varieties
were seeded on the 80% sand-20% peat moss mix to simulate an actual golf green soil.
Plastic pots measuring 18 cm in diameter by 9 cm in height were prepared for the study. Treatments were as
follows (Table 2).
3

Table 2. Agrispon treatments for an Agrispon golf course grass germination study.
Treatment Application Actual product 1 Field rate 2
A 0 0 0
B 0.01% 0.000724 ml/pot 0.285 l/ha
C 0.1% 0.00724 ml/pot 2.85 l/ha
D 1% 0.0724 ml/pot 28.5 l/ha
E 10% 0.724 ml/pot 285 l/ha
1 Soil volume per pot = 2,035 cm 3 .
2 Pot surface area = 254 cm 2 .
One variety out of each genus of grass was selected to be replicated four times. With these varieties, four rows of
five pots each were prepared, using the same product additions as for the other varieties (Table 2), to enable a
statistical analysis to be performed on the data. The varieties selected for the replicated studies were Ram I
Kentucky Bluegrass, Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass, Reliant Hard Fescue, Southshore Creeping Bentgrass,
Cheyenne Bermudagrass, Cypress Poa Trivialis, and Sunrise Seeded Zoysia Japonica.
After filling the pots with the appropriate soil, the soil was thoroughly wetted. Each pot received a small plastic
tag with an identifying code. Then precise amounts of seeds were sprinkled evenly over the wet soil of each pot.
All of the bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue varieties received exactly one level teaspoon of seed, while the bentgrass,
bermudagrass, Poa trivialis, and zoysia grass varieties received 0.5 level teaspoon. Then soil was evenly scattered
over the seeds in a uniform covering, and a light mist of water was applied to wet any remaining dry soil.
Agrispon was sprayed over each pot at the appropriate dilutions with a hand-operated mist bottle. Seven shots of
spray (7.24 ml of total solution) covered the entire soil surface uniformly, giving the rates indicated in Table 2.
Care was taken not to allow any spray to drift to other pots. Seeding and treatment operations were completed
October 6.
The pots were watered periodically as needed. Notes and photographs were taken on a regular basis to record
differences between and within varieties and treatments.
Because of a serious fungal attack on the finer-bladed grass varieties, especially the Kentucky bluegrass, creeping
bentgrass, bermudagrass, and Poa trivialis, an estimate was made of the final plant stand for all pots in the study.
These estimates proved particularly valuable in adjusting obtained dry weights to more closely approximate the
true projected pot plant weight had not the fungal attack been present. The attack was so severe in some varieties
that the pots had to be discarded.
When the particular grass variety had reached sufficient size (from October 31 to November 11, depending on the
variety), the soil and grass were removed and the soil was carefully washed from the roots with a pressurized hose.
Care was taken to remove all soil and other residues adhering to the roots. Certain root masses were
photographed. The washed roots and leaves were placed in a food dehydrator and dried at 135 ° F for several hours
to complete dryness, and then placed in airtight plastic containers along with the identifying tags.
Later, the dry plant samples were weighed on a digital balance to the nearest 0.1 gram. Statistical analyses of these
weights for the replicated samples, and for varieties within the same genera, were performed using analyses of
variance as described by Steel and Torrie. 16
Results and Discussion
Because of excessively cool and humid conditions in the greenhouse, a fungus severely attacked the leaves as well
as the roots of many varieties of grass, especially those with fine leaf blades. Several had to be abandoned. There
seemed to be no preference of the fungus for any particular treatment, which decimated up to 80% of the plants in
a particular pot. The abandoned varieties were as follows:
4

