AST5118 is an elite tall fescue variety that is a true game changer when it comes to leaf texture and density of a tall fescue variety. Selections made during the breeding process produced a tall fescue variety with leaf texture and density comparable to elite Kentucky bluegrasses on the market today. Additional advancements were made in heat and drought tolerance along with improved resistance to brown patch and pythium diseases. Other characteristics include a dark green genetic color, improved mowing quality and excellent uniformity. AST5118 is a dark green, fine textured, dense tall fescue variety that can be planted alone, in blends with other tall fescue varieties and makes an excellent companion in mixes with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrasses.
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.
TEST RESULTS
TURFGRASS QUALITY RATINGS |
Tall Fescue Cultivars
2014 Data
Verboort, OR
Ratings 1-9, 9=Best |
AST5118 |
7.5 |
Bonsai |
5.8 |
Darlington |
5.2 |
Crossfire 3 |
5.0 |
Speedway |
4.5 |
Mustang 4 |
4.4 |
LSD |
0.8 |
|
GENETIC COLOR RATINGS |
Tall Fescue Cultivars
2014 Data
Verboort, OR
Ratings 1-9, 9=Dark Green |
AST5118 |
8.0 |
Mustang 4 |
6.3 |
Bonsai |
6.2 |
Crossfire 3 |
5.3 |
Speedway |
5.3 |
Darlington |
4.3 |
LSD |
1.1 |
|
TURFGRASS QUALITY RATINGS |
Tall Fescue Cultivars
2014 Data
Pipersville, PA
Ratings 1-9, 9=Best |
AST5118 |
7.4 |
Crossfire 3 |
4.9 |
Darlington |
4.8 |
Bonsai |
4.8 |
Speedway |
4.5 |
Mustang 4 |
3.4 |
LSD |
0.7 |
|
DENSITY RATINGS |
Tall Fescue Cultivars
2014 Data
Pipersville, P A
Ratings 1-9, 9=Max Density |
AST5118 |
8.0 |
Mustang 4 |
5.9 |
Bonsai |
4.5 |
Speedway |
4.5 |
Crossfire 3 |
4.2 |
Darlington |
4.1 |
LSD |
1.2 |
|
GENETIC COLOR RATINGS |
Tall Fescue Cultivars
2014 Data
Pipersville, PA
Ratings 1-9, 9=Dark Green |
AST5118 |
7.2 |
Mustang 4 |
5.0 |
Bonsai |
4.6 |
Darlington |
4.3 |
Speedway |
4.3 |
Crossfire 3 |
4.2 |
LSD |
1.0 |
|
LEAF TEXTURE RATINGS |
Tall Fescue Cultivars
2014 Data
Pipersville, P A
Ratings 1-9, 9=Very Fine |
AST5118 |
7.9 |
Mustang 4 |
6.1 |
Darlington |
4.8 |
Speedway |
4.7 |
Bonsai |
4.6 |
Crossfire 3 |
4.5 |
LSD |
1.0 |
|