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