Abby Kentucky Bluegrass Baron Kentucky Bluegrass Cheyenne Bermudagrass
Bristol Kentucky Bluegrass Ram I Kentucky Bluegrass Sabre Poa Trivialis
Adelphi Kentucky Bluegrass Sonesta Bermudagrass Cypress Poa Trivialis
Eclipse Kentucky Bluegrass Sahara Bermudagrass
The Sunshine Seeded Zoysia Japonica was terminated due to extremely delayed and erratic germination and
growth.
The creeping bentgrass varieties were also severely affected by the fungus, but the correction factors enabled an
analysis of the data to be made. Fescue varieties were also affected somewhat, but the ryegrass was affected only
slightly in a few varieties. An attempt was made to estimate the damage for the fungus attack by giving a visual
percentage of remaining healthy grass a few days before harvest. Those estimates are given in Table 3
Table 3. Estimates of grass damage caused by a leaf and root fungus in a golf course grass experiment,
October 31, 1994.
Grass variety and number Percent remaining stand of grass after fungal attack 1
A B C D E
7 Accolade Perennial Ryegrass 100 100 100 100 100
8 Ovation Perennial Ryegrass 100 95 70 90 100
9 Advent Perennial Ryegrass 100 85 100 100 100
10 APM Perennial Ryegrass 100 100 100 100 100
11 Prelude II Perennial Ryegrass 100 95 80 95 100
12-A Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 100 100 100 100 100
12-B Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 100 90 90 100 95
12-C Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 100 100 100 100 100
12-D Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 100 100 100 100 100
13 Aztec Tall Fescue 100 100 100 100 100
14 Adobe Tall Fescue 100 100 100 100 100
15 Banner Fire Fescue 100 100 100 100 100
16 Brigade Hard Fescue 95 100 100 100 100
17 Pixie Tall Fescue 100 100 100 100 100
18 Arid Tall Fescue 100 100 100 100 100
19 MX-86 Sheep Fescue 100 100 100 100 100
20 Ecostar Hard Fescue 100 80 60 100 80
21 Rebel II Tall Fescue 100 100 100 90 100
22 Tribute Tall Fescue 100 100 90 100 100
23 Jamestown II Chewings Fescue 100 90 100 100 100
24-A Reliant Hard Fescue 100 90 95 75 80
24-B Reliant Hard Fescue 100 70 100 95 95
24-C Reliant Hard Fescue 90 90 100 80 90
24-D Reliant Hard Fescue 100 90 85 90 90
25 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass a 100 50 50 60 100
26 Seaside Creeping Bentgrass 100 70 100 85 100
27 Pro Cup Creeping Bentgrass 100 60 75 75 95
28 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass b 100 40 80 100 80
29 Putter Creeping Bentgrass 100 100 50 90 70
30 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass c 85 90 100 70 100
31-A Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 90 45 100 50 60
31-B Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 90 100 100 60 60
31-C Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 60 100 60 65 100
31-D Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 90 100 75 80 85
1
The 100% value does not mean no fungus damage did not occur for that pot, but only that that particular pot had the most total growth
for all five treatments of that particular variety or replication. a Source from O.M. Scott Co. b Source from Jacklin Golf. c Source from
Lofts Seed Inc.
5

The initial dry weights of each sample are shown in Table 4, and adjusted dry weights are shown in Table 5.
Table 4. Initial dry weights of leaf and root grass samples for a golf course grass study.
Initial dry weight, g
Grass variety and number A B C D E
7 Accolade Perennial Ryegrass 10.2 8.5 8.2 7.8 9.4
8 Ovation Perennial Ryegrass 5.3 12.9 10.7 6.2 10.0
9 Advent Perennial Ryegrass 4.5 5.1 6.3 5.9 4.8
10 APM Perennial Ryegrass 4.8 5.5 5.9 5.9 5.8
11 Prelude II Perennial Ryegrass 5.4 5.4 4.3 5.3 4.9
12-A Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 4.3 5.8 5.9 6.7 5.7
12-B Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 4.6 5.0 5.7 6.1 6.4
12-C Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 5.7 6.6 9.1 6.9 6.9
12-D Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 5.1 5.8 5.6 7.0 7.2
13 Aztec Tall Fescue 4.7 3.8 5.6 4.0 4.4
14 Adobe Tall Fescue 8.3 9.2 14.0 19.8 19.4
15 Banner Fire Fescue 4.1 4.0 5.3 4.5 4.6
16 Brigade Hard Fescue 4.1 4.4 3.6 5.6 4.2
17 Pixie Tall Fescue 4.8 3.8 4.3 4.2 5.4
18 Arid Tall Fescue 3.3 4.4 4.9 4.5 4.6
19 MX-86 Sheep Fescue 4.1 5.3 5.0 5.0 5.0
20 Ecostar Hard Fescue 5.4 3.9 4.6 5.0 5.2
21 Rebel II Tall Fescue 3.8 5.2 5.5 4.2 3.9
22 Tribute Tall Fescue 5.4 6.6 4.5 5.7 5.6
23 Jamestown II Chewings Fescue 4.3 3.8 4.7 6.1 7.8
24-A Reliant Hard Fescue 4.6 4.6 5.3 2.3 3.6
24-B Reliant Hard Fescue 4.0 3.2 4.6 3.6 4.3
24-C Reliant Hard Fescue 3.1 4.7 4.8 3.1 3.4
24-D Reliant Hard Fescue 4.2 4.5 2.9 3.0 5.0
25 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass a 12.8 11.6 10.8 9.2 12.9
26 Seaside Creeping Bentgrass 7.1 10.4 9.3 13.5 5.9
27 Pro Cup Creeping Bentgrass 10.3 13.3 10.2 11.3 14.8
28 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass b 16.0 10.8 12.4 14.8 15.5
29 Putter Creeping Bentgrass 12.6 20.2 13.9 12.3 12.0
30 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass c 8.7 10.8 18.1 6.6 19.2
31-A Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 16.1 8.6 16.2 11.3 8.7
31-B Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 12.8 17.0 17.9 12.2 7.5
31-C Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 5.2 10.9 9.7 7.9 15.3
31-D Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 8.2 15.5 9.0 10.0 9.5
a Source from O.M. Scott Co.
b Source from Jacklin Golf.
c Source from Lofts Seed Inc.
6

