Water-displacement and WinRHIZO root-scanning methods were compared for efficacy of root damage assessment. Results from both methods were similar and a highly significant relationship was found between the two methods in trial one (r2 = 0.9968, P < 0.0001) and trial two (r2 = 0.9988, P < 0.0001). Both protocols provide consistent root volume measurements; however, water displacement is preferred as an economical method if a quick evaluation of a large amount of roots is essential. For a more detailed root morphological and architectural analysis, WinRHIZO root scanning provides additional information about several root parameters that cannot be measured by simple water displacement.

Sting nematodes (Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau) are the most damaging nematode species on bermudagrass {Cynodon spp.) in Florida. The recent cancellation of the nematicide fenamiphos has resulted in the need for alternative nematode management tactics. Utilization of resistant or tolerant cultivars could be one of the most environmentally friendly and least costly practices for nematode management on turf. However, information about the responses of newer bermudagrass cultivars to sting nematodes is not available. Eight dwarf and nine nondwarf bermudagrass cultivars were tested in two sequential experimental trials under greenhouse conditions for their responses to sting nematodes. 'Tifdwarf and 'Emerald Dwarf were damaged the least among dwarf cultivars, as were 'TifSport' and 'Riviera' among the nondwarf cultivars. 'Princess 77' and 'Celebration' produced greater amounts of roots than 'Tifway' under the stress of sting nematode root defoliation despite being good hosts for this nematode.

Sting (Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau) and spiral (Helicotylenchus spp.) nematodes are among the most common and damaging nematode species found on seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) in Florida. Restriction and cancellation of nematicides on turfgrass have accelerated the development of more environmentally friendly nematode management strategies. Use of nematode‐tolerant or ‐resistant cultivars is the practice with the least ecological impact on nontargeted species. The objective of this study was to identify the nematode tolerance or resistance of commercial seashore paspalum cultivars. Seven cultivars were tested under greenhouse conditions in two sequential trials. The cultivars were grown in sand‐filled plastic conetainers and inoculated with 50 sting nematodes or 500 spiral nematodes conetainer−1. Nematode and root samples were collected 90 d after nematode inoculation. All seashore paspalum cultivars supported the reproduction of sting nematode, with a reproduction rate of 2.7‐ to 9.5‐fold in the two trials. Population densities of the spiral nematode H. pseudorobustus (Steiner, 1914) Golden, 1956 declined on all cultivars. Seashore paspalum cultivars showed differences in root length reductions caused by nematodes. ‘Salam’, ‘SeaDwarf’, and ‘SeaIsle Supreme’ were most tolerant to sting nematode, and ‘SeaSpray’ and ‘SeaIsle 2000’ were most tolerant to spiral nematode. No cultivar was tolerant to both nematode species.

Breeding and improvement of new bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) cultivars with superior nematode tolerance are essential because sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau) is a major limitation for use of bermudagrass in the sandy coastal soils of the southeastern United States. The screening of both African (Cynodon transvaalensis) and common (C. dactylon) bermudagrass is necessary to develop triploid hybrid cultivars. Five commercial cultivars and 46 germplasm accessions of bermudagrass were tested for nematode responses in two greenhouse trials in 2009. Turfgrass was grown in sand-filled plastic conetainers and inoculated with 50 sting nematodes per conetainer. Nematode and root samples were collected 90 d after nematode inoculation. Fifteen bermudagrass accessions did not have measurable root loss from inoculation with sting nematode. Seven bermudagrass accessions, including ‘Celebration’, produced longer roots in sting nematode-infested soil than the standard ‘Tifway’. Differences in final nematode numbers were identified among the genotypes, and different relative responses were identified in variable ploidy levels and origins. This could aid a turfgrass breeding program by elucidating the genetic diversity available for breeding future bermudagrass cultivars for golf course cultivation.