AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK NO. 270

EVALUATION OF

Bermudagrass

Varieties

FOR GENERAI-PURPOSE TURF

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE ^/^ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

EVALUATION OF

Bermudagrass

Varieties

FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF

By F. V. JUSKA

and A. A. HANSON

AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK NO. 270

Agricultural Research Service

United States Department of Agriculture

Washington, D.C. Issued August 1964

For »ale by the Superintendent of Documents. U.S. Government Printing OfHce

Washington, D.C, 20402 - Price 25 cents
Contents

Page

Adaptation 3

Center of origin 3

Classification 4

Descriptions of species 5

Descriptions of varieties, selections, and introductions 6

Establishment and maintenance of bermudagrass turf 12

Establishment 12

Fertihzation 14

Mowing 15

Bermudagrass evaluation in the transition zone 16

Climatological data 16

Morphological characteristics 17

Testing procedure 20

Results 22

Ground cover and early-spring growth 22

Spring recovery 23

Disease resistance 26

Seed-head formation 27

Response to nitrogen fertilization 28

Turf quality 28

Summary of performance ratings 31

Performance of additional bermudagrass selections 31

Discussion 33

Literature cited 34

Appendix 37

Performance of bermudagrasses at other locations 37

Alabama 3g

Arizona 41

California 44

Georgia _ 47

Iowa __ 49

Mississippi __ 50

New Mexico 50

Texas. 52

Virginia 53
Evaluation of

BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES

for General-Purpose Turf

By F. V. JusKA and A. A. HANSON, research agronomists, Crops Research

Division, Agricultural Research Service

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) is a major forage and

turf species in the Southern United States. Its prominence in this

region is similar to that of Kentucky bluegrass {Poa pratensis L.) in

the northeastern and north-central regions. Bermudagrass was

introduced into North America during the colonial period, presumably

from India or Africa. The earliest introductions were not recorded,

but bermudagrass is reported to have been brought to Savannah,

Ga., in 1751 by Gov. Henry Ellis. It is listed as one of the principal

grasses in the Southern States in Mease's Geological Account of the

United States published in 1807.

The distribution of bermudagrass extends from New Jersey and

Maryland southward to Florida and westward to Kansas and Texas,

as shown in figure 1. It is not weU adapted in the southern Appalachian highlands, but its distribution extends westward under irrigation to southern New Mexico, Arizona, and to most of the major

valleys in Cahfornia. Limited plantings of improved bermudagrass

varieties for turf have been made as far north as Long Island, N.Y.,

and south-central Indiana and IlUnois. In addition, isolated plants

have survived, possibly under very favorable conditions, at locations

as far from this zone of adaptation as southern Michigan and the

Puget Sound area of Washington State.

Interest in bermudagrass for turf has been increasing near its northern distributional limits. This interest may be attributed in part

to the availabihty of winter-hardy varieties, which tolerate low temperatures and compete satisfactorily with the cool-season turfgrasses.

In addition, the bermudagrasses offer a possible alternative to Kentucky bluegrass, red fescue (Festuca rubra L.), and the bentgrasses

(Agrostis spp.), where their growth and persistence are limited by

high temperatures, disease, heavy traffic, or saline soils. In this

northern distributional zone primary consideration has been given to

planting bermudagrass on athletic fields, golf fairways and tees,

and as a lawn grass around summer homes. Special uses include the

stabilization of steep banks and waterways in recreational areas,

cemeteries, and highway rights-of-way.

Adaptation of bermudagrass to the northern Hmits of its distribution is largely dependent on cold hardiness. Information has not

been readily available, however, on the relative cold hardiness of
2 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF ó

many named varieties and selections. In order to meet this need,

comparative tests were conducted at the Plant Industry Station,

Beltsville, Md., to evaluate bermudagrasses for winter survival and

turf quality. Varieties, introductions, and selections were compared

under all combinations of two mowing heights and two levels of

nitrogen.

Performance data obtained at Beltsville are reported, together with

information accumulated at other locations. Data submitted by

several agricultural experiment stations are included for comparative

purposes only, because results from most of these locations are not

extensive enough to justify conclusive statements on the merits of

specific varieties and selections.

ADAPTATION

Bermudagrass is a warm-season perennial that initiates growth in

the spring and continues to grow when moisture is adequate until

the -first heavy frost in the fall. Dormant grass is a light straw color.

In warm, frost-free areas bermudagrass remains green throughout the

year, but growth is reduced with the onset of lower temperatures and

cool nights. It makes its best growth when average daily temperatures are above 75° F., but grows very Httle when they drop to 60°-

65°. In general, 27°-28° will kiU leaves and stems back to ground

level.

Bermudagrass grows on a wide range of soils, from heavy clays to

deep sands provided soil fertility is not a limiting factor. It grows

satisfactorily on both acid and calcareous soils and is very tolerant to

saline conditions. The nitrogen requirement of bermudagrass is

relatively high. Although this grass often grows without applied

nitrogen, substantial amounts are required to produce good-quality

turf and high yields of quality forage. Application of up to 200

pounds of nitrogen per acre is recommended for growing improved

forage varieties, but under some circumstances twice this amount

may be required to produce good-quahty turf. The equivalent of

800 pounds of nitrogen per acre is sometimes used in maintaining

bermudagrass turf.

Bermudagrass tolerates flooding, but will not thrive on waterlogged soils. Although it is drought resistant in humid areas, it

cannot be grown in arid regions without supplementary water.

Bermudagrass does not persist under heavy shade. Differences in

shade tolerance exist among varieties, but the range in reaction to

shade is relatively narrow.

CENTER OF ORIGIN

It is assumed that bermudagrass originated in tropical Africa (5).^

Stephens ^ found that it was most prevalent there in the Union of

South Africa, Tanganyika, Kenya, and Ethiopia on the better soils.

In general, bermudagrass may be said to follow man, depending on

him to furnish suitable growing conditions, e.g., clearing land of trees

and enriching and stirring the soil. Man's gardening or farming ac1 Italic numbers in parentheses refer to Literature Cited, p. 34.

2 STEPHENS, j. L. FIELD OPERATIONS IN EAST áFRICA, FEBRUARY-JUNE, 1955.

unpublished report of east African plant exploration trip.
4 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

tivities furnish ideal conditions for bermudagrass, especially in the

absence of thorough cultivation, which is lacking'in primitive agricultural communities.

Ants and bermudagrass are closely associated. Most ant hills are

covered with either trees or bermudagrass. In tsetse fly areas where

there are no cattle and few people, most ant hills have trees, but

where cattle graze, bermudagrass is common on ant hills. It apparently thrives there, because ant hiUs are relatively high in nitrogen

and calcium and the soil is stirred and aerated. Furthermore, cattle

graze the bermudagrass very closely, thereby preventing the encroachment of trees and other plants.

Stephens observed that a few exceptions to the interrelationship

of man, ants, and bermudagrass are found in parts of northwest

Tanganyika, at Navisha, Kenya, and near Sciasciamanna, Ethiopia.

These locations appear to have the following characteristics in common: All of them are in the Great Kift Valley; the bermudagrasses

are of the stoloniferous type; the soil is comparatively rich, with a

slow buildup of soil layers by wind or water; trees, if present, are

smaU, scattered, and with open-type foliage; the soils are relatively

high in calcium and are not compacted, consisting mostly of a friable

mixture of clay and sand ; and grazing is extremely heavy in aU three

areas.

Stephens ^ reached the following tentative conclusion on the basis

of these observations: ''In ruminating over the home of origin of

Cynodon about all one can do is to picture a natural environment

having the greatest number of suitable requirements in combination

m one place for this grass. That place might be the Great Riß Valley.''

CLASSIFICATION

The genus Cynodon was classified by Hurcombe (8, pp. 36-47) and

modified slightly by Chippindall (5). These reports have been followed m summarizing the major distinguishing characteristics of the

Cynodon species.

The Cynodon species are separated into two broad categories, based

on the number of spikes and their arran2;ement on the central axis

Group 1.—Spikes 7 to 20 in 2 to 3, more rarely 4, whorls on short

central axis—(7. dactylon (L.) Pers. and C. plectostachyus K. (Schum.)

6^o^p 2.—Spikes 2 to 10, usuaUy 2 to 7, in single whorl at top of

culm (digitate)—a dactylon, C transvaalensis Burtt-Davy C

magenmsn Hurcombe, C. bradleyi Stent, C. hirsutus Stent, and C

mcompletus Nees.

Group l.—C. dactylon types are assigned to both categories However, robust strains of C. dactylon may be distinguished from C

ptectostacfiyus as foUows:

Spikes up to 10, usually 7 to 9, in two whorls, creeping rhizomes

present, glumes one-half to three-fourths, more rarely one-third

as long as spikelet; palea with keel glabrous C dactylon

Spikes up to 20 m 2 to 4 whorls, creeping rhizomes absent, dûmes

seldom exceeding one-fourth length of spikelet; palea with keel

^^^J- C. plectostachyus

See footnote on p. 3. .
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 5

Group 2.—The species in this category are subdivided on the basis

of vernation (leaves folded or rolled in bud shoot) and the presence or

absence of rhizomes. Unfortunately the separation may not be

absolute, judging from conflicting statements that have appeared in

print. Carrier (5) and Phillips {9) reported that the leaves of C.

dactylon are rolled in the bud shoot, whereas according to Hurcombe

(8) and Bennett et al. (1) the leaves are folded.

A Leaf blades folded in bud shoot; creeping rhizomes present

B Leaf blades up to 1.5 mm. wide; glumes one-fourth to onethird length of spikelet C. transvaalensis

BB Leaf blades up to 5 mm. wide; glumes from one-half to as

long as spikelet

C Both surfaces of leaf tubercled and sparsely hairy,

blade less than 2 mm. wide; glumes one-half as long

as spikelet ; fine grass C. magennisii

CC Lower surface of leaf not distinctly tubercled, usually

glabrous, blade more than 2 mm. wide; glumes often

more than ope-half as long as spikelet; relatively

coa ' se grasses C. dactylon

AA Leaf blades rolled in bud shoot; creeping rhizomes absent

B Keel of lemma not winged; rachilla sometimes produced

C. bradleyi

BB Keel of lemma winged ; rachilla not produced

C Leaves densely hairy on both surfaces; ligule up to 2

mm. long; glumes about equal, half as long as

spikelet C. hirsutus

CC Leaves loosely hairy on upper surface, loosely to densely

hairy on lower surface; ligule up to 1 mm. long;

glumes unequal, less than half as long as spikelet

C. incompletus

DESCRIPTIONS OF SPECIES

C. dactylon (L.) Pers.—The common names with many variations

include bermudagrass, wiregrass, couchgrass, Bermuda couch, Indian

couch, scutchgrass, quickgrass, kweek(gras), devilgrass, doobgrass,

doabgrass, and creeping fingergrass (Chippindall 4)- The plethora

of common names given this species attests to its wide distribution

and to the fact that it has been the object of abuse and scorn.

C. dactylon is a variable, long-lived perennial, which spreads by

rhizomes, stolons, and seed. The culms range from 8 to 40 and

rarely to 90 cm. in height. The leaves may be pubescent or glabrous.

There are 3 to 7 spikes, rarely 2, which are usually 3 to 6 cm. long and

in one whorl. In robust forms there may be up to 10 spikes, sometimes

in two whorls. In common with other Cynodon species, the leaves

are borne on stems, which produce long internodes alternating with

one or more very short internodes. This characteristic gives the

impression that the species has multiple-leaved nodes, as reported

by Francis and Baird (7) and more recently by Duell (6). Observations on leaf patterns suggest, however, that irregularity in internode

length is the most acceptable explanation for the so-called multipleleaved characteristic in Cynodon. C. dactylon includes both diploids

(2n=18) and tetraploids (2n=36).
6 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Giant bermudagrass, a naturalized form of C. dactylon found in

irrigated fields in the Southwestern United States, is a diploid (2n= 18).

This highly fertile rhizomatous form may be distinguished from

common tetraploid bermudagrass by its vigor, height, lack of pubescence, and seed characteristics. In the Southeastern United States

giant bermudagrass is an undesirable contaminant when found in

conunon seed lots, because it does not persist and the turf produced

from mixtures has an uneven appearance.

C. dactylon var. densus Hurcombe ('Hall's Selection') and C.

dactylon 'Koyal Cape' were recognized by Hurcombe (8) in her

taxonomic treatment of Cynodon. However, these two grasses are

similar to C. dactylon, differing only in size and growth form.

C. plectostachyus (K. Schum.) Pilg.—Stargrass. Tufted perennial;

diploid (2n=18); creeping by means of dense network of stolons;

culms 60 to 100 cm. high; pubescent leaves; spikes numerous, up to

8 cm. long, rarely more; spikelets 2.5 to 3 mm. long. Distinguished

from robust strains of C. dactylon by relative length of glumes.

C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy.—Trg^nsvaalensis or floridagrass.

Fine diploid (2n=18); culms up to 10 cm. high; leaf blades up to

1.5 mm. wide, hairy, soft; spikes 1 to 3, usually 2, 1 to 2 cm. long;

spikelets 2 to 2.5 mm. long.

C. magennisii Hurcombe.—Magennis. Triploid (2n=27); culms

3 to 6 cm. high; spikes 3 or 4, 1.5 to 2.5 cm. long; spikelets 2 mm.

long. Does not set seed. Derived from natural cross between

C. dactylon and C. transvaalensis. Resembles C. transvaalensis very

closely in growth form and leaves.