Table 5. Adjusted dry weights of leaf and root samples for a golf course grass study.
Initial dry weight, g
Grass variety and number A B C D E
7 Accolade Perennial Ryegrass 10.2 8.5 8.2 7.8 9.4
8 Ovation Perennial Ryegrass 5.3 13.6 15.3 6.9 10.0
9 Advent Perennial Ryegrass 4.5 6.0 6.3 5.9 4.8
10 APM Perennial Ryegrass 4.8 5.5 5.9 5.9 5.8
11 Prelude II Perennial Ryegrass 5.4 5.7 5.4 5.6 4.9
12-A Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 4.3 5.8 5.9 6.7 5.7
12-B Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 4.6 5.6 6.3 6.1 6.7
12-C Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 5.7 6.6 9.1 6.9 6.9
12-D Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass 5.1 5.8 5.6 7.0 7.2
13 Aztec Tall Fescue 4.7 3.8 5.6 4.0 4.4
14 Adobe Tall Fescue 8.3 9.2 14.0 19.8 19.4
15 Banner Fire Fescue 4.1 4.0 5.3 4.5 4.6
16 Brigade Hard Fescue 4.3 4.4 3.6 5.6 4.2
17 Pixie Tall Fescue 4.8 3.8 4.3 4.2 5.4
18 Arid Tall Fescue 3.3 4.4 4.9 4.5 4.6
19 MX-86 Sheep Fescue 4.1 5.3 5.0 5.0 5.0
20 Ecostar Hard Fescue 5.4 4.9 7.7 5.0 6.5
21 Rebel II Tall Fescue 3.8 5.2 5.5 4.7 3.9
22 Tribute Tall Fescue 5.4 6.6 5.0 5.7 5.6
23 Jamestown II Chewings Fescue 4.3 4.2 4.7 6.1 7.8
24-A Reliant Hard Fescue 4.6 5.1 5.6 3.1 4.5
24-B Reliant Hard Fescue 4.0 4.6 4.6 3.8 4.5
24-C Reliant Hard Fescue 3.4 5.2 4.8 3.9 3.8
24-D Reliant Hard Fescue 4.2 5.0 3.4 3.3 5.6
25 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass a 12.8 23.2 21.6 15.3 12.9
26 Seaside Creeping Bentgrass 7.1 14/0 9.3 15.9 5.9
27 Pro Cup Creeping Bentgrass 10.3 22.2 13.6 15.1 15.6
28 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass b 16.0 27.0 15.5 14.8 19.4
29 Putter Creeping Bentgrass 12.6 20.2 27.8 13.7 17.1
30 Penncross Creeping Bentgrass c 10.2 12.0 18.1 9.4 19.2
31-A Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 17.9 19.1 16.2 22.6 14.5
31-B Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 14.2 17.0 17.9 20.3 12.5
31-C Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 8.7 10.9 16.2 12.2 15.3
31-D Southshore Creeping Bentgrass 9.1 15.5 12.0 12.5 11.2
a Source from O.M. Scott Co.
b Source from Jacklin Golf.
c Source from Lofts Seed Inc.
An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for all of the replicated varieties, as well as for the different
varieties within each genus of grass. These results are discussed below in Tables 6 through 12.
7

Perennial Ryegrass
Table 6. ANOVA of Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass; unadjusted weights.
Source SS df MF F P
Blocks 6.766 3 2.555 4.535 0.024 *
Agrispon 8.917 4 2.229 4.483 0.019 *
Error 5.967 12 0.497
Total 21.650 19
* Significant at P = 0.05.
Rank Treatment Means, g 1 Increase, g
1 4 6.68a 1.75 (+35%)
2 3 6.58a 1.65 (+33%)
3 5 6.55a 1.33 (+22%
4 2 5.80ab 0.87 (+18%)
5 1 4.93b --
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different at
P = 0.05 according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
Table 7. ANOVA of Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass; adjusted weights.
Source SS df MF F P
Blocks 5.468 3 1.823 3.789 0.040 *
Agrispon 9.472 4 2.368 4.923 0.014 *
Error 5.772 12 0.481
Total 20.712 19
* Significant at P = 0.05.
Rank Treatment Means, g 1 Increase, g
1 3 6.73a 1.80 (+37%)
2 4 6.68a 1.75 (+35%)
3 5 6.63a 1.70 (+34%
4 2 5.95ab 1.02 (+21%)
5 1 4.93b --
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different at
P = 0.05 according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
Analyses of variance for both the unadjusted and the adjusted dry weights of Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass
revealed a significant increase at P = 0.014 to 0.019. Only the 0.01% Agrispon rate was not significantly greater
than the control. Increases in dry root and leaf weight ranged from 35 to 37% for the 1% Agrispon rate, to 33 to
35% for the 0.1% rate, while the 10% rate averaged a 27 to 34% increase. The 0.01% Agrispon produced
nonsignificant weight increases of 18 to 21% (Tables 6 and 7). These values are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Due to extreme variations in the dry root and leaf weights of some treatments, the level of significance in this
analysis was not as high as it could have been. For example, at only 0.01% Agrispon Ovation Perennial Ryegrass
produced a 157% dry weight increase over the control, while at 0.1% Agrispon the increase was 189%. The 0.1%
Agrispon treatment for replicate C of Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass gave a 60% yield increase. Reasons for
these extremes are not known. Accolade Perennial Ryegrass gave the highest plant response for the untreated
control for some unknown reason.
Even though only the 0.1% Agrispon level was significantly greater than the control at P = 0.05, the other
Agrispon treatment means revealed fairly substantial increases in dry weight. These increases varied from 36% at
the 0.1% Agrispon rate to 18% for the 1% rate. Interestingly, the 0.01% rate gave a 27% dry weight increase,
which was greater than the 23% increase for the 10% rate. These increases are depicted in Figure 3.
8

