AST9003 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 turf quality is a key characteristic of AST9003 and it is a top performer in turf trials conducted by NTEP. AST9003 demonstrates superior drought tolerance and has a very aggressive tillering growth habit which allows the plant to recover quickly from damage. AST9003 has the ability to grow and persist under low light conditions which allows it to be grown in denser shade than other tall fescue varieties. AST9003 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 Report
Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Brookings, SD
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
Justice |
5.8 |
AST9003 |
5.6 |
Wolfpack II |
5.5 |
Shenandoah III |
5.2 |
Falcon NG |
5.0 |
3rd millenium SRP |
4.9 |
LSD |
0.7 |
|
Mean Turf Quality |
NTEP 2008 Progress Report
Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Blacksburg, VA
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
AST9003 |
6.0 |
3rd millenium SRP |
5.9 |
Gazelle II |
5.8 |
Biltmore |
5.7 |
Mustang 4 |
5.4 |
Tahoe II |
5.3 |
LSD |
0.5 |
|
Shade Tolerance Ratings |
NTEP 2008 Progress Report
Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Carbondale, IL
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
AST9003 |
8.3 |
Aggressor |
6.9 |
Monet |
6.8 |
Falcon V |
6.5 |
Finelawn Xpress |
6.4 |
Cochise IV |
6.0 |
LSD |
1.4 |
|
Genetic Color Ratings |
NTEP 2008 Progress Report
Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
20 Locations
Ratings 1-9
9=Dark Green |
AST9003 |
7.3 |
Hunter |
7.2 |
Mustang |
6.9 |
Shenandoah Elite |
6.8 |
Magellan |
6.6 |
Titanium LS |
6.5 |
LSD |
0.2 |
|
Mean Turfgrass Quality |
NTEP 2008 Progress Report
Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Knoxville, TN
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
AST9003 |
7.8 |
Spyder LS |
7.5 |
Falcon NG |
7.6 |
Hudson |
7.4 |
3rd millenium SRP |
7.3 |
Ninja 3 |
7.1 |
LSD |
0.5 |
|
Mean Turfgrass Quality |
NTEP 2008 Progress Report
Tall Fescue Cultivar Ratings
Madison, WI
Ratings 1-9
9=Best |
AST9003 |
8.3 |
Crossfire 3 |
8.0 |
Falcon V |
7.6 |
Speedway |
7.3 |
Falcon NG |
6.6 |
Gazelle II |
6.4 |
LSD |
1.5 |
|