C. bradleyi Stent.—Bradley. Diploid (2n=18); stoloniferous;

pubescent leaf blades up to 2.5 mm. wide; spikes 2 to 4, 2 to 3 cm.

long; spikelets 2.5 mm.' long. Distinguished from C. transvaalensis

and C. magennisii by absence of rhizomes.

C. hirsutus Stent.—Hairy couch. Diploid (2n=18); pubescent leaf

blades 1.5 to 3 cm. long and up to 4 mm. wide; spikes usually 3 to 5;

spikelets 2 to 2.5 mm. long. Distinguished from C. dactylon by

absence of rhizomes.

C. incompletus Nees.—Diploid (2n=18) ; creeps by means of stolons

only; spikes 3 to 6, usually 3, 1.2 to 2.7 cm. long; spikelets 2.5 to 3

mm. long. Similar to C. hirsutus; leaves less hairy and glumes shorter

than those of C. hirsutus.

DESCRIPTIONS OF VARIETIES, SELECTIONS, AND

INTRODUCTIONS

Stolons from some South African varieties have been introduced

under two or more numbers. These accessions should be identical,

but there is always a possibility that they may differ, because either

the foreign name was appHed to a class of bermudagrass types or the

accessions were contaminated with other strains. It is difficult to

confine berniudagrasses to small plots, and therefore one cannot ignore

the possibility of contamination either from adjacent plots or from

volunteer seedlings at the location where the vegetative material was

collected. This may explain discrepancies noted in the appearance

of different accessions of the same vegetative source. Reference

should always be made to the original accession number in studying
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 7

the performance of introductions that have been named and released

in the United States.

Original descriptions of named varieties are presented, together

with available information on the origin and characteristics of numbered accessions. Information is included on several South African

varieties, some of which if brought into this country have not been

introduced by name. Plant Industry (P.I.) numbers are assigned to

material received by the New Crops Research Branch, Crops Research

Division.

Barberspan {C. dadylon).—Collected on shores of Lake Barberspan

in western Transvaal, South Africa. Relatively coarse, low growing,

dense. (Introduced as P.I. 183555 and P.I. 213382.)

Bayshore (Gene Tift) {Cynodon sp.).—Selected at Bayshore Golf

Club, Miami Beach, Fla. Light green, fine texture, some resistance

to leaf spot diseases. Considered to be a hybrid between C. dadylon

and C. transvaalensis. Adapted for use on putting greens in southern

Florida.

Bloupan (C. dactylon).—Selected at Jan Smuts Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa. Fine leaves, resembles C. transvaalensis in

appearance. Planted on airfield and on numerous golf courses and

bowling greens. (Introduced as P.I. 213383.)

Bradley (C. hradleyi).—Collected by W. Bradley from veld near

Johannesburg, South Africa, prior to 1910. Medium fine, shallow

rooted, quick growing; tendency to *'brown-off" during hot, dry

weather; gray green; hairy leaves. Used rather extensively for lawns

and greens in South Africa. Popularity declined owing to its susceptibility to insects and nematodes.

Brunswick (C dactylon).—Collected and increased at Sea Island

Golf Club, Sea Island, Ga,

Burning Tree (C. dadylon).—Selected at Burning Tree Country

Club, Bethesda, Md., and received at Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md., in July 1959. Vigorous, rapid spreading, cold hardy;

broad leaves, dark green. May have some promise for use on fairways and as general-purpose turf.

Elliot (Cynodon sp.).—Considered to be "one of their best" lawn

grasses at Frankenwald Turf Research Station, Johannesburg, South

Africa. Fine grass, good putting siu-face with little ''nap,'' little

tolerance to low temperatures, slow regrowth in spring, shorter and

broader leaves than C. transvaalensis, winter-dormant turf reddish.

(Introduced as P.I. 224146.)

Everglades 1 (Cynodon sp.).—Selected at Bayshore Golf Club,

Miami Beach, Fla. Dark green, fine texture, close growing, vigorous;

putting-green type. Considered to be a hybrid between C. dadylon

and C. transvaalensis. Much superior to common in turf quality and

resistance to foliar diseases. Adapted throughout Florida.

Florida 8 and 50 (Cynodon sp.).—Experimental selections from

Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville.

Franklin (C. dactylon).—Collected and multipHed at Mount Edgecombe Golf Course, Natal, South Africa. Slightly coarser than C.

transvaalensis. Found on golf green that had been severely damaged

by mealybug Antonina indica Green. (Introduced as P.I. 213385.)

Germiston (Cynodon sp.).—South African, similar to C. transvaalensis in appearance, behavior, and color.

726-185 O—64 2
8 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

HaU's Selection (C. dxictylon var. (Census) .—CoUected from green of

Germiston Golf Course in 1933 by T. D. HaU and estab ished at

Frankenwald Turf Kesearcb Station, Johannesburg. Dark ^een;

dense, wear-resistant sod; relatively slow spread; srniüar to Koyal

Cape Popular lawn grass in South Africa. (Introduced as 1^.1.

183557, P.I. 213384, and P.I. 224149.)

Harrismith (Cynodon sp.).—South African, similar to ^'%(^^^^^^ffj^:

sis in appearance, behavior, and color. (Introduced as P.I. 224141.)

Kansas selections (Cynodon spp.).—Series of numbered and lettered

clones identified as Kansas; derived from vegetative selections and

polycross progenies of common and introduced bermudagrasses.

Material selected at Manhattan and at Hays Branch of Kansas

Agricultural Experiment Station. Kelatively fine to coarse texture,

fair to excellent cold tolerance.

Kansas 1-51 (C. ddctylon) .—Collected from campus at Kansas

State University, Manhattan. Fine leaves.

Kansas 1-52 (C. transvaalensis) .—RsiTdj, drought resistant,

aggressive spread.

Kansas 23-54 (C. dactylon).—Collected from campus at Kansas

State University, Manhattan. Medium texture, hardy.

Kansas 24-54 (C. dactylon).—Collected from campus at Kansas

State University, Manhattan. Hardy.

Magennis (C. magennisii).—Named for magistrate, who in 1922

first selected this grass from patch of C. transvaalensis. Relatively

slow growing, ßne lawn grass. Considered to be a hybrid between

C. transvaalensis and a local strain of C. dactylon. Once established,

it requires careful management to maintain good-quality turf.

Popular m South Africa. (Introduced as P.I. 184339 and P.I.

213390.)

Murray (C. dactylon).—^Found in experimental green of HaU's

Selection at Frankenwald Turf Research Station, Johannesburg,

South Africa. Named in honor of C. M. Murray. Fine leaves.

(Introduced as P.I. 213386.)

Ohio (C. dactylon).—Selected at country club near Cincinnati,

Ohio. Medium to coarse texture, rapid spreading, appeared very

winter hardy.

Ormond (C. dactylon).—Selected from long-established fairway

at EUinor Village County Club, Ormond Beach, Fla. Attractive,

blue green, vigorous, relatively prostrate growth habit, medium

texture, some tolerance to leaf diseases, susceptible to doUar spot,

lacks cold tolerance. Well adapted in Florida for use on lawns, golf

tees, fairways, and recreational areas.

Royal Cape (C. dactylon).—Selected in about 1930 on Royal Cape

GoK Course near Mowbray, South Africa, by C. M. Murray.

Important economically in South Africa for use on home lawns and

athletic fields. Prized in that country for superior texture, ability

to withstand wear, good spring and fall color. P.I. 224147 cooperatively released as 'Royal Cape' by Crops Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, and California Agricultural Experiment

Station in 1960 for use in hot desert areas of Lower Colorado River

Basin. Released on basis of late-fall and early-spring growth; good

color, texture, vigor, and spread; tolerance to sahne soils; and Hmited
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 9

production of seed heads. (Introduced as P.I. 183559, P.I. 213387,

and P.I. 224147.)

Skaapplaas Fine {Cynodon sp.).—Collected near water's edge

around several ''pans'' near Wolwehoek in Orange Free State, South

Africa. Selected and used on two Vereeniging golf courses by D.

Lorentz in about 1935. Fine grass, grows rapidly, forms close cover,

more drought tolerant than either Elliot or Transvaalensis, under

normal conditions is midgreen. (Introduced as P.I. 224145.)

Sunturf (C. magennisii).—Released cooperatively by Alabama,

Arkansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina Agricultural Experiment

Stations in 1956. Direct increase of P.I. 184339 (C. magennisii).

Fine leaves, dark green, rapid spread, few seed heads, sometimes

has rust. (See also Magennis, P.I. 184339, and P.I. 213390.)

Texas 8 and 22 (C. dactylon).—Experimental selections from Texas

Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station.

Texturf IF (C. dactylon).—Selected as T35A at Texas Agricultural

Experiment Station, College Station, and released in 1957. Fine

texture, light green, recovers rapidly in spring, produces relatively

few seeds heads, susceptible to leaf diseases. Because of disease

susceptibihty, plantings in Gulf Coast and eastern Texas not recommended.

Texturf 10 {C. dactylon).—Selected as T-47 at Texas Agricultural

Experiment Station, College Station, and released in 1957. Medium

texture, dark green,, early-spring recovery. Slower growing than

common bermudagrass, but superior in faU color and in resistance

to leaf diseases.

Tiffine (Cynodon sp.).—Selected as Tifton 127 at Georgia Coastal

Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, and released in 1953 by Georgia

Agricultural Experiment Station and Crops Research Division,

Agricultural Eesearch Service. Represents Fi hybrid between C.

dactylon and C. transvaalensis from East Lakes Golf Course, Atlanta,

Ga. Lighter green, more disease resistant, much finer texture than

common bermudagrass. Used for putting greens and fine lawns.

Tifgreen (Cynodon sp.).—Selected as Tifton 328 at Georgia Coastal

Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, and released in 1956 by Georgia

Agricultural Experiment Station and Crops Research Division,

Agricultm-al Research Service. Best of several Fi hybrids between

C. dactylon and diploid accession from Africa. Darker green and

superior for putting surface than Tiíñne. Also used for fine lawns.

Tiflawn (Cynodon sp.).—Selected as Tifton 57 at Georgia Coastal

Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, and released in 1952 by Georgia

Agricultural Experiment Station and Crops Research Division,

Agricultiu-al Research Service. Represents Fi hybrid between two

selections from pasture-breeding research. Spreads faster, denser

weed-free turf, more disease- and frost-tolerant, requires less fertilization, and more wear resistant than common bermudagrass. Particularly well suited as heavy-duty turf.

Tîfway (Cynodon sp.).—Selected as Tifton 37 and 419 at Georgia

Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, and released in 1960 by

Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station and Crops Research Division,

Agricultural Research Service. Fi hybrid between C. transvaalensis

and C. dactylon. Found in seed lot of C. transvaalensis supplied by

D. Meredith of Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1954. Dark green;
10 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 270, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

stiff leaves; equal or superior to Tifñne and Tifgreen in disease

resistance, density, weed resistance, seed-head production, and rate

of spread. Well suited for use on fairways, tees, and home lawns.

Transvaalensis (or Florida in South Africa) {C. transvaalensis).—

Found growing near Johannesburg, South Africa, in about 1907. Is

midgreen under normal conditions. Widely used for lawns and

putting and bowHng greens. Unless carefully managed, greens develop considerable ''nap." Requires abundant water and nutrients

for satisfactory growth. (Introduced as P.I. 213391.)

Tufcote {C. doxtylon) .—Selected at National Plant Materials Center,

Beltsville, Md., and released as 'Tuffy'' in 1962 by Soil Conservation

Service National Plant Materials Center, Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, and Crops Research Division, Agricultural Research

Service. Renamed Tufcote' in 1963. Vegetative increase of surviving plant from one of three introductions—P.I. 142278, P.I. 142280,

and P.I. 142281. Introductions received in 1942 from Gen. Jan

Smuts, Pretoria, South Africa. Stiff leaves, relatively rapid spread,

few seed heads. Released on basis of winter hardiness and wear

resistance for use in conservation plantings and on athletic fields.

U-3 {C. daciylon).—Selected as "Hall's Superior" by D. Lester Hall,

greenkeeper. Savannah Golf Club, near Savannah, Ga., in 1936 from

long series of fine-strain selections on basis of cold hardiness, color,

durabihty, and insect and disease resistance. Increased at Plant

Industry Station, Beltsville, Md. Released cooperatively in 1957 by

U.vS. GoK Association Green Section and Crops Research Division,

Agricultural Research Service. Moderately fine leaves, rapid spreading, durable turf under wide range of soil and climatic conditions.

Adapted for use on lawns, parks, golf tees, and fairways.

Uganda (C transvaalensis).—Fine leaves, low growing, very fine

texture, relatively slow spreading, tends to assume reddish-purple

cast after first cool nights in faU. Suitable for putting greens and

tennis courts. (Introduced as P.I. 183551 and increased as Uganda.)

Vereeniging-Tomsett (C. dactylon).—Collected near Vereeniging on

Veal River, South Africa. Fine leaves, good texture, similar to C.

transvaalensis.

Waverly (Cynodon sp.).—South African, similar to C. transvaalensis

in appearance, behavior, and color.

Windsor {Cynodon sp.).—South African, similar to C. transvaalensis

in appearance, behavior, and color.

P.I. 183551 {C. transvaalensis).—'Uganda' from Egypt. Stolons

presented by John Plant, Gezira Sporting Club, Cairo. Received at

Beltsville, Md., July 6, 1949.

P.I. 183555 to P.I. 183559.—From South Africa. Stolons presented

by J. L. Dougherty, agricultural attaché, Pretoria, Transvaal. Received July 7 and 12, 1949.

P.I. 183555 (C. dactylon).—'BsiThersj)àn.'

P.I. 183556 (C. dactylon).—TrieVs Selection.'

P.I. 183557 (C. dactylon var. densus).—'ILalVs Selection.'

