AST9001 is a new, elite turf-type tall fescue variety developed to stand up to the environmental stresses that plague tall fescue varieties while providing the ultimate in turf quality. Superior brown patch resistance is a key characteristic of AST9001 and it is a top performer in brown patch trials conducted by NTEP. AST9001 demonstrates superior drought tolerance and has a very aggressive tillering growth habit which allows the plant to recover quickly from damage. AST9001 has the ability to grow and persist under saline irrigation which is critically important with today’s water challenges. AST9001 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: 1.5-4 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.

Brown Patch (warm)
NTEP 2008 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

4 Locations

Ratings 1-9

9=No disease

Va n Gogh 6.9
AST9001 6.8
Falcon V 6.8
Rebel IV 6.6
Titanium LS 6.7
Crossfire 3 6.4
LSD 1.0
Drought Stress Ratings
NTEP 2008 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Brookings, SD

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

Justice 5.8
AST9001 5.5
Mustang 5.5
Cochise IV 5.3
Falcon V 5.2
Catelyst 5.0
LSD 0.7
Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2008 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Columbia, MO

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

3rd Millennium SRP 7.2
AST9001 7.1
Falcon V 7.0
Mustang 4 7.0
Hunter 6.8
Pedigree 6.6
LSD 0.9
Genetic Color Ratings
NTEP 2008 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

20 Locations

Ratings 1-9

9=Dark Green

AST9001 7.3
Raptor II 7.1
Cochise IV 6.9
Mustang 4 6.9
Van Gogh 6.8
Falcon V 6.6
LSD 0.2
Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2008 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Lexington, KY

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

Falcon V 7.7
AST9001 7.5
Cezanne RZ 7.0
Hudson 6.6
Falcon IV 6.3
Ninja 3 6.1
LSD 0.8
Mean Turfgrass Quality
NTEP 2008 Progress Report

Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings

Griffin, GA

Ratings 1-9

9=Best

Hudson 6.7
AST9001 6.6
Firecracker LS 6.4
Darlington 6.3
Magellan 6.0
Padre 5.9
LSD 0.6