Phenotypic traits and establishment speed of 44 turf bermudagrass accessions

Abstract

Breeding of turf bermudagrass (Cynodon (L.) Rich.) has made available a broad range of turf varieties with\ud unique morphological and growth traits. Rapid establishment is necessary in order to provide the performance\ud of a mature turf cover in the shortest time possible. The aims of the research were: (1) to determine variation of\ud growth, morphological and biomass traits in bermudagrass accessions belonging to different phenotypic groups\ud during establishment and (2) to relate such variations to establishment speed in order to assess whether\ud contrasting phenotypic traits could induce different establishment patterns in bermudagrass or if a general\ud establishment predictor can be identified for cultivars and ecotypes belonging to the same taxon. Plant material\ud included 44 accessions of bermudagrasses that were grouped in ‘Wild’, ‘Improved’ ‘Hybrid’ and ‘Dwarf types’.\ud Single spaced plants were transplanted in field plots in two locations in Italy (Pisa and Palermo) and allowed to\ud establish without mowing. The following traits were determined: stolon growth rate, internode length,\ud internode diameter and internode volume, phytomer dry weight, leaf width, colour, seed head production,\ud above ground dry biomass, shoot density, horizontal stem density and node density. Establishment speed of\ud accessions was also determined. Stolon growth rate was found to be the only parameter strongly correlated to\ud establishment speed across all entries and for each of the phenotypic groups. Based on these results, stolon\ud growth rate could be assumed as a good predictor of establishment speed for cultivars and ecotypes belonging to\ud the Cynodon genus

Genotypic and phenotypic evaluation of off-type grasses in hybrid Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] putting greens using genotyping-by-sequencing and morphological characterization

“…The internode length of grasses in this experiment align with Magni et al [ 31 ] who reported an internode length range of 15 to 34 mm on ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass cultivars used on putting greens. However, Roche and Loch [ 37 ] reported internode lengths of 9.4 to 12.5 mm for hybrid bermudagrasses used on putting greens.…”

“…Additionally, Roche and Loch [ 37 ] stated that morphological characterization could provide useful information to further research for adaptation and management of different hybrid bermudagrasses. Researchers have used morphological characterizations to compare hybrid bermudagrass cultivars within the ‘Tifgreen’ family [ 31 , 37 ]; however, morphological inconsistencies suggest that molecular techniques are also needed to accurately evaluate hybrid bermudagrass diversity [ 36 ].…”

Use of Flaming to Control Weeds in ‘Patriot’ Hybrid Bermudagrass

“…The greater the amount of reserve elements in the roots, the greater the plant's ability to regrow (Ascard, 1995). In addition, hybrid bermudagrass is characterized by an aggressive growth habit constituted by stolons and rhizomes full of carbohydrate reserves (Magni et al, 2014a). Flame weeding is therefore preferable in poorly irrigated 'Patriot' hybrid bermudagrass turfs for use in late spring and summer, when the turf has recovered completely, and weeds are much less likely to grow.…”

Reuse of urban-treated wastewater from a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system in Sicily (Italy) for irrigation of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.) turf under Mediterranean climatic conditions

“…Turf colour and quality were determined monthly during the vegetative growth of bermudagrass. The above-ground dry biomass was calculated by removing all plant tissues from the core top and drying the collected material in an oven at 60˚to constant weight [26]. A grass sample was taken randomly in each subplot of each treatment level of irrigation.…”

“…is the most commonly used warm season turf species in the world for high quality turfs, such as golf courses and athletic fields [23][24][25]. It is well adapted to a wide range of soil conditions and its growth is more vigorous than other species [26]. In the Mediterranean area, several studies have demonstrated the effects of TWW on the yield and quality of Bermudagrass turf [27][28][29][30] highlighting that TWW are a precious source of water for turfgrass.…”