P.I. 183558 (C. dactylon).—From Iscor Golf Course.

'P.I. 183559 (C. dactylon).—'HOJîU Cape.'

P.I. 184339 (C. magennisii).—From South Africa. Stolons presented by Mildred Wilman, Kimberly, Cape Province. Received

September 1949. (See also Magennis and Sunturf.)
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 11

P.I. 210837 (C. dactylon) .—From. Iran. Collected from lawn in

Tehran. Presented by agricultural attaché, American Embassy,

Tehran. Received December 2, 1953.

P.I. 210979 {C. dactylon).—Collected from Middle East Hotel

Garden, Tehran, Iran. Stolons presented by Maurice E. Heath.

Received September 25, 1953.

P.I. 213382 to P.I. 213391.—From South Africa. Stolons presented

by African Explosives and Chemical Industries, Ltd., Johannesburg,

Transvaal. Received February 18, 1954.

P.I. 213382 {C. dactylon),—'B&TheTspân.'

P.I. 213383 {C. dactylon).—'BloupsLU.'

P.I. 213384 (C. dactylon var. densus).—'Hall's Selection.'

P.I. 213385 (C. dactylon).—'Frsinklm.'

P.I. 213386 {C. dactylon).—'MuTTSij.'

P.I. 213387 (C. dactylon).—'Uojel Cape.'

P.I. 213388 (C. i/ac#2/Zon).—'Skaapplaas.'

P.I. 213389 {C. dactylon).—'Yereeniging-Tornsett.'

P.I. 213390 (C. magennisii).—'Magennis.'

P.I. 213391 {Cynodon transvaalensis).—'Florida.'

P.I. 213457 and P.I. 213458.—From India. Stolons collected by

H. S. Gentry at Aarey Dairy Colony, Bombay, India, December 19,

1953. Received January 7, 1954.

P.I. 213457 (C. dactylon).—Fine leaves, lawn grass, heavily

manured, green all year.

P.I. 213458 (C dactylon).—Fine leaves, endemic.

P.I. 218006 (C. dactylon).—From Iran. Plugs presented by American Embassy, Tehran. Received June 1, 1954. Fine leaves.

P.I. 224131 (C. dactylon).—From South Africa. Collected by J. L.

Stephens at Riteondale Experiment Station, Pretoria, March 1, 1955.

Said to have escaped from experimental plots. Fine leaves, dense sod.

P.I. 224139 to P.I. 224141 and P.I. 224143.—From South Africa.

Stolons obtained from Pretoria Botanic Garden by J. L. Stephens,

March 2, 1955. These four strains collected originally by L. E. Codd.

P.I. 224139 (Cynodon sp.).—'Skaapplaas-Macaulei.' Very fine

leaves, dense sod.

P.I. 224140 (Cynodon sp.).—'Reitz.' Fine leaves, good color,

dense sod.

P.I. 224141 (Cynodon sp.).—'Harrismith.' Fine leaves, good

color, dense sod.

P.I. 224143 (Cynodon sp.).—Rapid spreading, long stolons.

P.I. 224145 to P.I. 224149 and P.I. 224151.—From South Africa.

Stolons obtained from Frankenwald Turf Research Station, Johannesbiu-g, by J. L. Stephens, March 3, 1955.

P.I. 224145 (Cynodon sp.).—'Skaapplaas Fine.'

P.I. 224146 (Cynodon sp.).—'Elliot.'

P.I. 224147 (C dactylon).—'Uojal Cape.'

P.I. 224148 (Cynodon sp.).—'Macaulei.' Medium to coarse

lawn, fairly dense sod.

P.I. 224149 (C. dactylon var. densus).—'Hall's Selection.'

P.I. 224151 (Cynodon sp.).—Local strain, rapid spread, dense

sod.

P.I. 224569 (Cynodon sp.).—From Southern Rhodesia. Local selection obtained from campus of Tobacco Research Station, Salisbury,
12 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

by J. L. Stephens, March 21, 1955. Fine, short leaves; fairly rapid

spread; good sod.

P.I. 224691 {C. dactylon) .—Fvom Northern Rhodesia. Collected

from lawn of Victoria Falls Hotel by J. L. Stephens, March 28, 1955.

Short, dense sod; numerous seed heads.

P.I. 224694 {C. dactylon).—From Northern Rhodesia. Obtained

from Mt. Makula Experiment Station, Lusaka, by J. L. Stephens,

March 29, 1955. Originally collected at Fort Jamison. Dense sod,

lawn type. Identified as No. 1.

P.I. 225126 {Cynodon sp.).—From Tanganyika. Collected from

lawn at Dar-es-Salaam by J. L. Stephens, April 1955. Aggressive;

tight, compact sod when mowed. Identified locally as ''Sudan-grass.''

P.I. 225595 (Cynodon sp.).—From Tanganyika. Obtained from

Mpwapa Experiment Station by J. L. Stephens, April 17, 1955.

Originally planted on clubhouse lawn. Short, fine leaves.

P.I. 225809 (Cynodon sp.).—From Kenya. Collected from border

of kikuyugrass lawn at Lincoln Hotel, Eldoret, by J. L. Stephens,

April 27, 1955. Very smaU; delicate, fine stems and leaves.

P.I. 258846 (Cynodon sp.).—From South Africa. Stolons presented by African Explosives and Chemical Industries, Ltd., Johannesburg, Transvaal. Received July 1959.

ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF

BERMUDAGRASS TURF

The improved varieties of bermudagrasses are among the finest of

the southern grasses in both texture and quality. Choice of variety,

however, is of prime importance in the production of high-quality

turf. Varieties must be adapted to local environmental conditions

and meet the needs and requirements for which the turf is intended,

whether for lawns, fairways, tees, putting greens, or general-purpose

turf. They vary in winter hardiness, disease resistance, texture,

quahty, color, rate of spread, and amount of maintenance required.

Although the improved bermudagrasses provide one of the most

beautiful lawns in the South, they also require the most maintenance.

It IS generally hnpracticable to choose a fine-textured variety with a

high-mamtenance requirement for use in a location where the turf

will be neglected. If the improved varieties are neglected and not

properly mamtamed, it is doubtful whether they are more desirable

than common seeded bermudagrass.

Establishment

A bermudagrass turf can be estabhshed from vegetative planting

more rapidly than any other permanent grass—within 2 to 4 months

under favorable conditions.

The unproved varieties must be propagated vegetatively, as many

of them produce httle or no seed, and the seed does not run true to

type. Thus plants grown from U-3 seed are much coarser than the

ongmal U-3 variety, as shown in figure 2. The turf may be estab-
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 13

FlGUBE 2.- -Stolons from seeded U-3 bermudagrass (left) as compared with

stolons from U-3 variety (right).

Sprigs are stolons or rhizomes or both. They are obtained by

shredding sod into individual sterns or plants. One square yard of

sod, or 1 bushel of sprigs, will usually contain from 2,000 to 4,000

sprigs and will provide sufficient material to plant from 2,000 to 4,000

square feet of area on 12-inch centers. Sprigs may be planted in holes

made by a sharp tool, in a sht made by a spade, or on a prepared seedbed in a shallow furrow. They should be covered with one-half to 1

inch of soil, which should be pressed firmly around the sprigs and

watered. For larger areas, sprigs may be broadcast and disked.

Disk blades should be set straight to press the sprigs into the soil, and

the soil should be cultipacked so that it is firm around the sprigs.

Frequently sprigging machines are used on a contract or rental basis

for parks, industrial areas, and golf courses.

Turf may be estabhshed from sod plugs 2 or more inches in diameter or pieces of sod cut into 2- to 3-inch squares. Both methods

are similar. Plugs or pieces of sod are planted even with the soil

surface in checkrows 12 to 18 inches apart and pressed into place.

Sodding is the most rapid method of estabhshing turf, but it is also

the most expensive. It is one of the most practical ways to get turf

estabhshed on steep slopes and terraces. To avoid delay, puttinggreen turf is frequently estabhshed by sodding.

In the Deep South bermudagrass may be established from sprigs or

by sodding anytime during the growing season if moisture conditions

are suitable or if water is available. In the transition zone bermudagrass can be planted anytime after the last frost in the spring until

early August. Poorly established turf is subject to winter damage,

and for that reason it is generally advisable to plant as soon as possible

after the last frost in the spring.
14 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Fertilization

Frequency of application and quantity of fertilizer required for a

satisfactory bermudagrass turf are dependent on several variables

1. Location in the bermudagrass region determines the length of

the growing season. In the Deep South more fertihzer will be necessary for the production of an acceptable turf than in the transition

zone, which has a much shorter growing season.

2. Some sous are inherently low in fertility and thus require complete fertilizers, higher levels of nitrogen, and perhaps an occasional

application of minor elements. Sandy soils are usually low in organic

matter, have a low base exchange, and are more subject to leaching

of fertilizer nutrients.

3. Named varieties differ with respect to their nitrogen requirements and, in general, need to be maintained at a higher level than

common bermudagrass. A level of fertility that does not meet the

needs of a variety frequently results in a low-quality turf characterized

by poor color, excessive seed heads, slow growth, and an open sod that

is subject to weed encroachment.

4. Frequency and quantity of fertihzer apphed at any one time are

dependent largely on the source of nitrogen. Fertihzer with inorganic sources of nitrogen must be apphed more frequently and in

smaller amoimts than fertihzer in which the source of nitrogen is

largely organic. Organic nitrogen, either alone or in combination with

inorganic sources, is frequently used to produce uniform growth—

an important consideration on putting greens. Although bermudagrass can utihze large amounts of nitrogen, overstimulation of the

tiirf may result from heavy application of nitrogen. Overstimulation

with high rates of nitrogen fertihzer may increase top growth at the

expense of root growth, with a consequent reduction in carbohydrate

reserves. Succident turf is also more susceptible to disease and to

scalping.

5. The standard of perfection desired for turf regardless of its use

will determine the quantity of fertihzer used annuaUy. Good-quahty

turf requires high maintenance and adequate levels of soil fertihty,

but lower levels of maintenance may be in order, depending on the

use and the turf quahty desired.

6. Irrigation must be considered. Turf that receives supplemental

irrigation throughout the growing season will have a higher annual

fertilizer requirement than turf that is allowed to become dormant

or semidormant. In addition, excessive use of water will leach more

nutrients from the soil. On alkahne soils in irrigated areas of the

West and Southwest, quantity and choice of a fertihzer are important.

Excessive amounts of inorganic fertihzer may raise the salt content

of the soil to the detriment of the turf. Fertihzers, such as ammonium

sulfate, with an acid reaction are preferred for alkaline soils.

7. Kemoval or nonremoval of clippings affects the annual quantity

of fertilizer requh-ed in the turf program. Grass clippings contain

mtrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of approximately

4-2-3, respectively. Clippings are almost always removed after each

mowmg from turf under high maintenance, frequently from tiu-f under

medium maintenance, and seldom from turf under low maintenance.

Chppmgs allowed to remain on adequately fertilized turf increase
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 15

thatch buildup and provide a favorable medium for the development

of disease. (Thatch refers to the accumulation of stems and leaves

on the soil surface.)

8. Quantity and frequency of fertilizer application are closely tied

to the purpose for which turf is intended. Turf on roadbanks, median

strips, and some playgrounds is generally fertilized infrequently. At

the other extreme, putting greens may receive as much as 36 pounds of

elemental nitrogen per thousand square feet each year, with applications divided into weekly or biweekly increments. Turf for lawns and

fairways falls in between these two extremes. The quantity of nitrogen and the frequency of applications often used on turf grown for

various purposes are shown in table 1.

TABLE 1.—Quantity and frequency of nitrogen application on turj grown

joT various purposes

Turf use and level of maintenance

Total nitrogen

per 1,000

square feet

Applications

Road right-of-way, playgrounds, and nonuse

areas; low

Lawns, parks, fairways, athletic fields, cemeteries; medium

Putting and bowling greens, tennis courts,

tees; high

Pounds

0-3

4-9

10-30

Number

0-2

3-8

10-30

In the fertilizer program a complete fertilizer such as a 10-10-10

or similar analysis should be incorporated in the schedule once or

twice a year to supply phosphorus and potassium, after which nitrogen

alone will generally prove adequate. Additional phosphorus is seldom

needed, because this element is fixed by the sou colloids and is not

readily leached from the soil. On putting greens and other highmaintenance turf, soil tests frequently indicate very high amounts of

available phosphorus because of prolonged use of complete fertilizers.

In such cases, nitrogen and potassium only need be applied.

Bermudagrass turf should be fertilized when growth begins in the

early spring and during the growing season whenever a slight loss in

color is observed. One or two pounds per application of a quickly

available nitrogen is adequate. Fertilize according to the needs of the

grass and the degree of perfection desired. Adequate amounts of

nitrogen applied at regular intervals wiQ aid in maintaining a uniform

rate of growth. This growth can be removed by mowing at regular

intervals.

Mowing

Turf is mowed to make it attractive and to produce a dense sod for

a specific purpose. Proper mowing management requires that grass

be cut at an optimum height frequently enough to avoid excessive

removal of top growth at any one time. Turf shoidd be mowed at an

interval that wül not necessitate removing more than one-haK or less

of the upright leaf area at one time. Frequent mowing at the proper

726-185 0—64 3
16 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

height is less injurious to the plant than removal of tall growth less

often.

Mowing higher than the optimum level may reduce vigor and

performance of the grass. Thatch builds up more rapidly, appearance

declines, and weed invasion may increase. The quality of the finer

textured bermudagrasses depends on continuous growth. If grass is

permitted to grow above the recommended height, older grass, which

is less functional, masks and retards new growth. Mowing should

start in the spring soon after grass breaks dormancy and continue at

regular intervals consistent with top growth. Putting-green turf is

usually mowed daily at a height of three-sixteenths to one-fourth inch.

