6/28/2013 3:06 PM
Remember that all dwarf or ultra dwarf grasses came about from the selection of a contaminate or mutation off an existing green. The contamination was performing better and was then developed as a better alternative to what was currently available. Since most contaminants are a mutation of some sort, the variety will also continue to mutate or shoot out mutated offspring. This can occur at the farm or on your course. The exception to this is TifEagle, which was irradiated in a lab in Tifton, Georgia. It is genetically pure, but is still susceptible to contaminants if the proper BMP's are not followed.
Cut edges, plug, sod, etc....is the only way to manage it. I'm not sure you will eradicate, but you can manage the off-types easier with good diligence.
Methyl Bromide will only kill what is in your soil, not the soil at the field. When regrassing, be sure to inspect the field multiple times before installation to look for these off-types. I say multiple times because a lot of time these contaminants are very hard to see during different seasons of the year, fertility cycles and mowing patterns. I would ask to see when the field was being mowed, then show up the day before so that you can see these contaminants while they are leggy. And walk the entire field, not just where you park the truck. Your grass won't be harvested in a 30' radius around where you are standing.