Planting Rate and Depth Effects on Tifton 85 Bermudagrass Establishment using Rhizomes

Abstract

H ybrid bermudagrasses are highly productive warm-season perennials, and Tifton 85, although considered an elite cultivar, requires vegetative propagation using either stolons or rhizomes (Burton et al., 1993;Hanna and Anderson, 2008). Planting rate of rhizomes is an important factor for successful establishment. Greater planting rates typically result in faster establishment (Stichler and Bade, 2003) and planting rate is often positively related to forage yield in the first year. Recommended rhizome planting rates range from 1.7 to 3.5 m 3 ha -1 , but these rates were determined on sandy-clay loam soils with good moisture and nutrient retention (Evers et al., 2002;Cosgrove and Collins, 2003). Following these recommendations on deep, sandy soils, which is where most hybrid bermudagrasses are used in Florida, can result in establishment failure (Newman et al., 2011). Information on appropriate planting rates under these conditions is needed.Additionally, one problem using dormant rhizomes is that half or more of them may be dead when planted and live ones may not have enough carbohydrate reserves to establish a live plant (Burton, 2011). Taliaferro et al. (2004 reported that planting rate can range up to 5.2 m 3 ha -1 and Mueller et al. (1993) indicated that bermudagrass is usually planted at rates of 4.5 to 5.3 m 3 ha -1 . ABSTRACTAs with stolons, planting rate of rhizomes is important for successful establishment of cultivar Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). Planting depth is another aspect to be considered when establishing rhizomes in soils with low moisture retention. Shallow planting can increase sprouting and emergence; but if rhizomes are placed too shallow they may dry out without irrigation. The overall objective was to evaluate the effect of rhizome planting rate and depth on establishment success. Treatments were the factorial combinations of three planting rates (Low-2.6 m 3 ha -1 , Medium-5.2 m 3 ha -1 , and High-10.4 m 3 ha -1 ) and two planting depths (6 and 12 cm). High planting rate increased Tifton 85 frequency, ground cover, and herbage dry matter (DM), independent of planting depth. In both years, the High rate resulted in 100% grass frequency and ground cover before 120 d after planting. Also, this treatment produced more than 2300 kg DM ha -1 in the establishment year, and this was greater than the Medium and Low rates (1230 and 900 kg ha -1 , respectively) when planted at 6 cm, or than the Low rate planted at 12 cm (1430 kg ha -1 ). When using Low or Medium rates, planting at a 12-cm depth, improved overall performance compared with 6 cm. Medium rhizome planting rate of ~5 m 3 ha -1 at a 12-cm depth provided satisfactory ground cover and herbage DM at lower cost than High and thus is recommended for the sandy soils in the Suwanee River basin.

Yearling Cattle Performance on Continuously Stocked ‘Tifton 85’ and ‘Florakirk’ Bermudagrass Pastures

“…The composite sample from each pasture Mislevy et al, 2008;Baseggio et al, 2015;Silva et al, 2015). The composite sample from each pasture Mislevy et al, 2008;Baseggio et al, 2015;Silva et al, 2015).…”

Fixed versus variable rest period effects on herbage accumulation and canopy structure of grazed 'Tifton 85' and 'Jiggs' Bermuda grass

“…'Tifton 85' (Cynodon spp.) is one of the most productive genotype among them for its high-nutritive value, and it is considered one of the best Cynodon cultivars released to date (Hill et al, 2001;Hanna & Anderson, 2008;Baseggio et al, 2015). Introduced in Brazil following the official release, 'Tifton 85' has become one of the most popular Cynodon grasses in the country.…”

Herbage Accumulation and Nutritive Value of Seeded Bermudagrass Cultivars

“…Coastal was the first bermudagrass cultivar in the United States and it is still widely used for forage and livestock producers (Hill et al, 2001). In 1993, Tifton 85 was released and it has been considered the most successful bermudagrass cultivar released to date (Mandebvu et al, 1999; Hanna and Anderson, 2008; Baseggio et al, 2015) due to its superior HA and nutritive value (Burton et al, 1993; Hanna and Anderson, 2008).…”