PGR’s are absorbed into the plant in two ways, either foliar or through the root. PGR’s such as T-Nex are foliar absorbed and can be used in overseeding. PGR’s that are root absorbed cannot be used. Why use a PGR during overseeding? During overseeding, new seed is slit into the existing turf to either thicken up turf that may have been injured during the summer from heat, drought, insects or diseases. or, you may want to overseed a newer variety into an existing turf. The potential problem is that the existing turf can out compete the overseeded turf.
Why can a foliar absorbed PGR be used but a root absorbed one cannot?
Why can a foliar absorbed PGR be used but a root absorbed one cannot? A foliar absorbed PGR is taken up by the existing turf, but since the newly seeded turf has not germinated yet, there is no leaf tissue to absorb and affect the new seedlings. A root absorbed PGR will be in the soil and when the new seed germinates, it will be taken up by the young seedlings preventing them from developing.
PGR’s are beneficial because by restricting the growth of the existing turf, you allow the new seedlings to develop with limited competition from the existing turf. A second benefit is that watering to cause germination and then establishment of the new seed, can cause a very wet condition and the mowing of the existing turf can cause rutting of the turf area. The PGR’s limit the growth of the existing turf eliminating most of the mowing's during establishment.
The PGR’s limit the growth of the existing turf eliminating most of the mowings during establishment.
If you seed a new variety into an existing turf to convert the turf, research has shown that the existing turf out competes the new seedlings and only about 1-2% actually establishes. The PGR restricts growth of the existing turf and increases the conversion to the new variety.
