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Root Development
Many products claim that cytokinins in their seaweed extract product(s) promote root growth and root mass. Some even claim that the exceptionally high cytokinin content in their product is responsible for superior root growth and root mass versus their competition.
The influence of cytokinins and auxins on root development is often misunderstood. Cytokinin is often incorrectly singled out as the biostimulant that promotes root growth and root mass in turfgrass. Cytokinin only stimulates cell division (mitosis) in plant cells. True growth in plant cells requires both cytokinin and auxin. Auxins acidify the cell walls of divided cells and allow them to elongate as water enters the cells through osmosis. It is only at this point that root "growth" is realized. Further, auxin has been identified as the metabolic enhancer (biostimulant) that initiates the formation of lateral and secondary roots - increasing the root system's effective area of absorption.
Water Deficit Stress
The main mechanism for water and mineral nutrient transport into a plant is transpiration of water from leaves. Transpiration is the process of water evaporation through specialized openings in the leaves, called stomata. Evaporation from the leaves creates a negative water vapor pressure (suction) and water absorbed by the root system is "pulled" upward and is transported to various parts of the plant.
Superintendents and turfgrass managers must constantly deal with turfgrass subject to stress from insects, weeds, nematodes, fungal disease and temperature extremes. However, water deficit stress interferes with the normal functions of turfgrass plants more than any other stress factor. Water deficit stress occurs when the roots' absorption ability and the soil's ability to supply water are insufficient to meet the transpirational demands of the plant.
Simply put, failure of the turfgrass root system to provide water to meet the transpirational requirements of the plant will prevent normal growth, limits photosynthesis and disrupts metabolic functions. Water deficit stress also exposes the plant to the production of reactive oxygen species (strong oxidizing agents) which can attack the photosynthetic apparatus. The plant's normal defense mechanism against these strong oxidizing agents is the production of antioxidants. However, antioxidant production is depressed under water deficit stress.
Advanced Kelp Extract Formula
Encourages root development and root mass
Improves stress tolerance
Anchors sod and new sprigs
Provides relief from water deficit stress
AQM Tougher Turf is a “balanced for performance” product that contains the proper ratios of cytokinins and auxins especially beneficial to root establishment, development, and growth when sprigging or sodding. AQM Tougher Turf provides relief from water deficit stress because of the surfactant addition for increasing transpiration capabilities of turf.
AVAILABLE IN:
Liquid
Pellet
APPLICATION:
Liquid:
Apply 3 ounces per 1000 ft2 (10 L per hectare) every 30 to 45 days.
Inject 1 gallon per acre (10 L per hectare) every 30 to 45 days.
Pellet:
Apply when hand watering, or just after sod installation.