Establishment of Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass by Seed

Abstract

seeded earlier. Further research confirmed that seeded bermudagrass should be established as early as possible Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon (L.) Pers.] and in late spring to increase winter survival (Munshaw et zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) cultivars established by seed are Hensler et al., 1999). However, Ahring et al. desirable for golf and athletic turfs because of minimum establishment (1975) reported an experimental strain of bermudagrass costs, but little is known about their management during establishment. Seeding dates, seeding rates, post-seeding N fertility, and herbi-was not affected by freezing when seeded as late as 21 cide safety on seedling 'Mirage' bermudagrass and 'Zenith' zoysiagrass July in Oklahoma, indicating potential improvements were investigated in Indiana and Kentucky. Under the conditions in cold hardiness through plant breeding. Portz et al. of our studies, optimum bermudagrass establishment occurred when (1981) reported that zoysiagrass could be successfully seeded 1 June to 15 July at 12 to 49 kg ha Ϫ1 , when Ͼ950 growing established in Southern Illinois when seeded 1 July. degree days (GDD, 5؇C base) accumulated by first frost and when Although seeded zoysiagrass cultivars are generally tol-49 kg ha Ϫ1 N mo Ϫ1 was applied. Earlier seeding dates provided more erant of winters in the transition zone (NTEP, 2001), bermudagrass cover after the first winter. Optimum zoysiagrass estabno information exists on the effect of seeding date on lishment occurred when seeded from 1 to 15 June at 49 to 98 kg ha Ϫ1 , establishment and winter survival. Thus, defining the when Ͼ 1750 GDD accumulated by first frost, and when 49 kg ha Ϫ1optimum seeding dates for bermudagrass and zoysia-N mo Ϫ1 was applied. Increasing N from 49 kg ha Ϫ1 mo Ϫ1 to 98 kg ha Ϫ1 mo Ϫ1 did not hasten establishment of either species. Quinclorac

A Guide to Establishing Seeded Bermudagrass in the Transition Zone

“…Zoysiagrass establishes most quickly when the soil is tilled prior to seeding and can produce 100% cover by the end of the growing season when there is no weed pressure (Fig. 1) (29).…”

“…Seeding Zenith zoysiagrass in June in Kansas produced 75% or more coverage before winter (42). Zenith seeded between 1 and 15 June in Indiana and 1 June to 1 July in Kentucky produced 90% or more coverage by October (29).…”

“…Temp.°C + Min. Temp.°C)/2] ‐ 5°C, it was found that at least 1750 accumulated growing degree days prior to 1 October were required to achieve 95% or more zoysiagrass coverage in Indiana and Kentucky (29). Using this growing degree model and 30‐year normal weather data, zoysiagrass could be seeded as late as 21 June in West Lafayette, IN (north of the transition zone); 28 June in Washington, DC; 30 June in Manhattan, Kansas; 1 July in Louisville, KY; 1 July in Fayetteville, AR; 3 July in Nashville, TN; and 4 July in St. Louis, MO and still achieve 95% or more coverage prior to winter (Fig.…”

“…It is important to seed as early as possible within this window to allow ample time for the stand to mature in case of weed competition, drought or cooler‐than‐average temperatures, all of which will reduce establishment rates. Zoysiagrass has been successfully established when seeded in May (27). However, seeding zoysiagrass before 1 June may reduce initial germination and establishment rates due to cooler air and soil temperatures, and could increase competition from germinating annual bluegrass ( Poa annua L.) during cool, wet springs.…”

“…However, seeding zoysiagrass before 1 June may reduce initial germination and establishment rates due to cooler air and soil temperatures, and could increase competition from germinating annual bluegrass ( Poa annua L.) during cool, wet springs. Seeding zoysiagrass too late in summer reduces coverage prior to winter, but has little effect on low temperature injury in Indiana and Kentucky (29). However, seedlings may be more prone to winter desiccation during dry winters with no snow cover.…”