Dry plant means, g
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
4.93
5.8
6.58 6.68 6.55
Dry plant mass, g
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
4.93
5.95
6.73 6.68
6.63
0
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, % unadjusted
0
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 1. Mean dry root and leaf unadjusted
weights of Agrispon treatments for Yorktown
III Perennial Ryegrass.
Figure 2. Mean dry root and leaf adjusted weights
of Agrispon treatments for Yorktown III Perennial
Ryegrass.
Table 8. ANOVA of all perennial ryegrass varieties and replicates (nine total); adjusted weights.
Source SS df MF F P
Blocks 117.22 8 14.653 6.215 0.000 ***
Agrispon 19.86 4 4.965 2.106 0.103 *
Error 75.45 32 2.358
Total 212.53 44
* Significant at P = 0.10; *** significant at P = 0.0001.
Rank Treatment Means, g 1 Increase, g
1 3 7.56a 2.02 (+36%)
2 2 7.01ab 1.47 (+27%)
3 5 6.82ab 1.28 (+23%
4 4 6.53ab 0.99 (+18%)
5 1 5.54b --
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different
at P = 0.05 according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
Dry plant mass, g
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
5.54
7.56
7.01 6.53 6.82
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 3. Mean dry root and leaf adjusted weights of Agrispon
treatments for all perennial ryegrass varieties and replicates.
9

Table 9. ANOVA of Reliant Hard Fescue; adjusted weights.
Source SS df MF F P
Blocks 0.374 3 0.125 0.289 0.832
Agrispon 5.145 4 1.286 2.985 0.063 *
Error 5.171 12 0.431
Total 10.690 19
* Significant at P = 0.06.
Rank Treatment Means, g 1 Increase, g
1 2 4.98a 0.93 (+23%)
2 3 4.60ab 0.55 (+14%)
3 5 4.60ab 0.55 (+14%
4 1 4.05ab --
5 4 3.53b 0.52 (-13%)
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different
at P = 0.05 according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
As shown in Table 9, none of the top-yielding Agrispon treatments with Reliant Hard Fescue differed significantly
from the control, but the 0.01% rate significantly exceeded the 1% rate for some unknown reason. Possibly this
difference reflects a chance aberration. The increase for the 0.01% Agrispon rate is 23%, whereas for 0.1% and
10% the increase is 14% above the control. These data are depicted in Figure 4.
Dry plant mass, g
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4.05
4.98
4.60
3.53
4.60
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 4. Mean dry root and leaf adjusted weights of Agrispon treatments for
Reliant Hard Fescue.
Table 10. ANOVA of all fescue varieties and replicates (15 total); adjusted weights.
Source SS df MF F P
Blocks 432.74 14 30.910 12.502 0.000 ***
Agrispon 17.87 4 4.468 1.807 0.140 *
Error 138.45 56 2.472
Total 589.07 74
* Significant at P = 0.14; *** significant at P = 0.0001.
Rank Treatment Means, g 1 Increase, g
1 5 5.99a 1.41 (+31%)
2 3 5.60ab 1.02 (+22%)
3 4 5.55ab 0.97 (+21%)
4 2 5.05ab 0.47 (+10%)
5 1 4.58b --
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different
at P = 0.05 according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
10

The only significant increase in the combined fescue analysis of Table 10 is the 10% Agrispon treatment, which
gave a 31% dry weight increase over the control. Other increases were also substantial, however, at 0.1%
Agrispon (+22%) and at 1% Agrispon (+21%). As for the perennial ryegrass, some of the varieties gave unusually
large increases in plant dry weight at certain Agrispon concentrations, such as Adobe Tall Fescue, which gave a
68% increase at 0.1% Agrispon, a 139% increase at 1% Agrispon, and a 134% increase at 10% Agrispon. These
increases for all of the fescue are depicted in Figure 5.
Dry plant mass, g
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4.58
5.05
5.60 5.55
5.99
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 5. Mean dry root and leaf adjusted weights of Agrispon treatments for
all fescue varieties.
Table 11. ANOVA of Southshore Creeping Bentgrass; adjusted weights.
Source SS df MF F P
Blocks 126.05 3 42.018 6.058 0.009 **
Agrispon 52.51 4 13.127 1.892 0.177 *
Error 83.24 12 6.936
Total 261.80 19
* Significant at P = 0.18; ** significant at P = 0.01.
Rank Treatment Means, g 1 Increase, g
1 4 16.90a 4.42 (+35%)
2 2 15.63ab 3.15 (+25%)
3 3 15.58ab 3.10 (+25%)
4 5 13.38ab 0.90 (+7%)
5 1 12.48b --
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different
at P = 0.05 according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
As shown in Table 11, only one significant difference appears: an increase of 35% over the control with the 1%
Agrispon treatment. However, both 0.1% and 0.01% Agrispon treatments gave 25% yield increases for Southshore
Creeping Bentgrass even though these increases were not significant. High variability in the values due to severe
fungal attack led to considerable experimental error, but not enough to affect sizable dry matter increases for
Agrispon treatments. Note Figure 6 for a graphical presentation of this data.
11

