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 |
|