AST9002 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 drought tolerance is a key characteristic of AST9002 and it is a top performer in drought trials conducted by NTEP. AST9002 demonstrates improved brown patch resistance and has a very aggressive tillering growth habit which allows the plant to recover quickly from damage. AST9002 has the ability to grow and persist under saline irrigation which is critically important with today’s water challenges. AST9002 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.
Drought Study Ratings |
NTEP 2008 Progress ReportTall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Brookings, SD
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
Justice |
5.8 |
AST9002 |
5.7 |
Gazelle II |
5.4 |
Biltmore |
5.2 |
Falson NG |
5.0 |
Pedigree |
4.9 |
LSD |
0.7 |
|
Mean Turf Quality |
NTEP 2008 Progress ReportTall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Blacksburg, VA
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
Traverse SRP |
6.0 |
AST9002 |
5.7 |
Falcon V |
5.6 |
Falcon NG |
5.6 |
Mustang 4 |
5.4 |
Tahoe II |
5.3 |
LSD |
0.5 |
|
Mean Turfgrass Quality |
NTEP 2008 Progress ReportTall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Ames, IA
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
Shenandoah Elite |
7.5 |
AST9002 |
7.3 |
Falcon NG |
7.2 |
Falcon IV |
6.8 |
Magellan |
6.8 |
Tahoe |
6.7 |
LSD |
0.8 |
|
Genetic Color Ratings |
NTEP 2008 Progress ReportTall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
20 Locations
Ratings 1-9
9=Dark Green |
AST9002 |
7.5 |
Crossfire 3 |
7.3 |
Terrier |
7.0 |
3rd millenium SRP |
6.8 |
Falcon V |
6.6 |
Justice |
6.5 |
LSD |
0.2 |
|
Mean Turfgrass Quality |
NTEP 2008 Progress ReportTall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Knoxville, TN
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
Shenandoah Elite |
7.7 |
AST9002 |
7.5 |
Falcon V |
7.5 |
Speedway |
7.5 |
Monet |
7.4 |
Justice |
7.3 |
LSD |
0.5 |
|
Mean Turfgrass Quality |
NTEP 2008 Progress ReportTall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Griffin, GA
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
AST9002 |
7.1 |
Cezanne RZ |
6.7 |
Tulsa Time |
6.5 |
Raptor II |
6.3 |
3rd millenium SRP |
6.1 |
Magellan |
6.0 |
LSD |
0.6 |
|