Dry plant mass, g
20
15
10
5
12.48
15.63
15.58
16.90
13.38
0
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 6. Mean dry root and leaf adjusted weights of Agrispon treatments for
Southshore Creeping Bentgrass.
Table 12. ANOVA of all creeping bentgrass varieties and replications (10 total); adjusted weights.
Source SS df MF F P
Blocks 366.52 9 40.725 2.977 0.0094 **
Agrispon 232.46 4 58.115 4.248 0.0064 **
Error 492.46 36 13.680
Total 1,091.45 49
** Significant at P = 0.01.
Rank Treatment Means, g 1 Increase, g
1 2 18.20a 6.31 (+53%)
2 3 16.82ab 4.93 (+41%)
3 4 15.18abc 3.29 (+28%)
4 5 14.36bc 2.47 (+21%)
5 1 11.89c --
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different
at P = 0.05 according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
In spite of severe infestations of fungi in many pots, the adjusted values for dry matter yield provided a reasonably
good basis for the statistical analysis of the combined creeping bentgrass varieties and replications. Both the
0.01% and 0.1% Agrispon treatments were significantly greater than the control (by 53% and 41%, respectively),
while the 1% and 10% Agrispon treatments increased dry matter yields by 28% and 21%, respectively.
Interestingly, the lowest (0.01%) Agrispon rate provided the greatest increase in growth for all creeping bentgrass
varieties. The results are shown in Figure 7.
Dry plant mass, g
20
15
10
5
11.89
18.20
16.82
15.18
14.36
0
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 7. Mean dry root and leaf adjusted weights of Agrispon treatments for
all creeping bentgrass varieties.
12

Individual Variety Differences
It is apparent from dry weight data of Tables 4 and 5, and from the genera evaluations in Table 8 (ryegrass), 10
(fescue), and 12 (bentgrass), that there were some differences between the different genera in response to Agrispon,
and also within each genus. The response curves to Agrispon at the dilutions used took various shapes, from an
abrupt rise at low concentrations and maintenance of the response at higher concentrations, to a rise and fall, to a
gradual rise culminating in a greater rise at the highest concentrations.
Some of these cases are displayed for each genus in Figures 8, 9, and 10.
Dry matter mass, g
18
15
12
9
6
3
0
5.3
13.6
15.3
6.9
Ovation Perennial
Ryegrass
10
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4.5
6
6.3
5.4
Advent Perennial
Ryegrass
4.8
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4.8
5.5
5.9
5.9
APM Perennial
Ryegrass
5.8
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 8. Response curves for perennial ryegrass varieties in a golf course grass study.
Dry matter mass, g
20
15
10
5
0
8.3
9.2
14
19.8
Adobe Tall Fescue
19.4
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4.1
5.3
5
5
MX-86 Sheep Fescue
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
5
8
6
4
2
0
4.3
4.2
4.7
6.1
Jamestown II Chewings
Fescue
7.8
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 9. Response curves for fescue varieties in a golf course grass study.
Dry matter mass, g
28
21
14
7
0
12.8
23.2
21.6
15.3
12.9
Penncross Creeping
Bentgrass (Scott)
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
25
20
15
10
5
0
10.3
22.2
13.6
15.1
ProCup Creeping
Bentgrass
15.6
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
16
12
8
4
0
9.1
15.5
12
12.5
Southshoure Creeping
Bentrrass (REP IV)
11.2
0 0.01 0.1 1 10
Agrispon application, %
Figure 10. Response curves for creeping bentgrass varieties in a golf course grass study.
13