Frequent regular mowing is essential for excellent turf, and the shorter

the grass is mowed the oftener it should be mowed to avoid excessive

injury. Turf for other purposes is mowed at a height of }^ to Iji inches

at less frequent intervals—perhaps two or three times weekly.

Owing to thatch buildup and other factors such as infrequent

mowing, it may become necessary to raise the height of mowing

slightly during the growing season because of stemmy or scalped turf.

Setting the mower to cut at a height of one-half to three-fourths inch

in the spring will permit raising the mower two or three times during

the growing season to overcome this condition without exceeding an

acceptable mowing height. Thatch may be decomposed by cultivation and light top dressing with soil. Its removal by raking or

mechanical treatments is often required to avoid excessive accumulation. Thatch should be removed in the spring or during the summer

when grass is growing rapidly. Severe mechanical treatments should

be used weU in advance of the time when the turf will become dormant,

so that the grass will recover fully before the onset of low temperatures.

BERMUDAGRASS EVALUATION IN THE TRANSITION

ZONE

Climatological Data

Average maximum, average minimum, and extreme temperatures

and degree-days during 1960 and 1961 and 6 months of 1962 for

Beltsville, Md., are listed in table 2. The lowest temperature, —14°F.,

for this period occurred in January 1961 and the highest, 95°, in

August 1960 and May 1962.

The following data (10) include some average temperatures over

a 40-year period and the average dates for kilUng frosts over a 37-

year period for College Park, Md., about 3 miles south of Beltsville:

Temperature °F,

January average 34. 1

July average 75. 9

Maximum 107. 0

Minimum —26. 0

Frost Date

Last spring Apr. 28

First fall Oct. 15
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF

TABLE 2.—Temperatures at Beltsville, Md., 1960-62 '

17

Month Average

maximum

Average

minimum

Highest Lowest Degreedays 2

1960

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

1961

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January..

February.

March. _.

April

May

June

4*3. 5

44.6

41. 6

71. 1

71.3

82.6

84.6

86.0

78. 1

66.8

58.3

38.4

36.7

45.6

55.4

59.4

70. 1

82. 1

86.7

84 3

84. 1

69.6

57.7

42.4

41.8

39. 1

50.8

64. 6

77.6

81.7

25.8

26.7

21.4

40.7

47.9

56.5

60. 6

64.3

57. 1

42. 6

31.6

13.0

12.9

24.0

32.8

36.2

47.3

57.7

62.9

62.4

59.5

42. 1

37.9

23.8

21.8

22. 7

28.6

39. 2

51.5

59.3

op

57.0

66.0

79.0

93.0

85.0

90.0

94.0

95. 0

89.0

82.0

7L0

68.0

53.0

7L0

78.0

88.0

86.0

92. 0

94.0

92.0

94.0

88.0

81.0

6L0

60. 0

66.0

76.0

88.0

95.0

93.0

°F.

11. 0

6.0

2.0

20.0

28.0

39.0

49.0

50.0

43.0

25.0

18.0

-7.0

-14.0

-7.0

14.0

24.0

31.0

44.0

50.0

49.0

35.0

28.0

20.0

9.0

3.0

-4.0

10.0

22.0

29.0

50.0

Number

932

844

1,030

304

187

19

0

1

41

317

593

1,211

,235

838

643

520

218

23

0

1

47

283

522

980

1,021

946

776

416

112

3

1 Elevation 100 feet.

2 Sum of negative departures of daily temperatures from 65° F.

The growing season averaged 170 days for the 37-year period.

As essential as winter temperatures are to the survival of many

grasses, research workers indicate that cold, drying winds on exposed

sites in late winter or early spring may be as injurious as extreme low

winter temperatures.

Morphological Characteristics

Several Cynodon species have been described (8), but little published

information is available on the morphological characteristics of named

varieties, introductions, and selections. The data in table 3 characterize several bermudagrasses that have been evaluated under similar
18 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

TABLE 3.—Morphological characteristics

Leaf

Varieties, introductions,

and selections

Texture

Pubescence

Blade Sheath Collar

Bayshore

Everglades 1

Orm.ond

Medium

coarse.

Medium. _

Medium

coarse.

Very fine_

Dark green _

-.-do

Very dark

green.

Dark greenGlabrous.

—do

..-do

Medium..

Glabrous-

---do

...do

...do.-

Profuse..-

Medium..

...do

...do Royal Cape ^

Sunturf Medium..

.__do

Very dark

green.

Medium

Slight

.-.do

Slight

Glabrous-

...do

Texturf Profuse-.. IF

Tifgreen __.dp

Medium

coarse.

Very fine.

Fine

green.

Dark green-

_--do

Medium

green.

Light green.

Glabrous-

_-.do

Medium..

Slight

...do

...do

...do

...do

Slight

___do

Medium..

...do

Uganda

P.I. 210979

P.I. 213386

P.I. 213388

___do

___do

—do

Medium

GlabrousSlight

...do

...do

Slight».-.

Slight.-.-

P.L 213390 4 Medium..

green.

Very dark -..do SUght..-. Medium._

P.I. 213391 Fine Medium ...do Glabrous- SHght..-

P.L 213457

P.L 218006

Medium..

Very fine.

green.

Dark green.

Medium

GlabrousSlight

—do

-.do

-.-do

Medium..

P.L 224139

P.L 224140

P.L 224141

Fine

_-_do

---do

--do

—do

---do

...do

--do

_-_do

...do

...do

SUght

"IdoI-II

P.L 224143 Medium -.do Medium.. ...do Medium..

P.L 224145

coarse.

Fine ..-do ...do ...do -.-do

P.L 224146

P.L 224151

P.L 225809

C. hradleyi

--do

-__do

Very fine.

Medium

—do

---do

Light green.

Medium

-.do

---do

Slight

Profuse.._

...do

_-_do

...do

Medium.-

...do

SUght

Profuse.-_

Florida 8

Florida 50

coarse.

Medium..

Medium

green.

Dark green.

Medium

Glab^ousSUght....

Glabrous.

SUght

Medium.-

Profuse...

Kansas 1-51

coarse.

__.do

green.

...do Glabrous. Glabrous. Medium..

Kansas 23-54

Kansas 24-54

MediumCoarse

Dark green.

Medium

...do

...do

...do

...do

---do

Profuse-_-

Ohio __ do- __

green.

Dark green,

do

...do

SHght

Glabrous.

Medium_-

...do

...do

-.-do

Texas 8 Medium ...do

Texas 22 Coarse

Very

coarse.

—do

Medium

green.

...do

Slight-..

...do

Common. _ Very

profuse.

1 P.L 224147.

2 Largely green with purple or brownish tinge at or near node.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 19

of several bermudagrasses

Leaf—Con. Stolon Rhizome

Flower stigma

T^:idth Interaode

length

Color Texture Quantity Size

Mm. Mm.

1. 5-2. 0 28-31 Purple Fine Medium.. Medium.. Purple.

1. 5-2. 0 27-39 ...do Medium.. Few Large Do.

1. 5-2. 2 23-31 —do --do ---do Medium.. Do.

. 7-1. 5 18-21 ---do Fine ---do Fine Dark

purple.

1. 2-2. 0 20-32 _-_do Medium.- Medium.. Medium.- Do.

1. 2-2. 0 30-43 Dark

purple.

—do Few ---do Do.

1. 2-1. 5 21-29 Purple _-_do ___do Fine Do.

1. 2-2. 0 27-41 Green 2___ Medium.. ---do Large Do.

. 7-1. 2 18-21 _--do Fine Many Medium.. Do.

. 7-1. 2 13-17 Light

brown.

_-_do ---do Medium.. Do.

1. 0-1. 2 24-28 Purple ---do Medium.. __-do Do.

1. 1-1. 5 21-25 __-do Fine Many --.do Do.

1. 5-2. 0 26-35 __-do Medium.. Medium.. ---do Purple.

1. 0-L 5 8-19 _--do ---do ---do ___do Dark

purple.

1. 0-1. 2 17-30 ---do Fine Many ---do Do.

. 7-1. 5 16-20 Brown ---do Medium.- ---do Do.

1. 0-1. 5 16-32 Purple Medium. _ ---do ---do Do.

. 7-1. 2 18-24 __-do Fine Many Fine Do.

1. 1-1. 5 28-32 ---do -__do Few ---do Light

purple.

1. 2-2. 0 32-51 ---do Coarse ---do Large Dark

purple.

L 0-1. 2 17-27 Light

purple.

Fine Many Medium-. Do.

1. 2-1. 5 13-25 Purple--- Medium-- _-_do ---do Do.

1. 0-1. 5 20-27 _-_do ---do __-do ---do Do.

. 7-1. 0 12-19 ---do Fine Medium-- --_do Do.

1. 2-2. 0 28-35 ---do ---do Very few- Fine Do.

1. 2-2. 2 19-29 -_-do Medium-. Few Medium.. Purple.

1. 0-L 7 25-38 ---do _-_do Medium-- ---do Dark

purple.

1. 5-2. 1 30-40 Light

brown.

-__do Many Large Do.

1. 5-2. 0 30-41 Purple— —do Medium-_ Medium.. Do.

1. 5-2. 2 23-30 Green 2-_ Coarse --do --do Do.

1. 5-2. 5 28-38 Green 2__. Medium-. Few —do Do.

1. 5-1. 7 29-45 Purple--. ---do Medium.. Large Light

purple.

2. 0-3. 0 29-47 .-_do ---do _--do ---do Dark

purple.

3. 0-4. 0 45-60 Green K... Very

coarse.

Many ---do Do.

3 Largely absent.

* Another source of Sunturf.
20 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

environmental conditions at Beltsville. All the observations and

measurements were obtained from field plots and represent either

average ratings or the range based on several independent observations. Rhizomes were examined in either two or three sod samples of

approximately 1 square foot each. As would be expected, the samphng error for most of these observations is very large.

It is evident from a comparison of several entries that identification

of many varieties, introductions, and selections would be especially

difficult. Nevertheless, these data serve as a general guide to the

appearance of the bermudagrasses evaluated in this study. In addition, the results provide some indication of the wide range in morphological characteristics found within turf-type bermudagrasses and may

help in identifying varieties or oiïtypes within varieties. However,

many characteristics wiU vary with changes in environmental conditions, including soil fertility and mowing height and frequency.

TESTING PROCEDURE

Thirty-three varieties, introductions, and selections of bermudagrass

were compared at two levels of nitrogen application in a randomized

split-plot design with four replications. The experiment was started

on July 3, 1958, with two rephcations sodded and two established by

planting four 4-inch sod plugs in each plot. The bermudagrass entries were confined to 5- by 10-foot plots, as shown in figure 3, each of

which was divided into two 5- by 5-foot subplots, for the application

of two levels of nitrogen. Individual plots were separated by 2-foot

borders, which were kept free of weeds and bermudagrass stolons, as

shown in figure 4. The borders were sprayed three or four times

annually with a mixture of 1 pint of DNBP (4,6-dimtro-o-s«c-butylphenol) to 4 gallons of fuel oil. Silt loam soil of the experimental area

had a pH of 5.8 and tested very high in phosphorus, medium in potassium, and very high in magnesium.

During the year of establishment 1 pound of nitrogen as urea was

applied per 1,000 square feet at 2- to 3-week intervals. Difi'erential

levels of 10 and 20 pounds of nitrogen as urea per 1,000 square feet

FIGURE 3.—General view oí experimental bermudagrass area.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TTJRF 21

FIGURE 4.—A 5- by 10-foot plot of Royal Cape bermudagrass surrounded by

borders.

were used from the spring of 1959 through 1962. Nitrogen was

applied at 1- and 2-pound rates at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks until each

plot received a total of 10 or 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet annually.

In general, the last application was made during the first week of

August. In addition to nitrogen, potassium as muriate of potash was

broadcast over the plots at the rate of 1.8 pounds per 1,000 square feet

in 1959 and again in 1960. In 1959 and 1960 ground dolomitic limestone was applied at 2 tons per acre.

Plots were maintained at a height of 1 inch and mowed three times

weekly; the clippings were removed. Watering included supplemental irrigation two or three times annually during the summer dry

periods. Thatch was removed in August of 1960 and 1961 with a

vertical mower set to enter the soil to a depth of 1 inch.

During the growing season entries were scored for early-spring

growth, spring recovery (winter hardiness), disease resistance, seedhead formation, and turf quality.

Plots in the two repUcations established from sod plugs were used

to obtain data on ground cover, or rate of growth. A wire grid, 2

feet square with wires 1 inch apart, was placed over each plug 2

months after planting, and ground cover was recorded in square inches.

The reliability of ratings assigned in observational tests varies with

the magnitude of the differences present when observations are taken

and with the reproducibility of the scoring system. At each rating

period a trial run was used to establish the range and to develop a

scoring pattern. All notes were obtained with two operators, with

questionable scores rechecked at the time of rating. Results are

reported only for those years and seasons when reliable and meaningful data were obtained.
22 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

RESULTS

Ground Cover and Early-Spring Growth

The amount of ground cover recorded was based on two replications

in 1958. Ground-cover notes were taken on August 21, at which

time a grid was placed over each plug and each square inch was

counted only if fully covered with bermudagrass. The bermudagrasses differed appreciably in the nature of spread. Some entries

tended to send out a limited number of rapidly growing stolons, which

did not provide complete ground cover. Conversely, ground-cover

estimates would tend to increase in proportion to the total number of

stolons produced, even though stolon elongation was relatively slow.

