Mississippi Turfgrass - Fall 2019

Celebrating

60

Years

Serving the green industry Fall 2019

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine

Don’t Miss the

October 1 – 3 • Biloxi, MS Plus:

Zoysiagrasses: An Update

Turfgrasses for the 21st Century

Our goal is to produce the highest quality, innovative turfgrass on the market today while providing the best customer service. Our affiliation with several research and development professionals gives us access to some of the best varieties of turf available for difficult applications. We are also a grower of Tennessee Crop Improvement Association Certified Turfgrass.

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901.867.8116 • 1.800.624.TURF (8873) 22860 Highway 196 • Arlington, TN 38002

SEC TournamEnT Tough.

www.TheTurfgrassGroup.com

Fall 2019

Contents • The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine Features

8 Recent Event —

Yard Dawg Classic

10 Cover Story —

8

Don’t Miss the Deep South Turf Expo, October 1-3!

12 Turf Talk —

Zoysiagrasses: An Update

Departments

6 From the MTA President

7 Calendar of Events

7 Index of Advertisers

Mississippi Turfgrass is the Mississippi Turfgrass Association magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTA members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, Mississippi Turfgrass, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTA members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of Mississippi Turfgrass. Copyright ©2019 by the Mississippi Turfgrass Association.

Mississippi Turfgrass is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of MTA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTA allows reprinting of material published here.

Permission requests should be directed to MTA. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

4 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Fall 2019

10

12

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The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 5

From the mta president, Al Osteen

Hello MTA Members T

hanks to everyone who turned out for the Yard Dawg Classic. There was a full field of players, and a good time was had by all. We had a great event on Monday night, and many took advantage of the golf and hospitality at Mossy Oak as well. Thanks to all of our sponsors, teams, and to those who provided prizes at the tournament. Much needed money was raised for research at this fun annual event.

Turfgrass Field Day is always a great opportunity to showcase MSU’s turfgrass research and to stay informed about current turfgrass management strategies.

Thanks again to all of the vendors who step up to sponsor this event, and to bring equipment for demonstration. This event is a nice culmination of the season for our researchers at MSU, and we are lucky to have such talented and dedicated folks working hard, looking to make recommendations related to challenging turf management problems.

Please block out October 1–3 for the Deep South Turf Expo. This event continues to grow and has become recognized as an important regional trade show for professionals in all aspects of sports turf, home lawn, golf, sod production, or any other related industry. There will be great speakers offering excellent educational opportunities with C.E.U. points, pesticide license renewal, along with great food, golf and entertainment experiences. We are very proud to be hosting this nationally recognized event in Biloxi, Mississippi. This year will feature a dinner at the Preserve with all attendees invited whether they are golfing or not.

I hope you can spend this cooler time of year reflecting on challenges and successes of the season. As we look forward to this less hectic time, please consider attending the MTA Roadshow on January 9th in Northwest Mississippi.

Once again, thank you to all of our vendors, supporters, members, MSU faculty, and especially Mrs. Linda Wells, as without all of you, this very worthwhile professional organization would not be possible.

Thanks, and I look forward to seeing all of you at the Deep South Turf Expo!

Al Osteen

Mississippi Turfgrass Association Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Fax: (662) 325-2705 www.msturfassociation.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 Office: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com Mississippi Turfgrass Editor James D. McCurdy, Ph.D.

MTA OFFICERS President Al Osteen (601) 214-9907 Vice President Jeremy Tate (662) 209-0023 Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Philley Mississippi State University (662) 325-2728 Past President David Leon Turf & Aquatic Specialties, LLC (601) 529-2458 Administrative Secretary Linda Wells Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Cell: (662) 769-7558 lmw218@pss.msstate.edu

Directors

Paul Battle Battle Sod Farm (662) 661-2040 Keair Edwards City of Gulfport (228) 861-5641 David Jumper Ole Miss Golf Course (662) 915-5181 Justin Lanford Starkville Country Club (662) 822-5806 Rob Webb GreenPoint Ag (601) 594-5798 Reuben Wedgeworth Agri-AFC (601) 498-0750

Faculty Advisors Jay McCurdy, Ph.D. (662) 325-2331 6 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Fall 2019

Barry Stewart, Ph.D. (662) 325-2725

Index of Advertisers

Agra Turf, Inc..................................................5 www.agrainc.com Bayou Bend Turfgrass.....................................5 www.bayoubendturfgrass.com Covermaster, Inc.............................................9 www.covermaster.com