Without replications there is some question as to whether these response curves are truly indicative of the grass
variety under all conditions. By examining the variability within the replicated variety for each genus it is clear
that different response curves do indeed occur for the different replicates, indicating that natural variability
accounts for some of the differences observed between varieties. Thus, average responses for each entire genus are
more meaningful as far as field application recommendations are concerned.
However, the reality of Agrispon response variability among varieties and replications does exist, and may be
explained by differences in rhizosphere microorganism populations among pots. It is possible that somewhat
different bacterial, fungal, algal, actimomycete, and cyanobacterial populations existed in the original soil of
different pots, even though an attempt was made to mix the soil and eliminate differences. With different
microbial communities populating different pots, more favorable species and combinations of species which
respond to Agrispon better might inhabit some pots and give greater growth increases. In addition, some grass
species may be more compatible with certain microorganism species; this is especially true of the mycorrhizae, 18
which Agrispon is known to markedly stimulate. 19 Thus, a pot containing more spores of a particular vesiculararbuscular
mycorrhizae fungi species that is effective, and is compatible to live symbiotically with that grass, would
stimulate growth more with Agrispon addition than for an adjoining pot. Perhaps the same scenario could be
theorized for other microbial species as well. According to Abbott and Robson, 20
"Species and strains of VAM fungi have been shown to differ in the extent to which they increase
nutrient uptake and plant growth."
Powell and Bagyaraj went on to say that the species of mycorrhizae that were most effective at increasing plant
growth were the ones that resulted in the most rapid and extensive infection rates. They further stated,
"Frequently, at a final harvest, there is no difference in the percentage of roots infected by
different species of fungi although they may have produced differences in plant growth. This
could arise if fungi differed in the rate at which they formed mycorrhizae." 21
Although some authors feel that most VAM fungal species can infest virtually all plant roots that are potentially
susceptible to infection, 22 others have understood the reality of host-VAM preferences, such as Kropp and
Anderson: 23
"The endomycorrhizal fungi are unable to colonize certain hosts although the majority of plants
are compatible. In the field, preferences between endomycorrhizal fungi are seen for a host and
differences in functional efficiency are measured for various host-fungal combinations."
To explain differences in different grass genera responses at different Agrispon levels -- for instance, bentgrass
responding best at 0.01%, but ryegrass at 0.1% -- it is possible that the certain microorganism species responsible
for the symbiotic growth stimulus of one genera, but not the other, are more sensitive to the porphyrins, zeatin,
triacontanol, and salicylic acid present in Agrispon. If the growth rate is accelerated for one species, such as a
VAM, more than for another VAM species or a beneficial bacteria or algae, then growth differences would
logically appear between pots.
Summary and Conclusions
This germination and early growth study of 37 golf course grass varieties proved that Agrispon significantly
improves the germination and early growth of the varieties studied. All six of the Kentucky bluegrass varieties, the
three bermudagrass varieties, the two Poa trivialis varieties, and the Zoysia Japonica variety had to be terminated
because of a severe fungus outbreak that destroyed up to 80% of the leaves and roots of some pots of these finebladed
grasses. The coarser-leafed grasses such as ryegrass and fescue were not affected very much by the fungus.
Although the fine-leafed bentgrass varieties were quite severely stricken, it was possible to harvest them and obtain
usable data by using adjustment factors.
14

Due to the fungal attack, a correction factor was made before harvest for all of the pots by estimating the
percentage of remaining leaves of the pot. This value was then used to adjust the final dry leaf and root weights of
the plant samples.
The grass varieties were grown in plastic pots using five different Agrispon rates: 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10%. One
variety of each genus of grass was replicated four times to enable the data to be analyzed statistically.
The grasses were harvested after 25 to 36 days of growth, the roots were washed free of soil and dried, after which
dry root plus leaf weights were obtained. Correction factors were applied to the fungus-affected pots, primarily for
the creeping bentgrass varieties, but also to a lesser extent for the fescue. Very few ryegrass pots needed some
minor correction.
Besides analyzing the replicated varieties statistically, all varieties of each genus were pooled for a statistical
analysis. The results of these analyses revealed that Agrispon significantly increased the yields of all grass genera,
and also each of the three species that were replicated. However, the Agrispon concentration giving maximum
yield increases varied with the species. This information is summarized in Table 13 below.
Table 13. A summary of Agrispon rate effects on various golf course grass varieties in a greenhouse test.
Dry yield increases with Agrispon at...
Grasses 0.01% 0.1% 1% 10%
Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass, unadjusted +18% +33% * +35% * +22% *
Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass, adjusted +21% +33% * +35% * +34% *
All perennial ryegrass, adjusted (6 cv.) +27% +36% * +18% +23%
Reliant Hard Fescue, adjusted +23% +14% -13% +14% *
All fescue, adjusted (12 cv.) +10% +22% +21% +31% *
Southshore Creeping Bentgrass, adjusted +25% +25% +35% * +7%
All creeping bentgrass, adjusted (7 cv.) +53% ** +41% * +28% +21%
Average increase for all varieties, weighted average 1
(replicated tests above excluded) +26% +31% +22% +26%
* Significant increase above the control at P = 0.05.
** Significant increase above the control at P = 0.01.
1 [6 cv. (% incr. at % Agrispon) + 12 cv. (% incr. at % Agrispon) + 7cv. (% incr. at % Agrispon)]/25cv.
From the data of Table 13, as well as results reported elsewhere in this study, the following conclusions can be
made:
1. Agrispon applied at 0.1% to 10% on the soil above the seeds at planting increased grass dry yield over all
varieties from 22 to 31%. The highest increase (31%) was at 0.1%, or 2.85 l/ha. Since there was relatively
little difference between the responses to all four Agrispon rates, it may be concluded that, on average,
applications of from 0.285 l/ha to 285 l/ha -- a range of 1,000 times -- produced similar responses in terms of
grass yields.
2. The best application levels of Agrispon for perennial ryegrass varieties were 0.1 and 1%, corresponding to 2.85
l/ha and 28.5 l/ha.
3. The best application level of Agrispon for fescue varieties was 10%, or 285 l/ha, although for the replicated
Reliant Hard Fescue study the optimum Agrispon application was 0.01%, corresponding to only 0.285 l/ha.
4. The best application level of Agrispon for bentgrass varieties was 0.01% (a highly significant response), or
0.285 l/ha (the 0.1% level was also significant). This result was obtained using a standard golf green soil of
80%-sand-20% peat moss.
5. It appears that current Agrispon field recommendations of 1 to 2 liters/ha, timed to meet specific requirements,
is optimal for most golf course new grass seeding requirements.
15

