Lodging in Colonial Bentgrass

For colonial bentgrass, lodging is exclusively a problem when grown for seed production. Due to the small size of the seeds and the loose structure of the panicle, even a partial disruption of the vertical position of the stems significantly complicates the harvesting process, reduces the degree of maturation, and leads to yield losses.

The assessment of stand lodging resistance is carried out during the seed harvesting period using visual methods or remote monitoring, for example, using UAVs. The results are recorded as a percentage of the affected area of the plot or on a scoring scale, with breeding aimed at the complete elimination of lodging.

The extent of lodging does not have universal numerical standards, as it directly depends on agronomic factors: varietal characteristics, seeding density, and the level of nitrogen nutrition. For turfgrass use, this trait is not taken into account due to the systematic low mowing of the sward.