Calendar of Events

October 1–3

Deep South Turf Expo Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

January 9, 2020 MTA Turfgrass Roadshow

January 29, 2020

Hospitality Night GCSAA Conference & Golf Industry Show Orlando, FL

CoverSports USA...........................................17 www.coversports.com Harrell’s LLC................................... Back Cover www.harrells.com Humphries Turf Supply....................................5 www.humphriesturf.com JNT Turf Solutions LLC...................................18 Progressive Turf Equipment Inc...................16 www.progressiveturfequip.com R.W. Distributors................. Inside Back Cover www.Exmark.com RD Murphy, LLC...............................................5 www.rdmurphy.com Real Green Systems........................................9 www.realgreen.com Riebeling Farms, Inc.......................................5 Simplot Partners...........................................14 www.simplotpartners.com Sur-Line Turf, Inc............................................7 www.surlineturf.com The Turfgrass Group........................................3 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Winstead Turf..................................................2 www.winsteadturffarms.com

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

615-790-3718 888-707-7141 (Toll Free) or sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 7

Recent Event

2019

Yard Dawg Classic

Mississippi Turfgrass Association

2019 Yard Dawg Classic Winners 1

First Place Team — Ferguson & Coats Dentistry

Left to right: Tyler Crosland, Paul McMillin, Joseph Lupe, Jr. and Jason Coats.

MTA’s

17th Annual Yard Dawg Classic Tournament, held June 25th, continued the successful run of MTA’s biggest golf event of the year. It was back in Starkville and held at the MSU Golf Course. Festivities began Monday night the 24th with a Hospitality Reception at the MSU Bull Barn hosted by Gold Sponsors AGRA TURF • BWI • GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR • HARRELL’S • JERRY PATE TURF & IRRIGATION • LADD’S • SIMPLOT. Also, thanks to the MSU Foundation for providing beverages.

Pat Sneed and Jimmy McPherson had the golf course in great shape and it was fun to play! The weather even cooperated. Following play, prizes were awarded.

MTA is, indeed, fortunate to be supported by so many loyal sponsors—there is no way we could provide such an excellent event without their help. A BIG thanks to all our sponsors! v

2

Second Place Team — Greenville Turf & Tractor Left to right: Gib Fox, Glen Junkin, Kevin Baker and Chase Smith

Mississippi Turfgrass Association Thanks Our

2019 Yard Dawg Classic Sponsors AGRA TURF, INC. AQUA•AID AQUATROLS

BEARD EQUIPMENT COMPANY BEN NELSON GOLF BUFFALO WILD WINGS BWI CORTEVA AGRISCIENCES FERGUSON & COATS DENTISTRY

GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR HARRELL’S INNOVATIVE TURF PRODUCTS, LLC JERRY PATE TURF & IRRIGATION, INC. JPS TURF LADD’S SUSTAINABLE SUBURBS, LLC SIMPLOT SYNGENTA WINFIELD UNITED

8 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Fall 2019

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Third Place Team — Agra Turf, Inc.

Left to right: Larry Springer, Skeeter Peel, Will Woods and Brandon Hardin

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The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 9

Cover Story

Kicking it Up a Notch

Don’t miss the Deep South Turf Expo!

October 1 – 3, 2019 at the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi

at the

By Melanie Bonds, Executive Director, Alabama Turfgrass Association

T

he Deep South Turf Expo claims “Braggin Rights” about our Keynote Speakers this year. In addition to an outstanding line-up of education for the conference, we will present three keynote speakers. Two are stalwarts in the industry and one a young man who wants to “make a difference, one yard at a time.” We are indebted to BASF for sponsoring our speakers this year.

Dr. Bruce Clarke of Rutgers, Center for Turfgrass Science and an Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Pathology, is an icon in the industry. His research has focused on the identification and control of biotic and abiotic diseases of cool-season turfgrasses. This has involved the use of field studies to assess pathogen dynamics, as well as controlled environment and greenhouse studies to ascertain the relationship between environmental stress, cultural management, and disease development. He has also conducted research on disease forecasting and detection systems, and the identification of disease resistance in turfgrass germplasm.

Dr. Clarke says, “The principal goal of my outreach program has been the development of best management practices for the control of turfgrass diseases such as anthracnose, dollar spot, gray leaf spot, and patch diseases caused by root- and crown-infecting fungi. My research findings have been utilized by turf managers in North America, Europe and Austral-Asia to improve disease control and turfgrass quality, while reducing chemical inputs through the use of improved disease management strategies. As Director of the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science, I am also responsible for providing leadership to foster internationally recognized research, undergraduate, graduate and continuing

10 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Fall 2019

professional education, and outreach programs in support of the turfgrass industry.”