Entries that averaged 300 or more square inches during this period

of growth were Florida 50, Florida 8, Kansas 23-54, Kansas 24-54,

Ohio, Texas 8, and Everglades 1, as shown in table 4. Entries that

TABLE 4.—Ground cover in 1958 and average early-spring growth in

April 1960 and 1961 of bermudagrasses with two nitrogen levels,

Beltsville, Md}

Varieties, introductions, and selections

Ground cover

Amount Rank

Early-spring growth with indicated

amount of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet

10 pounds 20 pounds Total Rank

Bayshore

Everglades 1__

Ormond

Royal Cape

Sunturf

Texturf IF

Tifgreen

U-3

Uganda

P.I. 210979-__

P.I. 213386-__

P.I. 213388-.-

P.I. 213390---

P.I. 213391-.-

P.I. 213457---

P.I. 218006-__

P.I. 224139--_

P.I. 224140. _-

P.L 224141---

P.I. 224143---

P.I. 224145---

P.I. 224146---

P.I. 224151---

P.I. 225809---

C. hradleyi

Florida 8

Florida 50

Kansas 1-51-.

Kansas 23-54.

Kansas 24-54.

Ohio

Texas 8

Texas 22

Square

inches

288

300

268

147

276

190

279

284

240

207

56

72

261

95

229

142

112

272

148

198

256

234

216

228

293

312

324

299

313

305

305

305

284

5

13

25

11

23

10

9

16

21

30

29

14

28

18

26

27

12

24

22

15

17

20

19

7

3

1

6

2

4

4

4

9

Rating

1. 5

1.7

. 2

1.7

1. 5

2.

2.

1.

1.

2.

2.

1.

1.

2.

1.

2.

2.

2.

2.

2.2

. 9

1. 5

3.4

2. 4

Rating

0.9

1. 1

0

1. 0

.7

1.7

1. 5

1. 4

1. 1

1. 7

2. 1

. 9

1.2

2.2

. 2

1.4

1.7

2. 6

2. 6

. 2

1.4

1. 5

1. 9

1.2

.5

.9

.7

1. 7

. 2

1.7

. 6

2.9

1.6

Rating

2.4

2.8

2

7

2

3

6

0

7

2.

2.

4.

3.

3.

2.

3.9

4 6

1.9

2.9

4. 6

1.2

3.4

3.7

5. 5

5. 5

.7

3. 1

3. 5

4 1

3.4

1. 4

2. 5

1.9

4.4

1. 2

43

2. 1

6.3

4.0

19

16

26

17

20

5

10

14

17

8

3

22

15

3

24

12

9

2

2

25

13

11

6

12

23

18

22

4

24

5

21

1

7

Rating of 10=most growth.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 23

covered less than 100 square inches were P.I. 213391, P.I. 213388, and

P.I. 213386.

Early-spring growth ratings assigned in April shortly after the

first few green leaves of bermudagrass appear may not be as rehable

an indication of winter injury as spring-recovery ratings taken a

month or 6 weeks later. The data m table 4 show, however, that

some entries began to break dormancy and became green sooner than

others. The ratings for early-spring growth for the lower level of

nitrogen ranged from 0,2 for Ormond to 3.4 for Texas 8 and for the

higher level from 0 to 2.9 for the same entries. All entries maintained

at the 20-pound level of nitrogen were slower to break dormancy

than those at the 10-pound level. Delayed dormancy at the higher

rate may result from lower carbohydrate reserves induced by overstimulation during the previous growing season.

Spring Recovery

Winter hardiness is of major concern in determining the adaptation

of bermudagrasses in the transition zone. Recovery rated after

growth starts in the spring is an excellent measure of winter hardiness,

as recovery is inversely proportional to winter damage. Average

spring recovery for 33 bermudagrass entries maintained under two

levels of nitrogen in 1961 and 1962 appear in table 5. A comparison

of the average ratings for the 2 years for entries maintained under

10 and 20 poimds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet shows a decided

decrease in spring recovery for the heavier rate. This decrease

ranged from 37.5 percent for Kansas 1-51 to 6.1 percent for P.I.

224141.

For easier comparison, average ratings for each of the 2 years have

been ranked in descending order from 1 to 18 for 10 pounds and from

1 to 24 for 20 pounds of nitrogen. Statistically there was no significant diflPerence for those rated 1 through 10 for the lower level and

1 through 11 for the higher level of nitrogen.

Except for Everglades 1, Royal Cape, Florida 8, Kansas 1-51,

and Kansas 24-54, entries that ranked among the first 10 for spring

recovery at the lower level of nitrogen also ranked among the first

11 at the higher level. P.I. 224140 ranked 1 for both nitrogen levels,

and of the named varieties, Texturf IF, Uganda, and Tifgreen rated

highest at both nitrogen levels. The percentage decrease in spring

recovery for the first 11 at the higher nitrogen level ranged from 6.1

percent for P.I. 224141 to 22.7 percent for C. bradleyi.

Ormond was the least winter hardy in this experiment followed by

P.I. 213457 and Kansas 23-54. Observations have been obtained

on the relative winter hardiness of additional varieties and selections;

however, these data are not included in full, as the entries were

evaluated in different plantings and years. Some of the extreme

winterkiUing percentages assigned in these various tests were as

follows: P.I. 213383 - 35, P.I. 213385 - 100, P.I. 224131 - 100,

P.I. 224149 - 95, P.I. 224691 - 70, P.I. 224694 - 50, P.I. 225126 - 100.

P.I. 225595 - 95, Tiffine - 75, and Tiflawn - 95.

726-185 O—64 4
24 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 270, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

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BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 25

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26 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Disease Resistance

Leaf spot diseases (Helminthosporium spp.) damage stands and

reduce turf quality in many areas of the bermudagrass zone of adaptation, particularly in humid sections.

Thus far, leaf spot has not been considered a serious disease in the

transition zone. Leaf spot infestation appears rather late in the

growing season at Beltsvifie, and before serious injury occurs bermudagrasses become dormant. Little or no information is available as

to whether a late attack of leaf spot reduces winter hardiness or otherwise has a detrimental effect. Rust (Puccinia spp.) was observed in

this experiment. However, this fungus disease was not rated, as

the degree of infestation was relatively hght. Leaf spot infestation

was most serious in 1960. Data for this year appear in table 6.

TABLE 6.—Resistance to leaf spot of bermudagrasses with two nitrogen

levels in October 1960, Beltsville, Md}

Varieties, introductions, and selections

10 pounds of nitrogen

per 1,000 square feet

Average Rank

20 pounds of nitrogen

per 1,000 square feet

Average Rank

Bayshore

Everglades 1_.

Ormond

Royal Cape_.

Sunturf

Texturf 1F__.

Tifgreen

U-3

Uganda

P.L 210979._

P.L 213386__

P.L 213388._

P.L 213390..

P.L 213391..

P.L 213457..

P.L 218006..

P.L 224139..

P.L 224140._

P.L 224141..

P.L 224143..

P.L 224145..

P.L 224146..

P.L 224151..

P.L 225809..

C. bradleyi

Florida 8

Florida 50

Kansas 1-51.

Kansas 23-54.

Kansas 24^54

Ohio

Texas 8

Texas 22

Rating

2.3

2. 8

1. 3

1. 0

2.8

3. 3

1. 0

3. 8

2. 8

1. 8

1.8

1. 8

1.8

1.3

6. 0

2.

1.

2.

2.

2.

2.

1

0

8

. 0

. 5

.3

, 0

, 5

3. 5

2.5

2.5

2.8

4. 5

4.8

5.3

4.8

3. 5

3.0

3.5

1

11

8

4

4

4

4

2

15

5

4

5

7

6

5

3

10

7

7

8

12

13

14

13

10

8

10

Rating

4. 5

4. 0

1. 5

1.3

4. 8

5.8

1. 5

4. 3

4. 0

2. 5

1. 8

2.3

4. 5

2. 0

7.

3.

2.

3.

3.

2.

2.

1. 8

4. 8

4. 8

3.8

4. 8

6. 3

6. 5

7. 5

6. 5

5. 3

6.3

4.5

13

11

3

1

14

16

2

12

11

7

4

6

13

5

18

9

5

9

4

14

14

10

14

16

17

19

17

15

16

13

Rating

6. 8

6. 8

2. 8

2. 3

7. 6

9. 1

2. 5

8. 1

6.8

4.3

3. 6

4. 1

6. 3

3.3

7.3

6.3

7. 6

10. 8

n. 3

12. 8

11.3

8.8

9. 3

8.0

13

13

3

1

15

19

2

17

13

8

5

7

12

4

24

10

6

10

11

9

9

4

18

14

12

15

21

22

23

22

19

20

16

Rating of 10=least disease resistant.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES POR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 27

The entries that were most resistant to leaf spot at both levels of

nitrogen were Royal Cape, Tifgreen, and Ormond. The least resistant

entries for the two levels were P.I. 213457, the Kansas selections

1-51, 23-54, 24-54, Florida 50, Texas 8, Texturf IF, and Ohio. The

greatest increase in the incidence of leaf spot from the lower to the

higher level of nitrogen was found for Texas 8 - 3.3, P.I. 213390 - 2.7,

Texturf IF - 2.5, and P.I. 225809 - 2.3. Texas 8 and Texturf IF

were also among the least resistant to leaf spot.

Seed-Head Formation

Seed heads are undesirable because they make unsightly turf.

Also stemminess is associated with excessive seed-head production.

Bermudagrasses vary with respect to this characteristic in the quantity

of seed heads, when they appear, and how long they persist. Some

TABLE 7.—Average seed-head formation of bermudagrasses with two

nitrogen levels in 1959 and 1960, Beltsville, Md}

Varieties, introductions,

and selections

10 pounds of nitrogen per

square feet

1,000 20 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000

square feet

1959 I960 Average Rank 1959 I960 Average Rank

Bayshore _ _

Rating

2. 7

1. 4

0

40

1. 9

1.9

2. 0

3.5

3. 0

3. 0

3. 2

2.5

1. 7

2. 7

3.0

3. 0

2.2

2. 7

2. 7

5. 0

2.5

1. 2

2. 5

3.0

1. 5

3.0

1.4

1.7

3.0

1.7

1. 7

1. 1

1.4

Rating

4 0

2.5

0

3.0

1.2

2.2

4 5

40

2. 2

1. 5

3. 2

1.0

1. 0

1.7

1. 5

1.7

2.2

2.0

2. 5

4 0

1.5

.5

1.2

1.7

1.0

3. 5

2.2

2. 7

1. 7

2.5

2. 0

1.7

2.2

Rating

3.4

1.9

0

3.5

1.6

2. 1

3.3

3.8

2.6

2.3

3.2

1.8

1.4

2.2

2.3

2.4

2. 2

2.4

2. 6

4. 5

2. 0

.9

1.9

2.4

1.3

3.3

1. 8

2. 2

2.4

2. 1

2.2

1.4

1.8

16

7

1

16

5

9

15

17

13

11

14

6

4

10

11

12

10

12

13

18

8

2

7

12

3

15

6

10

12

9

10

4

6

Rating

1.7

1. 0

0

3.5

1.0

1.0

1. 0

2.0

2.5

2.2

3.0

1. 7

1. 5

2.5

2. 5

2. 5

2.2

2. 2

2.5

4. 5

1.7

1. 0

2.0

2. 5

.7

2. 0

.7

1. 0

2. 0

1. 0

1.0

1. 0

. 7

Rating

4 2

2.0

0

4.5

2.2

1.2

3.7

4 0

3.2

2.2

3.7

1. 0

2.7

2.2

1.7

2. 5

2.7

2. 5

2.5

4 0

1.2

.7

1.7

3. 5

1. 2

4 7

2.5

3. 0

2.5

2.5

2.7

1. 2

2.7

Rating

3. 0

1.5

0

4 0

1. 6

1. 1

2.4

3.0

2.9

2.2

3.4

1. 4

2. 1

2.4

2. 1

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.5

4 3

1.5

.9

1.9

3.0

1. 0

3.3

1.6

2.0

2.3

1.8

1.8

1. 1

1.8

16

Everglades 1

Ormond _ _ __ _

6

1

Royal Cape 19

Sunturf. _____ 7

Texturf 1F_ _ __ _ 4

Tifgreen _ 13

U-3 16

Uganda. _ __ 15

P.I. 210979 11

P.I. 213386

P.I. 213388

P.I. 213390

P.I. 213391

18

5

10

13

P.I. 213457 10

P.I. 218006 14

P.I. 224139- 14

P.I. 224140 13

P.I. 224141

P.I. 224143

14

20

P.I. 224145

P.I. 224146

P.I. 224151

P.I. 225809__.

6

2

9

16

C. bradleyi

Florida 8 __

3

17

Florida 50_ 7

Kansas 1-51

Kansas 23-54

Kansas 24-54

Ohio_- __

9

12

8

8

Texas 8 4

Texas 22 _ _ 8

' Rating of 5 =most seed heads.
28 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

accessions have seed heads from early in the growing season throughout

much of the summer, whereas with others seed heads may persist for

a relatively short time. Evaluation of seed-head production necessitates rating at frequent intervals throughout the growing season.

A reduction in seed-head formation for the higher level of nitrogen

occurred for most entries in this study except Koyal Cape, Uganda,

P.I. 213386, P.I. 213390, P.I. 213391, P.I. 218006, P.I. 224139, and

P.I. 225809, as shown in table 7. Entries with the fewest seed heads

for both levels of nitrogen were Ormond, P.I. 224146, and C. bradleyi.