The variability in response of different grass varieties to different Agrispon levels may be due to subtle differences
in the initial inoculation of bacteria, fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, actinomycetes, and other soil microorganisms in
the potting soil. Since the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) play such a vital role in nutrient uptake and
plant growth -- and Agrispon is known to stimulate these VAM considerably -- it is theorized that the active agents
in the product may have differentially stimulated microbial strains in the pots to account for some of the variability
noted. However, the response curves as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10 are likely real to a large extent, and reflect
the stimulation of specific microbial synergists which react differently with each host variety. The genetic and
environmental interpretations of these response curves cannot be fully grasped at this time.
Because of the excellent responses to Agrispon of the many ryegrass, fescue, and bentgrass varieties used in this
study, it is recommended that this product receive widespread usage for the establishment of grasses in newly
constructed and renovated golf courses and other turf areas. The product can easily be applied to the soil surface
soon after planting at the rate of 1 to 2 liters/ha.
The value of Agrispon for maintaining a vigorous, dense, beautiful, healthy turf of an established golf course was
not addressed in this study, but investigations have been completed which demonstrate its excellent effectiveness in
these situations as well. 24,25,26,27,28,29 Other reported benefits of the program that are especially noteworthy for golf
courses include reductions in fertilizer nitrogen requirements (thus reducing ground and surface water pollution),
improvements in water use efficiency, and improved tolerance to plant disease and soil salinity. Soil structure is
also improved due to microbial effects, which leads to an overall benefit to soil aeration and water relations. 30
Bibliography
1. Benbrook, C. 1993. The Efficacy and Modes of Action of Agrispon: Summary of Field Experience. Benbrook
Consulting Services, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
2. Syltie, P.W. 1991. Agrispon Research Summaries, 1976-1991. Appropriate Technology Ltd., Dallas, Texas,
U.S.A.
3. Syltie, P.W. 1988. How Agrispon Works. Appropriate Technology Ltd., Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
4. Syltie, 1988.
5. Syltie, P.W. 1994. The benefits of Agrispon for soils. Miscellaneous Report. Appropriate Technology Ltd.,
Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
6. Benz, B. 1994. Personal communication. Los Gatos, California, U.S.A.
7. Syltie, 1991.
8. Syltie, 1988.
9. Syltie, P.W. 1989. Agrispon and fertilizer use with bermudagrass in south Texas -- Bart English Ranch,
Stonewall, Texas. Research Report. SN Corp, Inc., Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
10. Syltie, P.W. 1990. Agrispon and fertilizer use with bermudagrass in south Texas -- Frank Higgins Ranch,
Fredericksburg, Texas. Research Report. SN Corp, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
11. Syltie, P.W. 1992. Coastal bermudagrass response to Agrispon in east Texas -- Bar-D-Ranch, Chappell Hill,
Texas. SN Corp/ATL, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
12. Syltie, P.W. 1990. A summary of an Agrispon test at Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course [Fredericksburg,
Texas], 1988 to 1990. Research Summary. SN Corp, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
13. Syltie, 1988.
14. Syltie, P.W. 1994. Agrispon Seed Germination Studies With Golf Course Grass Varieties. Appropriate
Technology Ltd., Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
15. Syltie, 1994.
16. Soil analyses were conducted by Perry Agricultural Laboratories, P.O. Box 418, Bowling Green, Missouri
63334.
17. Steel, R.G., and Torrie, J.H. 1960. Principles and Procedures of Statistics. McGraw-Hill Book Company,
Inc., New York, New York, U.S.A.
18. Abbott, L.K., and Robson, A.D. 1984. The effect of VA mycorrhizae on plant growth, p. 113-130. In VA
Mycorrhizae (C.L. Powell and D.J. Bagyaraj, editors). CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.A.
19. Syltie, 1988.
16

