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