A native of Cresskill, New Jersey, Clarke earned his undergraduate degree in forest management and his Ph.D. in plant pathology from Rutgers. In 1982, Clarke joined the faculty as an assistant extension specialist in the plant pathology department. He was named director of the Center for Turfgrass Research in 1994, after one year as interim director.

Under Clarke’s guidance, the Rutgers program has become a center of scientific and educational excellence.

“Dr. Clarke has that uncanny ability to relate to and connect with whomever he meets,” said James A. Murphy, Rutgers University extension specialist in turfgrass management. “His communication skills are outstanding in all situations: one-on-one, small groups or large audiences. He can communicate with persons of any background, and he is just as effective listening as he is speaking.”

On the podium with Dr. Clarke is Dr. Beth Guertal. Dr. Guertal is professor of turfgrass and nutrient management in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, and was named the Auburn University College of Agriculture’s first Rowe Endowed Professor. Dr. Guertal has taught various turfgrass and educational subjects in Cuba, Argentina, Spain, England, Mauritius, China, New Zealand and Canada. More importantly she has worked extensively with turf managers in the southeast and knows her audience.

Beth is the current President of the Crop Science Society of America, and as such she helps to lead all turfgrass scientists in the nation. In her 25 years at Auburn she has taught turfgrass management to many undergraduates, and

Dr. Beth Guertal (right, with Dr. Dave Han) of Auburn University will lead a keynote session

also advises graduate students. She currently teaches Soil Fertility to all students in Crop Science. She will speak on “Fertilizers Demystified: Debunking Common Myths and Setting the Record Straight,” discussing various fertilizer facts, myths and perceptions in the presentation, with welcome interaction from the audience.

Rodney Smith, Jr. will present a session that is just downright good for the soul! Hailing from Alabama, Rodney has received national recognition with his program to provide service to those unable to care for their lawns. He just finished a 50-state tour where he mowed lawns free for veterans. “It was a way of showing my gratitude for their service. I am also thankful to Delta Airlines who sponsored my trip to Hawaii and Alaska.” Rodney relished hearing the vets’ stories, whether it was World War II, Korea, Vietnam or Afghanistan and believes all veterans deserving of a helping hand. More importantly, Rodney encourages others, especially youths, to get involved and mow yards for free for the elderly, disabled, single moms and veterans as an outreach and way of giving back. He is making a difference, one lawn at a time!

To find out more about Rodney’s non-profit, Raising Men Lawn Care, go to his web site at weareraisingmen.com.

While we are beefing up our program with these amazing keynote speakers, the Deep South Turf Expo is planning some additional entertainment this year. The Deep South Four Ball Tournament will be reprised and held on Monday at The Preserve and on Tuesday at Fallen Oak. While teams are battling it out over the Four Ball tournament at Fallen Oak on Tuesday in the two day tournament sponsored by

Rodney Smith Jr. (far left) of Raising Men Lawncare is a keynote speaker

Beard, Greenville, and John Deere Golf, the Preserve Golf Club will host our Scramble Tournament as it has for the past four years. AmeriTurf will sponsor the tournament and Redox will provide drinks for both tournaments.

Following the Scramble at The Preserve, whether you golf or not, we are inviting everyone to come out in the late afternoon to attend a Tail Gate Picnic that is being planned by our partners, Aqua-Aid, Beard, Greenville Turf & Tractor, Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation, John Deere Golf, Ladd’s, Residex and Simplot. The food promises to be amazing and a good time will be had by all!

Lest we forget, in addition to the golf there will be the Skeet and Trap Tournament on Tuesday as well, and we have provided some new venues for the Sports Field Tour.

The Tour will begin at historic Beauvoir, where attendees will have lunch and take a tour of the extensive grounds.

Following that they will travel to Biloxi High School where they will view the baseball, softball and football fields. The tour will end at Shuckers Stadium in time for everyone to take part in the Tail Gate at The Preserve.

We are really excited about our program this year!

