AST7002 is a new elite turf-type tall fescue variety developed from turf plot selections in Pennsylvania and Oregon. AST7002 exhibits overall superior turf quality while standing up to heat and drought stresses that are a leading cause of decline in tall fescue turf quality & stand. AST7002 has improved resistance to Brown Patch and Pythium Blight which are major problems in tall fescue. A lower overall plant height allows AST7002 to tolerate lower mowing heights than other tall fescue varieties. One unique characteristic of AST7002 is a very aggressive tillering growth habit which allows the plant to recover more quickly from damage and fill in bare spots or thin areas. AST7002 is a medium-fine textured, dense tall fescue with an outstanding dark green color.

Uses

  • Commercial/Residential lawns
  • Athletic fields
  • Recreation areas
  • Parks/Cemeteries
  • Golf course roughs
  • Sod production
  • Roadsides/Low maintenance turf

Management

Planting Rate

  • (new): 6-8 lbs/1000 square feet
  • (existing): 3-4 lbs/1000 square feet

Planting Dates

  • (spring): March-May
  • (fall): August-September

Soil pH: 5.5-8.0

Mowing Height: 2-4 inches; increased heights should be utilized during summer months to reduce stress to the plant

Fertility: 4-7 lbs N/year (refer to soil test for exact amounts needed); Minimum N should be applied during summer months to reduce disease activity.

Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2007 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Lexington, KY

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

3rd Millennium SRP 7.2
AST7002 7.0
Cezanne RZ 7.0
Aggressor 6.9
Speedway 6.6
Biltmaore 6.5
LSD 0.6
Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2007 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Viginia Beach, VA

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

AST7002 8.0
Van Gogh 7.8
Essential 7.5
Titanium LS 7.2
Padre 7.2
3rd Millennium SRP 6.7
LSD 2.6
Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2007 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Columbia, MO

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

AST7002 6.3
Rhambler SRP 6.2
Aggressor 6.0
Mustang 4 5.9
Raptor II 5.7
Hunter 5.4
LSD 0.8
Genetic Color Ratings
NTEP 2007 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

20 Locations

Ratings 1-9

9=Ideal Turf

AST7002 7.2
Raptor II 7.1
3rd Millennium SRP 6.8
Firecracker LS 6.8
Van Gogh 6.7
Speedway 6.6
LSD 0.3
Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2007 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Knoxville, TN

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

3rd Millennium SRP 7.5
AST7002 7.4
Firecracker LS 7.4
Falcon IV 7.3
Essential 7.2
Biltmore 7.2
LSD 0.6
Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2007 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Griffin, GA

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

Mustang 4 6.8
AST7002 6.6
Raptor II 6.4
Fat Cat 6.3
Van Gogh 6.2
Biltmore 6.1
LSD 1.6