In fact, Ormond did not form any seed heads under the conditions of

management and day length at Beltsville. Genetic factors and day

length affect seed-head formation. Tifgreen, which is rated low in

the production of seed heads in some of the Southern States, was

rated relatively high in this study.

Response to Nitrogen Fertilization

Ten or twenty pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet may be

considered excessive for bermudagrasses maintained for general-turf

piu-poses; yet each entry exhibited some improvement in turf quahty.

The variety X nitrogen interactions appear in figure 5. Among the

entries that gave the greatest response to the higher level of nitrogen

were Tifgreen, Texas 22, Everglades 1, U-3, and C. bradleyi. P.I.

213386, P.I. 213388, and P.I. 224139 gave the least response to the

10-pound level of nitrogen. Increase in turf quality at the 20-pound

level for most of the entries, especially Tifgreen and U-3, may largely

be attributed to a reduction of seed heads; however, most of the

entries were also darker green.

A high level of nitrogen may not always be desirable. Even though

turf quahty improves, detrimental effects such as a decrease in winter

hardiness and greater susceptibility to disease may become problems.

Turf Quality

Turf-quahty ratings in this study represent a composite evaluation,

based on such characteristics as density, weed infestation, injury from

disease, stemminess, and general appearance. Quality ratings were

assigned two or three times a year for each level of fertihty. It should

be emphasized that quahty ratings for general-purpose turf, such as

lawns and fairways, will differ appreciably from those for high-maintenance putting greens. In addition, turf quahty is not very meaningful without reference to other agronomic factors. For example,

Ormond produces high-quahty turf at Beltsville, but it is very susceptible to winter damage. Quahty ratings for 1960 and 1961 and

rank by nitrogen levels appear in table 8.

The average turf-quahty rating for each entry increased from the

lower to the higher level of nitrogen fertihty, even though the lower

level might be considered excessive for bermudagrasses under some

conditions. No significant difference was obtained for entries ranked

1 through 4 for either nitrogen level. Ormond, Tifgreen, Everglades

1, and P.I. 224143 appeared in this group. The following entries

were rated at the bottom for both levels of nitrogen: P.I. 213386

P.I. 213388, P.I. 224139, P.I. 224145, and P.I. 224146. These
10 Lbs.

::::| 20 Lbs.

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FIGURE 5.—Variety X fertilizer interaction: Average ratings for turf quality with 10- and 20-pound nitrogen levels per 1,000

square feet in August and September 1960 and October 1961, Beltsville, Md. to
30 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

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introductions are fine textured and require higher maintenance, more

frequent mowing, lower mowing height, vertical mowing (to thin

turf), and top dressing with soil. These fine-textured introductions

were also subject to scalping or loss of leaves, which resulted in

stemmy turf.

Summary of Performance Ratings

Spring-recovery ratings represent the single most important criterion in establishing the value of varieties in the transition zone.

When selections have demonstrated acceptable winter hardiness,

then, and only then, will they be compared and selected for planting

in terms of turf quality, seed-head formation, rate of growth, disease

resistance, and use.

Several introductions exhibited satisfactory levels of winter hardiness, surpassing U-3 and Tifgreen in spring recovery. On the other

hand, turf quality was lower than that recorded for the better named

varieties. It would appear, therefore, that most introductions and

selections included in this study would be of value for breeding purposes rather than for direct increase and use in the transition zone.

In addition, it does not seem unreasonable to expect that the upper

level of winter hardiness recorded in this experiment could be surpassed

in further plant-coUection and hybridization studies.

Although this study did not lead to the release of a new variety for

the transition zone, it did serve to catalog vegetative introductions,

many of which have been in the United States for several years.

Information on the characteristics and performance of named and

numbered varieties is essential in planning and evaluating plantexploration studies and in accumulating germ plasm for hybridization

and selection work.

It should be noted that although U-3 has been widely accepted in

the transition zone, this variety is not necessarily the most desirable

from the standpoint of winter hardiness, absence of seed heads, and

general turf quality. Tifgreen and Sunturf are gaining in popularity ;

however, they produce turf that lacks the versatility of use found in

U-3.

Performance of Additional Bermudagrass Selections

In another study 20 additional bermudagrass entries were sprigged

into 4- by 4-foot plots in two replications in June 1960. One entry,

Burning Tree, was included a year later. This experimental area

was located adjacent to the previous study on soil with similar characteristics. After establishment, nitrogen as urea was applied at 1

pound per 1,000 square feet of elemental nitrogen every 2 to 3 weeks

for the remainder of the growing season. For each of 2 years approximately 8 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square ieet was broadcast

annually in the form of urea except for one application each spring,

which consisted of 10 pounds of 10-10-10 per 1,000 square feet.

Rate-of-growth ratings were not obtained owing to the differential

quantity of vegetative material planted for each entry. Even though

equal amounts of stolons were not available to establish the selections,

plots were fully covered by fall. Entries were rated for early-spring
32 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

growth, spring recovery, ground cover, turf quality, leaf spot, ana

color, as shown in table 9.

TABLE 9.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses in 1961 and Itfb^,

Beltsville, Md}

Early- Spring Ground Turf Leaf Fall

color

Spring

Varieties, introduction, spring recovery cover quality ^P°L,N (May 1962) and selections growth (May (June (Oct. 1961) (Oct. 1961)

(Apr. 1961) 1961) 1961)

7. 7

5.5

6.5

_

Tifway 0

2. 0

2.0

2. 0

7. 0

7.0

7.0

9. 5

9.5

6.3

5. 0

5.0

4. 0

4. 5

3.0

3.0

Tufcote 7. 5

P.I. 258846 6. 5

4. 5

7.0 Brunswick . 5 3.5 8.5 4. 5 6. 0 2. 5

Burning Tree 5. 0

4. 5

9. 0

5.0

4. 0

2. 5 Kansas B-1 5. 5 6. 0 10. 0

7. 0

Kansas C-7 5.0 7.0 10. 0 4 5 8. 0 2. 5 3. 5

Kansas E-1 _ __ 4. 5 7. 0 9. 5 3. 5 6. 0 4. 0 7. 5

Kansas E-5 7. 0 7. 0 10. 0 3. 5 5. 5 2. 5 8. 0

Kansas F-7 5. 5 9.0 10. 0 4. 5 8. 0 2. 0 6. 0

Kansas G-11 3.0 8.0 10. 0 3.5 6. 0 2. 0 5. 0

Kansas H-8 3.5 7. 5 10. 0 7. 0 7. 5 3. 5 6. 5

Kansas J-5__ 1. 5 5.5 9.5 3. 0 6. 5 2. 0 4. 0

Kansas K-9 _ _ 4. 5 7. 0 9. 5 4. 5 3. 5 2. 0 6. 0

Kansas 0-8 LO 5. 0 10. 0 3. 5 7. 0 4. 5 4. 5

Kansas P-16 5.5 7. 5 10. 0 3.0 7. 5 LO 6. 0

Kansas Q-2 3.5 5. 5 9.5 4. 5 6.0 2. 0 6. 0

Kansas Q-17 1.5 7.0 10. 0 5.0 7.5 3. 0 6. 5

Kansas R-8 4. 5 7. 0 9. 5 4. 5 7. 0 3. 5 7. 5

Kansas S-16 5. 5 8.0 10. 0 4. 5 6. 5 2. 5 8. 0

Kansas T-4 4.5 5.5 8.5 3.5 7. 0 2.5 7. 0

^Rating of 10= most growth, best spring recovery, most ground cover, best

turf quality, least leaf spot, and best fall color.

Spring-recovery notes taken in May 1961 indicate that this group of

bermudagrasses is relatively winter hardy except for Tifway and

Brunswick. Of the 16 Kansas selections, B-1 through T-4, only 5

entries were rated below 7 for spring recovery. Spring-recovery

ratings for 1962 follow a similar pattern when compared with those

for the previous year, except for a sharp decline for three Kansas

selections—C-7 from 7 to 3.5, F-7 from 9 to 6, and G-11 from 8 to 5.

Spring-recovery ratings of 5 and above for this and the previous study

indicate an acceptable degree of winter hardiness.

Ground-cover notes were taken in June 1961. Fully covered plots

had a rating of 10. Even though Tifway and Brunswick were not

satisfactory from the standpoint of winter hardiness for the transition

zone, both of these grasses recovered rapidly, as indicated by groundcover ratings of 7 and 8.5, respectively.

Of the 21 entries, only 6 rated 5 or above for turf quality—Kansas

H-8, Tifway, Tufcote, P.I. 258846, Burning Tree, and Kansas Q-17.

Kansas H-8 and Tifway rated highest. Quality ratings below 5

ranged from 3 to 4.5 and probably were not significantly different.

The bermudagrasses were rated for turf quality late in the growing

season when differences in quality were most apparent.

Leaf-spot incidence ranged from 3.5 to 9, with 10 as the least

infestation. Eatings above 5 may represent a satisfactory level of
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 33

tolerance in the transition zone, because the bermudagrasses become

dormant soon after leaf spot appears. The high rating for Burning

Tree (9.0) may not represent a reliable index of disease resistance, as

this selection was planted in the spring of 1961.

Fall-color notes were taken after light frosts, when the bermudagrasses differed in color. Tufcote, Kansas 0-8, Tifway, Burning

Tree, and Kansas E-1 rated 4 and above. Cold tolerance, or resistance to early browning, is often evident among selections during

periods of light frost and cool nights. However, these differences

largely disappear with heavy frost, which may occur either early or

late in the fall. Fall color may be a more important characteristic

farther south where light frosts are more likely to occur over a longer

period of time.

DISCUSSION

Variation within bermudagrass species in texture, leafiness, number

of rhizomes, winter hardiness, and rate of spread is indicative of the

possibihty of developing new and superior varieties and of extending

the area in which bermudagrasses are planted for turf purposes. The

potential for such varieties exists in the wide base of germ plasm

provided by natural selection, plant introduction, and the promise of

recombining valuable characteristics in hybrid varieties. Examples

of varieties obtained through natm-al selection are U-3 and Texturf

IF; through direct increase of introductions, Sunturf and Tufcote;

and through hybridization, Tifgreen and Tifway.

Research on bermudagrass breeding has been reviewed by Burton

(2). Practically all bermudagrass breeding for turf has been done in

the South. Since winter hardiness in the Deep South is usually less

important, most of the emphasis in breeding has been on improvement

of turf quahty, as illustrated by such outstanding examples as Tifway,

Tiflawn, and Tifgreen. Tifway is well adapted for fairway turf in

the South, but it lacks winter hardiness in the transition zone.

Tiflawn also falls in the same category with respect to winter hardiness. Tifgreen is comparable to U-3 in winter hardiness, but it is

better adapted for putting greens, for which it is one of the finest

varieties. Tifgreen is widely used to establish new greens throughout

the South and to sprig into renovated greens. U-3, a single plant

selection from common bermudagrass, is adapted for tees, fairways,

and general-purpose turf in the transition zone. This variety, with a

relatively high degree of winter hardiness and other desirable turf

characteristics, provided the impetus for the northward progress of

bermudagrass. However, a need exists in the northern bermudagrass

region for varieties that are superior in both winter hardiness and

turf quality.

In the Deep South and in southern California, Ormond provides a

dark-green lawn grass that is more frost resistant than other varieties

and retains its color later in the fall. In the Southwest and in other

areas of the South, Tiflawn, Texturf, and Sunturf are well adapted

for lawns; however, many lawns in this region still consist of common

bermudagrass. With continued education of the public through the

Federal Extension Service and other means, many lawns and other

turf areas gradually will be converted to improved bermudagrasses.

Furthermore, the development and use of varieties that compete with
34 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

common bermudagrass will aid in converting lawns and other turi

areas to improved varieties. Aggressive improved varieties could

eliminate the need for soil fumigation prior to renovation and sprigging.

In the transition zone, aggressiveness is equally desirable, but it

must be tempered with the possibility of growing combination turf.

Thus on some bermudagrass lawns and fairways, fall nitrogen applications, overseeding, and mechanical renovation may be practiced in an

attempt to maintain a reasonable percentage of the cool-season perennials for early-spring, late-fall, and winter color. A rather open, rapidspreading variety would be preferred under these circumstances to a

very dense, fine-leaved variety, in which it would be virtually impossible to maintain cool-season perennials such as Kentucky bluegrass.

The promotion of improved bermudagrasses would be facilitated

in both the North and the South by the development of improved

varieties that could be established from seed. Lack of uniformity

is a major limitation to seed versus vegetative propagation, together

with the fact that many outstanding hybrids are sterile and of limited

value in selecting fertile varieties. Nevertheless, some consideration

is being given to the possibility of developing fertile synthetic varieties,

the seed from which would display a relatively high level of uniformity

and other desirable turf characteristics. Studies on the development

of seed-propagated varieties have not progressed far enough to determine their ultimate value.

Marked differences in the degree of winter hardiness exist among

bermudagrass species and selections. Personnel of the Kansas State

Experiment Station have made one of the first serious attempts

through hybridization to develop winter-hardy varieties specifically

for the transition zone. Winter-hardy clones collected in northern

Kansas and southern Nebraska were planted in a polycross nursery,

where a high degree of hybridization was obtained between common

bermudagrass selections and African introductions. The polycross

progenies were screened and over 600 seedlings evaluated for turf

characteristics. Sixteen selections with a high degree of winter

hardiness and other desirable turf qualities were distributed to several

State experiment stations and to the Plant Industry Station for further

testing. Data on the performance of these selections at Beltsville

appear m table 9.

Through research in breeding and selection, better bermudagrasses

W1Ü probably be available within the near future to fulfill the needs

of the transition zone.

