Methods to quantify cover in turfgrass research

Authors: KOWALEWSKI, ALEC - Oregon State University; Mattox, Clint; SCHMID, CHAS - Oregon State University; STOVE, COLE - Oregon State University

Submitted to: Golf Course Management
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: A trade journal article summarizes different methods to quantify ground cover in turfgrass research. A brief overview of qualitative methods that have historically been used in turfgrass research is introduced followed by reasons for a shift in data collection to quantitative methods to avoid rater bias is discussed. The article summarizes recent research that compared the use of point-intercept grids, digital image analysis, and observational data collection to assess disease in turfgrass systems. When assessing diseases with small infection centers, such as dollar spot or anthracnose, research suggests that the use of point intercepts with close spacing is needed to reduce variability in the measurements. When assessing diseases with large infection centers, such as fairy ring or summer patch, it is suggested that larger point intercept spacing will suffice. When turfgrass diseases are easily distinguished in images, using digital image analysis software, or overlaying a digital grid on a digital image has been shown to be effective. When assessing diseases that currently require a field diagnosis or when diseases may be masked by pigments, more research is needed for digital image analysis to be an effective quantitative measurement tool. Further, unmanned aerial vehicles are being tested in turfgrass research to assess winter damage and may be used more in the future to assess turfgrass cover in a quantitative manner.

Technical Abstract: No technical abstract available according to submitter. -SL