Hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis] is frequently used throughout the southern and transitional climatic zones of the United States. These grasses can only be vegetatively propagated, such as by sprigging. Turf managers will often apply high rates of sprigs and nitrogen (N) in an attempt to minimize the time to establishment. However, little is known about how planting and N rates affect establishment. The objective of this study was to determine optimum sprigging and N rates during the establishment of ‘Latitude 36’ hybrid bermudagrass to minimize time to full surface cover. The study was conducted in four locations across the southern United States during Summer 2015. Sprigging rates consisted of 200, 400, 600, and 800 U.S. bushels/acre (9.3 gal/bushel), and N rates were 0, 11, 22, and 44 lb/acre N per week. Results showed that as the N rate increased, percent cover generally increased but only slightly [7% difference between high and low rates 5 weeks after planting (WAP)]. The effect of sprig rate on percent cover indicated that as rate increased, cover also increased. Differences in establishment due to sprig rate were present until 6 WAP at which time all plots achieved 100% cover. The greatest difference between N and sprig rate was that sprig rate showed differences in percent cover immediately, whereas N rate differences were not apparent until 2 WAP. Increasing sprig rather than N rate should be considered to speed up establishment.

For new, vegetatively propagated turfgrass cultivars to be successful in the marketplace, they must not only possess characteristics desired by the end user, but also have those preferred by the sod producer. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate different sod production characteristics of advanced clonal bermudagrass [C. dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] lines that show improved characteristics and (2) to examine the relationship between those production characteristics. Production characteristics measured include: sod handling quality (SHQ), sod tensile strength (STS), vertical growth (VG), and underground growth characteristics. Results showed a positive correlation (r 2 = 0.65) between SHQ and STS. Other production characteristics moderately correlated or did not correlate at all. Knowledge of growth characteristics can aid breeders in choosing breeding lines that will add value to the sod industry.

In the fall, bermudagrass athletic fields are overseeded with perennial ryegrass [Lolium perenne L.] to provide a uniform playing surface to slowed or dormant bermudagrass. Chemical techniques have been utilized for quick and efficient spring transition of perennial ryegrass. Fraise mowing has been identified as a tool that can aid in ryegrass transition in the spring. These studies were to determine the effectiveness of spring transition comparing mechanical removal of perennial ryegrass overseeding to traditional techniques on 'Riviera' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. In 2017, field studies were conducted at the University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety (Knoxville, TN) and the Oklahoma State University Turfgrass Research Center (Stillwater, OK). The seven treatments for the study were: fraise mow at 6.4 mm from the grass surface, fraise mow at 12.7 mm from the grass surface, fraise mow at 19.1 mm from the grass surface, spray application of trifloxysulfuron at the 27.8 g ha −1 with non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v, spray application of foramsulfuron at the 28.9 g ha −1 , scalping (19.1 mm) with a rotatory mower, and an untreated control. Treatments were initiated on 11 May 2017 in Stillwater, OK USA and 17 May 2017 in Knoxville, TN USA. Plots were monitored for six weeks following treatment application. Fraise mowing at 12.7 mm was identified as the optimum depth for perennial ryegrass transitioning in this study compared to chemical transitions. This study found that the fraise mowing at 12.7 mm removed more perennial ryegrass and maintained percent green turfgrass cover throughout the study. However, if time of use for the turfgrass area is not a primary concern then depths greater than 12.7 mm are effective at perennial ryegrass removal but delay spring green-up.

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