LITERATURE CITED

(1) BENNETT, H. W., HAMMONS, R. O, and WEISSINGER, W R

1950. IDENTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MISSISSIPPI GRASSES*BY VEGETATIVE

(2) BURTON, ¿^T^'"'^^''- ^'''- ^^' ^^P*" ^*^- ^^^^- ^^^^ ^^' ^^S pp.

1951. THE ADAPTABILITY AND BREEDING OF SUFTABLE GRASSES FOR THE

(3) CARRIER £°^^^^^^^^^N STATES. Adv. in Agron. 3: 197-241.

1917. THE IDENTIFICATION OF GRASSES BY THEIR VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bui. 461, 30 pp.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 35

(4) CHIPPINDALL, L. K. A.

1946. THE COMMON NAMES OF GRASSES IN SOUTH AFRICA. So. African

Dept. Agr. Bui. 265, 91 pp.

(5)

1955. A GUIDE TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF GRASSES IN SOUTH AFRICA. PT.

I. THE GRASSES AND PASTURES OF SOUTH AFRICA. Central NeWS

Agency, Cape Town, South Africa, 527 pp.

(6) DUELL, R. W.

1961. BERMUDAGRASS HAS MULTIPLE-LEAVED NODES. CrOp Sci. 1: 230-

231.

(7) FRANCIS, C. K., and BAIRD, R. O.

1910. A STUDY OF BERMUDAGRASS. Okla. Agr. Expt. Sta. Bui. 90, 18 pp.

(8) HURCOMBE, R. E.

1948. EXPERIMENTS WITH CYNODON DACTYLON AND OTHER SPECIES AT

THE SOUTH AFRICAN TURF RESEARCH STATION. African ExplosiveS

and Chemical Industries, Ltd., and South African Turf Research

Fund, Frankenwald, South Africa. 90 pp.

(9) PHILLIPS, C. E.

1962. SOME GRASSES OF THE NORTHEAST. A KEY TO THEIR IDENTIFICATION BY VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS. Del. Agr. Expt. Sta.

Field Manual 2, 77 pp.

(10) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

1941. CLIMATE AND MAN. U.S. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1941, 1248 pp.
APPENDIX

Performance of Bermudagrasses at Other Locations

Data in tables 10-31 were obtained on the performance of bermudagrasses in other regions of the United States.^ The tables are selfexplanatory, and no attempt has been made to compare these results

with the performance data obtained at Beltsville. Different rating

methods have been followed, and this fact must be considered in comparing locations. Information was not obtained from all research

stations engaged in turf research and sometimes complete data were

not available.

Results from other research stations are presented so that interested

individuals can make their own interpretations. This information will

provide a guide to the performance of many named varieties, introductions, and selections over a wider area of the United States.

3 The following persons from agricultural experiment stations in the indicated

States submitted data for the tables: D. G. Sturkie, Alabama; A. A. Baltensperger,

Arizona; V. B. Youngner, California; G. W. Burton, Georgia; E. C. Roberts, Iowa;

W. R. Thompson, Jr., Mississippi; H. D. Jones, New Mexico; E. C. Holt, Texas;

and R. E. Schmidt and H. M. Camper, Virginia.

37
38 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 270, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

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BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 43

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44 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

California

TABLE 14.—Average ratings of bermvdagrasses, California Agricultural

Experiment Station, South Coast Field Station, Santa Ana, 1960-62^

Varieties, introductions, and Rate of

spread

Color

Textiore Seed

heads

General

quality

Bemarks

selections

Summer winter

Royal Cape

Tifgreen

P.I. 224143

4.0

3.5

4.0

1. 5

3. 5

1. 0

2. 5

1.5

2. 5

Fine

__.do

Very ñne_

3. 5

2.5

40

2.0

40

2.5

Puffy and

scalps.

Often shows

red tips on

leaf blades.

Invaded by

other

bermudaP.I. 224149

R.C. 552

40

4.0

5.0

4 5

4 0

3. 5

Coarse-_-

Medium_-

3. 5

2.0

3.5

4 0

grasses.

Tends to be

bumpy.

Heavy

thatch.

R.C. 102

R.C. 134

R.C. 140

4.0

3. 5

2.0

40

40

5. 0

3. 5

3.5

4 5

---do

Coarse

Medium--

3.0

1.5

1. 5

3.5

3. 5

45 Stiff leaf

blades,

prostrate.

R.C. 141

R.C. 145

1-54-68-19 ^__

1-54-68-443___

1-54-72-38 ^--

40

4 5

4. 0

4. 5

4.0

3. 5

4 5

40

4. 0

3. 0

3.0

4. 5

3.0

4 0

3.0

---do

Medium

fine.

Medium--

-__do

Coarse

2. 5

2.0

3.0

2.5

3. 0

3.0

4. 5

3. 0

4 5

3. 0

Vigorous.

Heavy thatch.

Soft leaves.

1 Rating of 5=most rapid spread, most green, most seed heads, and best

general quality.

2 Strains designated R.C. are seedlings of P.I. 213387.

3 Seedlings of P.I. 213385 X P.I. 213389.

4 Seedlings of P.I. 213389 X P.I. 213385.

TABLE 15.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses, California Agricultural

Experiment Station, Los Angeles, 1957-60 ^

Varieties and

introductions

Rate

of

spread

Color

Texture Seed

heads

Wear

resistance

General

Sum- quality

mer

Winter

Remarks

Ormond

Texturf IF

4 5

4 5

3.5

40

4 0

40

5. 0

3.5

40

2.5

3.0

40

5.0

2.0

1. 5

1. 5

2.0

3. 5

Medium-,

Medium

fine.

Medium--

Very ñne-

__-_do_.__

Fine

1. 5

3.0

3.0

4 0

40

40

40

2. 0

4 5

LO

1.6

5.0

4 5

3.5

3. 5

2.5

3.0

40

Heavy thatch.

U-3

Uganda

P.I. 210837-—

P.I. 213390 2—

Puffy, turns

red in cool

weather.

Similar to

Uganda.

Periods of

heavy seedhead

production.

1 Rating of 5=most rapid spread, most green, most seed heads, best wear

resistance, and best general quality.

2 Another source of Sunturf.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 45

California—Continued

TABLE 16.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses, Los Angeles State and

County Arboretum, Arcadia, Calif., 1961-62^

Varieties, introductions, and selections

Rate of

spread

Color

Summer Winter

3.5 2.5 3.0

4.5 3.0 L5

3.0 4. 0 40

3.5 2.0 1.5

2.5 40 3.0

2.5 4 0 3.5

2.5 40 3.5

2.0 45 4 5

40 3.5 3.0

5. 0 45 5.0

4.0 40 40

Seed

heads

General

quality

4. 0

3.5

3. 0

3.5

3.5 4. 0

4.5

3.5

2.0

2. 5

4 0 1.5

3.0

2. 0

3.0

40

3.5

4. 5

3.0

5.0

3.0 4.0

Royal Cape.

Tifgreen

Tifway.

P.I. 224143-_

P.I. 224149--

R.C. 552

RC. 134

R.C. 140

R.C. 141

R.C. 145

1-54-68-44 3_

Fine-

—do-

-do_

Very fine.

Coarse--.

MediumCoarse--.

Medium.

...do

Medium

fine.

Medium.

Puffy.

Red to tips of

blade may be

partly caused

by smog.

Swirling

growth, red

tips on leaf

blades.

Puffy.

Swirling

growth.

Invaded by

weeds.

Slow to cover.

Rated best.

^ Rating of 5=most rapid spread, most green, most seed heads, and best

general quality.

2 Strains designated R.C. are seedlings of P.I. 213387.

3 Seedlings of P.I. 213385 X P.I. 213389.

TABLE 17.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses. Bakersfield. Kern

County, Calif., 1962 '

Varieties and

selections

Color

November

Seed

heads

General

quaUty

Recovery after

renovation

Remarks

Ormond

Roval CaDe

5 1

2

3

5

4

2

1

1

4

5.0

3.5

3.5

2. 0

3.5

40

3.0

5.0

3.5

2

7

3

5

1

6

1

Consistently top quaUty.

Sunturf 3

2

3

4

3

5

3

Tiffine Seed heads most of time.

Tifgreen

Tifway . Tends to thatch and

R.C. 140 2

R.C. 1452

Common

swirl.

Gray-green cast.

Top quality; needs further testing.

1 Rating of 5 = most green, most seed heads, and best in general quality; rating

of 7=slowest recovery.

2 Strains designated R.C. are seedlings of P.I. 213387.
46 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

California—Continued

TABLE 18.—Average ratings of hermudagrasses, El Centro, Imperial

County, Calif., 196P

Varieties, introducGround

cover

Color Density

Remarks

tion, and selections

JulyNovember

November January November March

Ormond

Royal Cape

Siintiirf

5

4

5

4

5

3

3

4

3

5

4

4

3

4

4

3

3

3

4

4

4

2

3

1

1

1

4

3

2

5

2

2

2

3

5

3

3

4

4

3

3

2

1

3

3

4

5

4

3

5

5

4

2

2

1

3

4

TiflBne

Tifgreen

P.L 224143

Lighter green

than Sunturf or

Ormond.

R.C. 102 2

R.C. 134

R.C. 140

R.C. 295

Very few seed

heads.

1-54-68-44 3_ _ 5

1-54-72-19 4... 1 __

1 Rating of 5 =fullest ground cover, most green, and most dense.

2 Strains designated R.C. are seedlings of P.I. 213387.

3 Seedlings of P.I. 213385 X P.I. 213389.

4 Seedhngs of P.I. 213389 X P.I. 213385.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 47

Georgia

TABLE 19.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses, Georgia Coastal Plain

Experiment Station, Tiflón, 1957-59 ^

Ground cover

Total

greenness for

season

(1959)

Total

density

(sod) for

season

(1959)

Seed

heads

(Sept. 22,

1958)

Varieties, introductions, and

selections

Size of

spread

(diameter)

(Apr. 12,

1957)

Amount

of plot

covered

(May 28,

1957)

Leafhopper

resistance

(May 28,

1957)

Bayshore

Inches

38.0

2L0

22. 5

19.0

35.5

20.5

16.5

30. 5

14. 5

25.0

22.0

23.0

17. 0

15. 5

14. 0

2L5

13.0

3L5

16.5

16.0

14.5

22.5

12.5

19.5

26.5

23.5

23. 5

17. 5

14.5

34.0

17.0

20.0

28.0

20.0

26.0

18.0

23.0

18.0

34.0

Percent

82. 5

75.0

82.5

62. 5

86.5

62.5

60.0

82.5

40.0

92.5

85. 0

67. 5

67. 5

60.0

50.0

72. 5

65.0

87.5

67.5

52.5

42. 5

75. 0

45.0

67. 5

77.5

70. 0

82.5

67. 5

60.0

90. 0

65.0

80.0

82.5

77.5

70.0

75.0

55.0

40.0

70.0

38

48

27

26

34

39

54

52

50

35

57

48

26

51

53

53

57

38

52

52

41

41

38

51

41

44

43

53

55

44

61

50

53

37

29

22

44

49

19

33

49

29

31

37

56

52

54

59

40

58

48

27

56

58

59

64

41

58

57

41

44

42

60

48

53

37

55

59

49

66

56

61

35

36

25

45

53

23

6

7

2

9

4

7

2

2

2

5

2

10

2

2

2

2

2

4

2

2

2

2

10

2

7

5

10

3

2

2

2

2

5

5

8

2

6

2

2

2

Everglades 1__ _ 1 2

Ormond 2

Sunturf. 3

TexturflF _ 3

U-3 2

Uganda 6

P.I. 213382__ 2

P.I. 213383 6

P.I. 213385 2

P.I. 213386 5

P.I. 213387 2

P.I. 213389 2

P.I. 213391__ __ 5

P.I. 224139- -_ 5

P.L 224140 . . 4

P.I. 224141- 6

P.I. 224143 2

P.I. 224145 4

P.I. 224146 4

P.I. 224147 6

P.I. 224148 2

P.L 224149 2

P.L 224151- _ 4

P.I. 224694 2

P.L 225084 __- 4

P.L 225595 2

P.L 225809 -_ 6

Arizona 3 _ _ 4

Florida FB-81 2

Kansas 2-51 _ 5

Pinehurst- 2

Common _ 2

57 - seedling from Tifton 57__

127 - Tifton 57 X C. transvaalensis _ _ _ __

2

2

328 - Charlottee C.C. X C.

transvaalensis 2

411 - No. 2 seeded (S. Africa).

412 - C. transvaalensis

419 - seedling from 411

2

5

2

^ The smaller the rating, the better the color, the more density, the fewer seed

heads, and the greater leafhopper resistance.
48 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Georgia—Continued

TABLE 20.—Response oj Tijway bermudagrass in comparison with

three checks^ Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifion, 1957

Plant

diameter

(Apr. 12)

Amoimt

of plot

covered

(May 28)

Average

greenness

for

season

Average

density

(sod) for

season

Leafhopper

resistance

(May 28)

Height xmcut

Varieties

May 28 June 26

Tifway

Inches

34. 0

18. 0

20.0

28.0

Percent

70.0

75. 0

77.5

82. 5

Rating

2.4

3.4

4.5

4.2

Rating

2.3

2.3

4.2

6. 5

Rating

2

2

2

2

Inches

3.0

LO

5.0

5.0

Inches

7.0

Tifgreen

3. 8

Tiflawn 6. 8

Common 9. 0

L.S.D. at 5-

percent level... 2. 0 9.6 1. 1 1. 1 N.S. .6 .9

1 Rating of 1 =darkest green, most dense, and most leafhopper resistance.

TABLE 21.—Response oj Tijway bermudagrass in comparison with

three checks, Georgia Coastal Plain. Experiment Station, Tiflón,

1958 and 1959 '

Average

for season

(1958)

Average

density

(sod) for

(1958)

Average

seed heads

for two

dates

(1958)

Greenness

of turf

(Mar. 28,

1959)

Density of

overseeded

on plots

(Mar. 21,

1959)

Recovery

from

(Apr. 22,

1959)

Tifway-_

Tifgreen.