20. Powell and Bagyaraj, 1984.
21. Powell and Bagyaraj, 1984.
22. Harley, J.L., and Smith, S.E. 1983. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Academic Press, London, England.
23. Kropp, B.R., and Anderson, A.J. 1994. Molecular and genetic approaches to understanding variability in
mycorrhizal formation and functioning, p. 309-344. In Mycorrhizae and Plant Health (F.L. Pfleger and
R.G. Linderman, editors). The American Phytophathological Society, St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.
24. Syltie, 1991.
25. Syltie, 1989.
26. Syltie, 1990, Frank Higgins Ranch.
27. Syltie, 1992.
28. Syltie, 1990, Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course.
29. Syltie, 1994.
30. Syltie, 1988.
17

A PHOTOGRAPHIC SUMMARY OF AN AGRISPON GRASS STUDY
A view of one portion of the test area on October 26, 1994. Each variety was treated with from zero
to 10% Agrispon on the soil surface after planting. Certain varieties were replicated four times to
permit a statistical analysis of total growth response.
Due to very humid conditions in the greenhouse, finer bladed grasses, such as this Kentucky
bluegrass variety, were attacked by a fungus that invaded and destroyed the leaves. This disease
outbreak affected some varieties severely enough to eliminate them from analysis. Experimental
error was also increased in other varieties due to the outbreak.
Notice how the Agrispon treated Seaside Creeping Bentgrass is not only thicker and taller at this
stage (October 28), but it is darker green, indicating more intensive photosynthetic activity and
greater carbon fixation.
18

The speed of germination for this 1% Agrispon treatment on Sonesta Bermudagrass is significantly
improved verses the untreated control. An improvement in germination speed is common with
Agrispon treatment of the seed directly, or of the soil in the vicinity of the seed at planting.
A 0.1% Agrispon treatment produced superior early growth for Abbey Kentucky Bluegrass. Part of
this superior early growth is likely due to a greater chlorophyll content of the leaves, which is
distinctly visible in this photograph. See the superior root growth below.
The total leaf and root mass was considerably greater for both the 0.1 and 1% Agrispon treatments of
Abbey Kentucky Bluegrass.
19

By October 17, Arid Tall Fescue had responded excellently to 0.1, 1, and 10% Agrispon. Note the
taller leaves of all treatments, indicating an overall superior growth rate tied to enhanced
rhizosphere activity.
At harvest time on November 4, the roots and leaves of Brigade Hard Fescue showed improved
growth with Agrispon treatment, in particular at the 1% rate.
20

The growth rate after a 1% Agrispon application to Jamestown II Chewing Fescue was considerably
improved. Note the taller and denser growth, which produced 42% more dry root and leaf weight
than the untreated control.
Response of MX-86 Sheep Fescue was uniform across all Agrispon application rates. The 0.1 and
1% rates both produced a 22% increase in dry root and leaf yield on November 11.
The taller leaves of all Agrispon treatments on November 2 for Pixie Tall Fescue can be noted in this
complete lineup of the different rates.
21

At harvest on November 4, note how the root and leaf mass of the 1% treatment is superior to the
control. Sometimes the leaf mass did not appear to be very different between Agrispon and control
treatments, but root mass differences showed up after washing away the soil.
In this replicate of Reliant Hard Fescue, the 0.1% Agrispon treatment produced considerably more
leaf growth than the control. Note the root mass for each of these pots in the photograph below.
The roots of the above two pots illustrate the potential of Agrispon to stimulate leaf and root growth
over a few weeks. This photograph was taken November 11, 37 days after planting.
22

Advent Perennial Ryegrass responses were excellent at 0.01, 0.1, and 1% Agrispon applications, the
0.1% rate giving a 40% dry matter increase of roots and leaves. The 1% rate produced a 33%
increase tied to enhanced rhizosphere activity and greater overall plant metabolism.
At all Agrispon application rates, the roots and leaves of APM Perennial Ryegrass were stimulated
significantly. Note that the 0.1% treatment has taller and denser leaves than the untreated control.
See the root growth of two treatments on the next page.
The roots and leaves of a 0.1% Agrispon treatment of APM Perennial Ryegrass caused a 23% dry
yield increase by October 31, just 26 days after planting. All ryegrass varieties grew quickly, with
little or no fungal damage.
23

Ovation Perennial Ryegrass produced the most dramatic responses to Agrispon application of any
variety in this study. Even without considering fungal damage to three of the four Agrispon
treatments (none to the control), the dry root and leaf increases ranged from 17% (1% Agrispon) to
143% (0.1% Agrispon).
In a replicated study, Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass produced significant yield increases of dry
root and leaf yields over only 19 days of growth. As can be seen from this photograph, the 0.1, 1,
and 10% Agrispon treatments especially stimulated rhizosphere and total plant growth. See the
picture below for some root responses.
Yorktown III Perennial Ryegrass root and leaf responses are revealed here for one of the replicates in
this Agrispon study. The 0.1 to 1% rates show greater growth, which were up to 60% above the
control (Rep III, 0.1% Agrispon).
24

The responses of Cypress Poa Trivialis to Agrispon were not as uniform as for perennial ryegrass
and fescue varieties due to several fungal attacks on the fine leaves. However, the responses for this
replicate were excellent, especially at 0.01 and 10%.
25