Core Ideas: Temperature significantly affects the time and rate of clover (Trifolium spp.) germination. Germination and vigor were evaluated from −1.0 to 48.0°C at approximately 1.0°C increments. Tested cultivars maintained 80% + germination from 4.9 to 28.2°C, on average. Temperature range for germination was much wider than reported in previous literature. Data will be useful in updating planting recommendations for producers in the US Southeast. There are many reports of failed clover (Trifolium spp.) establishments each year. Temperature is one of the primary factors affecting germination and significantly affects the time and rate of clover seed germination. The objectives were to determine (i) the temperature and time required to reach maximum germination and (ii) range in which germination will occur for six coated clover cultivars adapted to the US Southeast. Seed germination and vigor were evaluated in Petri‐dishes incubated over thermal gradients ranging from −1.0 to 48.0°C at approximately 1.0°C increments where germination was counted every 24 h for 7 consecutive days. Base temperatures were calculated for each cultivar. Three parameter logistic growth models were used to find the minimum and maximum temperatures at which these cultivars could maintain 80% germination. Lorentzian distribution models were used to establish the temperature and time to maximum germination. These cultivars maintained at least 80% germination from 4.9 to 28.2°C on average, although some germination was observed outside these extremes. The range at which these clovers could germinate was much wider than previously reported. Excluding ‘Barduro’, maximum germination occurred at 34.2 to 52.8 h after planting at optimum temperatures (10.9–17.2°C). Barduro germinated so rapidly in the warmer temperature range that the full data set could not be used, as it did not conform to the same regression. Future trials will begin measuring germination at 12 h to better capture early trends in germination. These data will be useful in updating planting recommendations for producers in the US Southeast.

The imminent depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer demands innovative cropping alternatives. Even though the benefits of cover crops are well recognized, adoption has been slow in the Southern High Plains (SHP) of the United States because of concerns that cover crops withdraw soil water to the detriment of the summer crops. This small plot experiment tested the interacting effects—production, soil water depletion of the cover crops, and subsequent teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] summer hay crops—of irrigation and tillage management with five cover crop types to identify low-risk cover crop practices in the drought-prone SHP. Dryland rye (Secale cereale L.) produced modest forage biomass (>1000 kg ha⁻¹), even in a dry year, but it was found that light irrigation should be used to ensure adequate forage supply (>1200 kg ha⁻¹) if winter grazing is desired. No-till management and timely termination of the winter cover crops were crucial to reducing the negative impact of winter crops on summer teff production. The results indicated no detriment to soil water content that was attributable to planting no-till cover crops compared with the conventional practice of winter fallow. Therefore, producers could take advantage of the soil-conserving attributes of high-quality winter forage cover crops without experiencing significant soil water depletion.

Georgia, located in the Southeastern USA, has been historically dominated by two perennial forage grass production systems. Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] S.J. Darbyshire) is more prevalent in the northern parts of the state, while bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is ubiquitous to the southern portion. Climatologists have documented notable changes in temperature and precipitation patterns in the state that have contributed to an invasion of warm‐season species in the northern portion of the state. In the transition zones between warm‐season and‐cool‐season perennial grass‐dominated regions of North America, C4 grasses can maintain productivity at high temperatures while C3 grasses are transitioning to a reproductive stage with minimal vegetative growth during summer. For this reason, warm‐season grasses could replace a portion of the grasslands at latitudes greater than 35°. This manuscript documents the expansion of warm‐season bermudagrass into northern Georgia, explores the climatic factors driving this transition, and highlights previous and on‐going research. We specifically focus on evaluating freeze or cold tolerance of bermudagrass germplasm. The C. dactylon cultivars exhibit more cold tolerance than C. nlemfuënsis (stargrass) since they are more rhizomatous and rely less on above‐ground stolons for regrowth and winter survival. Conversely, these cultivars tend to have poor nutritive value and are highly susceptible to insect damage. On‐going research is identifying germplasm that provides adequate cold tolerance to meet the needs of farmers transitioning to warm‐season production systems in the lower transition zone.

Smutgrass is an invasive weed species that can quickly outcompete bahiagrass because of its aggressive growth, prolific seed production, and rhizomatous nature. Total renovation of bahiagrass pastures or hayfields is generally not a feasible or economically viable option for most producers. Therefore, controlling the continual spread of smutgrass will require an integrated weed management (IWM) plan that incorporates multiple strategies. The objective of this study was to test the interactions of herbicides and fertilizers on smutgrass control in bahiagrass and determine the most efficacious and economical IWM plan for low-input bahiagrass systems. This research was conducted on a mixture of ‘Tifton 9’ and ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass at the Alapaha Beef Station in Alapaha, GA. The study design was a randomized complete block with a three-by-four factorial treatment arrangement with six replications. Fertility treatments included 56 kg N ha^–1 (ammonium nitrate, 34% N) + 56 kg K₂O ha^–1, 56 kg N ha^–1, and an unfertilized control. Smutgrass was reduced to <15% ground coverage when a postemergent herbicide was applied. The addition of a preemergent herbicide and/or fertilizer further reduced the coverage of smutgrass (P < 0.01). As smutgrass declined, the bahiagrass ground coverage increased; other vegetation and dead material did not differ by treatment. Generally, herbage accumulation and crude protein were only affected following the second N application (P < 0.01). Treatments that included preemergent (indaziflam) and postemergent (hexazinone) herbicides in addition to N and K₂O resulted in an improved bahiagrass stand as timely weed suppression removed competition, while fertilizer provided essential nutrients for optimum growth to fill in the gaps. Combining herbicide and fertilizer is a more economical option for producers when compared to a complete bahiagrass renovation.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) is one of the primary perennial forages in the southeastern USA. Newer hybrid cultivars have superior production and nutritive value compared to common ecotypes. However, there are many challenges facing bermudagrass production in the region. First, the bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM; Atherigona reversura Villeneuve) has severely damaged bermudagrass throughout the region. Strategically timed pyrethroid applications significantly reduce adult BSM populations, but efforts are needed to develop integrated pest management plans. Second, an increasing number of producers are noting challenges with green‐up following winter dormancy. This may be attributed to disease, unbalanced soil fertility, and weed pressure. Perhaps one of the most limiting factors for continued production is the deficit of sprigs and trained personnel to sprig hybrid bermudagrasses. This research is critically important as the need for cold‐tolerant bermudagrass is increasing as tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S. J. Darbyshire) is declining due to changes in temperature and precipitation throughout the northern parts of the region. Plant breeders are investigating hybrid bermudagrass at latitudes >35° with respect to freeze or cold tolerance. Despite the many challenges facing hybrid bermudagrass in the southeastern USA, researchers are working to ensure its persistence, productivity, and availability for the future.