Comparisons of Turf‐Type Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) Lines for Root and Shoot Traits under Various Nitrogen Regimes

Abstract

Water and fertilizer regulations in Florida have created a market for low‐maintenance grasses. The objectives of this study were to compare rooting and turf performance of three selected turf‐type bahiagrass lines (‘M36’, ‘WEMS12’, and ‘FLDW51’), in comparison with ‘Wilmington’ and ‘Argentine’ bahiagrass, and ‘Floratam’ St. Augustinegrass, grown under three nitrogen (N) rates (49, 98, and 196 kg N ha−1). The experiment was conducted during the summer and fall 2014 in a greenhouse located at the Genetics and Physiology Agronomy Unit, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, and arranged as a randomized complete block design with four replications. Positive correlations were found between biomass and rooting traits, and both were negatively correlated with shoot and root crude protein. Coarse leaf texture was positively correlated with higher biomass yield but was negatively correlated with crude protein, number of nodes, and chlorophyll content. Cluster analysis based on principal component analysis 1 (51% explained variance) indicated two genotype groupings. Wilmington, WEMS12, and FLDW51 were grouped closely to crude protein, number of nodes, and chlorophyll content, whereas Floratam, Argentine, and M36 were grouped near leaf texture, biomass, and rooting traits. Principal component analysis 2 (18% explained variance) indicated that M36 and Wilmington were grouped closely to leaf length, rhizome size, root to shoot biomass, and crude protein ratios. The three experimental lines and Wilmington exhibited darker green color, had better color retention, and had more nodes per rhizome, and WEMS12 and FLDW51 had narrower leaves. Higher N rates induced higher chlorophyll content and crude protein. Floratam, Argentine, and M36 produced higher biomass yields and exhibited more vigorous root parameters. The improved turf attributes exhibited by these selected lines should be further evaluated for persistence under limited input field regimes.

Assessment of turf quality in Paspalum vaginatum Sw. accessions of Sumatra, Java, and Bali (Indonesia) with clay and amended sand growing media

“…Therefore, turfgrass, with a narrow to medium leaf texture, is an ideal candidate for breeding programs use (Steketee et al 2017). Pereira et al (2017) stated that a finer leaf texture is preferred and has the potential to use grass in high-value landscapes, while Głąb et al (2015) reported that leaf width and leaf area are indicators of turfgrass resistance to drought stress. Mowing affects leaf texture; after mowing three times, the seashore paspalum leaf texture became smoother, on average, from 3.83 mm to 3.32 mm.…”

Aboveground and belowground traits of turf‐type bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) genotypes under simulated drought

“…One water conservation practice is selecting drought‐tolerant turfgrasses with low input characteristics for use in landscapes and on golf courses. Bahiagrass, a warm‐season grass native to South America, is adapted to sandy soils, low fertility, and drought conditions (Burton, 1943; Parodi, 1937; Trenholm et al., 2003), due, in part, to its broad, deep root system (Acuña et al., 2010; Burton, 1943; Huang, 1999; Pereira et al., 2017; Rios et al., 2017; Rios et al., 2013).…”

“…Breeders at the University of Florida identified eight promising new lines with superior turf qualities. These accessions have improved density, darker green color, and fewer seedheads compared to their parental lines (Pereira et al., 2017; Rios et al., 2013; Rios et al., 2017), however, their drought tolerance remains unknown. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of turf‐type experimental bahiagrass genotypes to simulated drought conditions compared to the industry standards.…”

Herbicide options to manage novel turf-type bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum)

“…An apomictic mode of reproduction is a barrier to conventional breeding (Rios et al 2017). However, mutagenesis (i.e., using x-rays, gamma-rays, and ethyl methanesulfonate) is a method to create genetic variants in bahiagrass (Kannan et al 2015;Pereira et al 2017). Using mutagenesis as a breeding technique, researchers at the University of Florida developed nine new lines with improved density, darker green color, and fewer seedheads compared to their parental lines (Pereira et al 2017;Rios et al 2013).…”