However, start with a soil test and ensure you've got the proper conditions to grow great grass. Then overseed with a quality grass seed with endophytes to rejuvinate your lawn, keeping it thicker and healthier, with less pesticides required! Over-seeding is by far the most effective when done in conjuction with core aerating. Core aerating before over-seeding will dramatically increase the germination rate of the seed used. When over-seeding a property, Wagner uses a grade-A grass seed mix with endophytes and three different cultivars of perennial rye grass seed – an excellent premium mix specifically for over-seeding! Why Wagner uses high quality seed with endophytes? " The term "endophytic" refers to a situation where one organism lives inside the other. In the case of turfgrass, a fungus and the grass form a relationship that is mutually beneficial and enhances the reproductive success of each. These endophytes are transferred from plant to plant via seed. While there is no visible sign of the fungus on the host grass plants, the mycelium grows on the sheath, stem, and leaf tissuesof developing grass seedlings. Endophyte-infected grasses tend to be comparatively vigourous especially under conditions of minimal fertilization and irrigation. Infected plants produce a greater number of tillers and roots making them more drought tolerant, more competitive with weeds, able to recover quicker from injury, and are generally more persistent. Endophytic grasses have also shown high resistance to insects such as chinch bugs and sod web worms. Biologically active alkaloids are found only in infected grasses - and these compounds have an insecticidal effect detering insect infestations." Source: University of Rhode Island |