Tiflawn..

Common

2.2

2.8

4.3

7.3

2.5

2.0

3.0

9.0

2. 0

2. 0

4.5

5.0

4.0

40

7.0

7. 0

6.0

5. 0

7.0

6. 0

3.0

2.0

5. 0

10.0

1 Rating of 1 = darkest green, most dense, fewest seed heads, and most rapid

recovery.

TABLE 22.—Response oj Tijway bermudagrass in comparison with

three checks, Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tiflón, 1959 ^

Varieties Greenness

Average

greenness

for season

Average

density

(sod) for

season

Softness

of turf

Resistance

to spurge

invasion

Frost

resistance

Tifway

Tifgreen... _.

Very dark

Dark... __ _.

1.7

L9

2.7

3.8

2.0

2.3

2.6

4. 0

3

1

4

4

1.0

2.0

1.0

4.0

1

3

Tiflawn

Common

...do

Medium

2

2

1 Rating of 1 = darkest green, most dense, most soft, and greatest resistance

to spurge and frost.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 49

Iowa

TABLE 23.—Response oj hermudagrasses in jail and spring, Iowa

Agricultural Experiment Station, Ames, 1961-62

Varieties and selections

Everglades 1_

Royal Cape _ _

Sunturf

Tifgreen

Tifway

U-3

Uganda

Burning Tree

Kansas B-l_.

Kansas C-7_.

Kansas E-1 _.

Kansas E-5_

Kansas F-4_.

Kansas F-7 _.

Kansas G-11

Kansas H-8_

Kansas J-5-_

Kansas K-9_

Kansas 0-8-

Kansas P-16.

Kansas Q-2_

Kansas Q-17

Kansas R-8-

Kansas S-16-

Dormant Recovery Recovery

(mid- (early (early

October) May) June)

Percent Percent Percent

80 20 75

80 60 95

30 20 95

80 5 60

20 5 5

20 0 2

90 50 95

60 80 99

70 5 15

80 5 40

30 50 95

70 80 98

10 80 99

90 5 25

80 20 90

40 70 99

40 30 95

50 80 98

60 40 95

50 80 98

20 85 99

80 20 60

20 85 99

40 85 99
50 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Mississippi

TABLE 24.—Average seed-head ratings of bermudagrasses, Mississippi

Agricultural Experiment Station, State College, 1960 ^

Varieties, introductions,

and selections

Rating Varieties, introductions,

and selections

Rating

Bavshore 2. 0

2. 4

4. 0

2. 7

2. 9

3.0

1. 7

1. 7

2.2

1. 8

1. 5

1. 2

1. 2

1. 2

1. 4

1. 0

1. 4

1. 1

3. 0

1.5

1. 2

P.I. 224140 1. 4

P.I. 224141 1. 4

P.I. 224143 2.0

Sunturf P.I. 224145 --- - 1.6

TpYturf IF P.I. 224146 2.6

Texturf 10 P.I. 224147 2.0

Tiffine P.I. 224151 1. 4

Tifgreen P.I. 224694 1. 2

Tiflawn P.I. 225809 - 1. 0

U-3 C. bradleyi. __ 3.6

U-3 ("from seed") Florida 8-_ __ 1.0

Uganda Florida 50 3.4

PI 210979 Kansas 1-51 __ 2. 0

P.I. 213383 Kansas 2-51 2. 4

P.I. 213386 Kansas 23-54_ _ __ 2. 2

P I 213388 Kansas 24-54 _ 1. 5

P.I. 213390 _-_ . Texas 8 ____ 2. 8

P.I. 213391 Texas 11 __ _____ 2. 2

P I. 213457 Texas 22 2.6

P.I. 218006 Common 1. 5

P.I. 224139

1 Rating of 4=none.

New Mexico

TABLE 25.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses selected for possible increase, Middle Rio Grande Substation, Los Lunas, N. Alex., 1958-61 ^

Varieties and selections Rate oí

spread

Color Texture Density Seed

heads

Winter

hardiness

Sunturf

Tifway

African (check)

New Mexico 1

7

7

6

7

8

9

8

8

5

6

7

8

5

4

3

6

8

5

8

7

8

7

6

7

1.6

2.0

3. 1

5.9

1. 0

1. 1

9

8

8

8

8

8

Texas 47. _

Texas 94

1 Rating of 10 =most rapid spread, darkest green, coarsest texture, most dense,

most seed heads, and most winter hardy.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF^ 51

New Mexico—Continued

TABLE 26.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses maintained at 1-inch

cutting height, Middle Rio Grande Substation, Los Lunas, N. Mex.,

1968-61 '

Varieties, introductions,

and selections

Color Texture Density Seed heads

Ormond... 8

8

2

2

2

8

8

8

8

6

8

5

5

8

2

5

2

2

5

6

8

3

2

8

6

8

2

5

3

2

8

2

2

8

8

5

8

8

8

2

8

2

8

8

2

6

7

5

7

4

1

8

4

3

2

7

2

3

2

5

5

4

2

1

4

7

2

9

8

2

3

8

6

7

9

2

5

8

3

7

8

7

8

9

3

7

2

7

3

4

3

3

8

8

2

3

3

3

7

8

5

7

8

4

8

9

8

3

8

8

4

3

8

4

8

6

8

4

5

7

3

9

3

9

8

5

3

6

3

7

6

2

3

8

2

6

2

8

1. 7

Sunturf __ 1. 6

Texturf IF _._ _ _ 4. 7

Tiffine 3.0

Tifgreen

Tiflawn

Tifway

2. 5

6. 1

2.0

P.I. 213383

P.I. 213388

3. 7

3.2

P.I. 213457 7. 4

P.I. 218006

P.I. 218879

P.I. 224139

4.0

3.5

3. 2

P.I. 224140 4. 5

P.I. 224141 2. 4

P.I. 224143 3. 1

P.I. 224145- 3. 3

P.I. 224146 2. 1

P.I. 224147 4.6

P.I. 224149 _ _ 5. 5

P.I. 224151 4. 7

P.I. 224691..._ 6. 4

P.I. 225595 3.6

P.I. 225809 3.2

African. _ __ _ _ _ 3. 1

Barberspan 2. 8

Florida 8 _______ _ 6.0

Florida 50 4. 4

Kansas 1-51 _ _ _ 6. 1

Kansas 2-51 4. 5

Kansas 23-54 __ ______ 5.8

Kansas 24-54 6.6

Murray. _ _ _ __ 4.0

New Mexico 1.. ________ 5.9

New Mexico 2 5. 7

Texas 8-_ _ _ 5. 1

Texas 22 . _ _ _ 5. 1

Texas 47 ___ LO

Texas 94 ___ _ 1. 1

Tifton 322 . _ _ _ _ 3.8

Tifton 401 3.3

Tifton 414 ___-

1. 7

Tifton 415 6.3

Tifton 416 - ___- _

1.6

Tifton 417 4. 7

Tifton 421 4. 1

1 20 pounds of nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet,

green, finest texture, most dense, and most seed heads.

Rating of 10=darkest
52 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 7 0, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Texas

TABLE 27.—Average ratings of bermvdagrasses maintained at 1-inch

cutting height, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College

Station, 1961 and 1962 ^

Introductions and selections Ground cover

(1961)

Spring recovery

(1962)

Density

(1962)

Thatch

(1962)

PI 206427 _-- -- -- -

Percent

55

33

35

47

35

15

73

33

30

15

20

35

15

15

55

25

20

20

35

20

55

65

20

35

15

1

1

2

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

3

4

3

3

5

3

3

2

2

4

5

3

5

5

1

5.0

4. 0

3.0

4.0

3.7

4. 0

3. 5

5.0

4.0

4. 5

40

3.0

3.0

40

3.0

3.0

3.5

4 0

4 0

40

5.0

5. 0

4 5

4 0

2. 0

3.5

P I 220558 -

3. 5

P I. 224141 -- - - -- --- 5.0

P I 224145 4 4

P.I. 224146- - -- 42

P I 224151 3. 5

P I 225809 5.0

P.I. 235440 _-- -- - 40

P I 251109 3. 5

P.I. 251809 3.0

P.I. 255440 _ _______ 2. 5

Kansas C-7 45

Kansas E-l_ 2.0

Kansas F-7 4 0

Kansas G-11 5. 0

Kansas H-8- ___ 40

Kansas J—5 5.0

Kansas K-9__ ___ ___ __ 3.0

Kansas 0-8

Kansas P-16 __

3.0

3. 0

Kansas Q-2

Kansas Q-17

3. 5

3. 5

Kansas R-8 2. 5

Kansas S-16

Kansas T-155

5.0

2.5

^ Notes taken 6 weeks after sprigging,

most dense, and most thatch.

Rating of 5 =best spring recovery,

TABLE 28.—Average ratings qjf hermudagrasses maintained at 1-inch

cutting height, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College

Station, 1961 and 1962 ^

Variety, Introductions, and

Ground

cover

(1961)

Texture

(1961)

Density Seed

heads

(1962)

Frost resistance

(1961)

Thatch

selections

1961 1962

(1962)

Texturf 10

Percent

85

55

66

48

86

58

58

3

5

3

1

3

3

3

3.5

2.0

3.5

5.0

40

3.0

5.0

48

4 4

3.6

4. 8

40

5.0

4 5

3.3

3. 2

4 4

1.0

1.8

1.0

L8

40

4 2

5.0

4. 5

2.5

1. 0

4. 0

4 0

P.I. 220558 __ 42

3. 1

4 9

4 4

P.I. 251109

Kansas J—5

Kansas P-16_-

Kansas Q-2 5.0

Kansas S-16 5.0

1 Rating of 5=coarsest texture, most dense, most seed heads, most frost resistance, and most thatch.
BERMUDAGRASS VARIETIES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TURF 53

Texas—Continued

TABLE 29.—Average ratings of hermudagrasses maintained at %-inch

cutting height, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station, 1961 and 1962 ^

Y&ñUy, introductions,

and selection

Color

(1962)

Density

(1962)

Seed heads

(1961)

Frost resistance (1961)Aggressiveness (1962)

Tifgreen 3.8

5.0

4.6

2.0

2.8

2.6

3.6

5.0

5.0

4.6

1.8

3. 1

3.9

2.8

2.8

4.5

3.8

1.2

1.8

1.0

1.0

2.5

4.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

4.0

4.8

4.0

P.I. 213388 4. 5

P.I. 213390 3.8

P.I. 224141.__ 1.0

P.I. 224146 2.8

P.I. 225809 3. 0

Kansas G-11 3. 0

^ Rating of 5=darkest green, most dense, most seed heads, most frost resistance,

and most aggressiveness.

Virginia

TABLE 30.—Average ratings of hermudagrasses, Norfolk, Va., 1959 and

1960 "^

Varieties and

selections

Ground cover

Ormond..

Sunturf_.

Tifgreen.

U-3

Uganda-.

Florida 8

Texas 8_.

Texas 22.

Native. _.

9.5

8.0

9.5

9.0

10.0

9.0

9.0

9.5

2.0

10. 0

10.0

10.0

9.0

10. 0

10.0

10.0

10. 0

9.0

5.0

4.0

5.0

5.0

5. 0

4. 0

5.0

3.0

40

5.0

4.0

5.0

5.0

5. 0

4.0

5.0

3.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1. 0

2.0

1. 0

2. 0

2. 0

3. 0

3.0

3. 0

2.0

1. 0

2.0

1. 0

2. 0

2.0

3. 0

3.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1. 0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

2.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1. 0

1. 0

1.0

1. 0

1. 0

1.0

1. 0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1. 0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

^ 13 pounds of nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet annually. Rating of

10=best ground cover; rating of 5 = darkest green, coarsest texture, most seed

heads, and most disease.
54 AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK 2 70, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Virginia—Continued

TABLE 31.—Average ratings of bermudagrasses, Warsaw, Va., 1956-61 ^

Varieties, introductions, and EstabUshed

ground cover

(July 3,1957)

Ground

cover Color

(Oct. 28,

1959)

Established

seed heads

(June 15, 1959)

Recoveryselections

Apr. 20,

1960

April

1961

Series A

Ormond

Percent

76

65

75

96

71

76

92

95

94

92

96

84

89

99

95

8.0

5.0

7.0

2.0

4.0

3.0

6.0

LO

4.0

2. 0

7.0

5.0

3.0

5.0

1.0

1.0

5.0

2.0

6.0

3. 0

8.0

4.0

7.0

4.0

3. 0

6.0

1.0

4.0

7.0

5.0

Percent

0

99

98

96

98

100

100

91

99

91

99

86

100

100

90

4. 0

2.2

2.2

1.0

3.3

2.2

3.3

1.0

8.0

Sunturf - - 4. 0

Tiffine _ 6.0

Tifgreen. 6.2

U-3 2.8

Uganda 1. 5

Florida 8 4 0

Texas 22 LO

Series B

Gene Tift __ 7. 0

Texturf IF 1. 7

Tifgreen 7. 0

P.I. 213386

P.I. 218006

L7

2. 0

Florida 50 _ _ _ 5. 0

Texas 8— 3. 5

Rating of 10=best ground cover, darkest green, and best recovery.

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1964—0-726-185