Registration for exhibitors and attendees is open on-line at:

DeepSouthTurfExpo.org Make plans now to attend. Getting together with friends and colleagues in Biloxi in the Fall is always a special time for our industry. Don’t miss it! v

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 11

Turf Talk

Zoysiagrasses: An Update

By Tom Samples and John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, Department of Plant Sciences

Z

oysiagrass, one of the earliest grass species to be used as turf, is native to Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the Philippines where the weather varies greatly depending on season. This relatively slow-growing, sod-forming and warm-season species forms a durable, uniform turf in full sun and light, open shade. Many zoysiagrass varieties produce no viable seeds and must be established from sod, plugs or sprigs. Depending on the planting date, sprigging rate, and plug diameter and spacing, the vegetatively propagated varieties often require more than a year to totally cover the soil surface. Leaves and stems developing from nodes on stolons and rhizomes usually grow upright at an angle of about 90 degrees, a trait contributing to very good to excellent stand density. Zoysiagrass leaves are often stiff and stems are very tough due to high levels of lignin and hemicellulose. These attributes result in excellent wear tolerance.

The slow rate of growth of lateral stems compared to that of bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass causes zoysiagrass turfs to take longer to recover from damage from traffic, disease or insect activity. Generally, zoysiagrasses have very good drought, heat and salinity tolerance. The nitrogen (N) requirement of the species is usually lower than that of bermudagrass. In TN, an annual N rate of no more than 2 lbs. of N per 1,000 sq. ft. per yr. is most often recommended in residential turfs maintained at a cutting height of 1½ inches or higher. Plants often do produce substantial amounts of thatch, and intensely managed and highly fertile zoysiagrass turfs may require dethatching every two or three years.

Insect pests of zoysiagrass include white grubs (larvae of several species of Scarab beetles), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and hunting billbug (Sphenophorus venatus vestitus). The disease large patch (Rhizoctonia solani), commonly referred to as Zoysia patch may also be problematic.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a common weed problem in zoysiagrass turfs. Perennial weeds with fleshy, subsurface and energy-rich bulbs such as wild garlic (Allium vineale), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and green kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolia) can also compete with zoysiagrass for water, nutrients, light and space and may periodically require herbicide treatment.

An appropriate preemergence herbicide can be applied in late summer or early fall to control winter annual weeds such as annual bluegrass (Poa annua), common chickweed 12 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Fall 2019

(Stelaria media), purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule). Similarly, the emergence of seedlings of many summer annual and perennial weedy grasses and broadleaf weeds can be prevented by applying an appropriate preemergence herbicide in late winter or early spring. In addition to insect and disease resistance, the growth rate, low-temperature hardiness, leaf width, color and shade tolerance also vary among species and varieties.

Species Zoysiagrass, named in honor of the 18th century Australian botanist Karl von Zois, was introduced into the U.S. from East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It has been previously reported that, in the mid-1890’s, Z. japonica, sometimes called Japanese or Korean lawn grass, was introduced into the U.S. from the Manchurian Province of China.

Zoysia matrella was believed to have been introduced into the U.S. from the Philippine Islands in 1912 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) botanist, C. V. Piper. As a result, this species is occasionally referred to as Manilagrass. Recent research regarding the history of zoysiagrass suggests that Z. matrella may actually have been introduced into the U.S. from Japan in 1892, and that Z. japonica was introduced into the U.S. from Korea in 1894.

A third species, Korean velvet grass or Mascarene grass, was most likely introduced into the U.S. from the Mascarene Islands (which are located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar) or from a plant collection (listed as plant introduction 9299) of USDA explorer David Fairchild in 1902 from Yokohama, Japan. Originally referred to as Z. tenuifolia, this very fine textured species is now recognized as Z. pacifica. Rankings of low-temperature hardiness, leaf width and rate of growth by species are: Z. japonica > Z. matrella > Z. pacifica.

Varieties Vegetative, Clonal Types. Improved, vegetatively established varieties marketed in Tennessee include ‘Cavalier’, ‘Diamond’, ‘El Toro’, ‘Geo’, ‘Meyer’, ‘Palisades’, ‘Royal’, ‘Zeon’ and ‘Zorro’. El Toro, Meyer and Palisades are mediumcoarse, low-temperature-hardy varieties. Meyer, released in 1951, is one of the oldest varieties in the marketplace and remains the most widely maintained zoysiagrass in the state.

El Toro, released in 1986, resembles Meyer. However, El Toro is more shade tolerant, faster growing, has slightly wider leaves, is less dense and produces less thatch. In 1996, Texas A&M University released Palisades, a variety noted for good winter hardiness and improved shade tolerance.

Cavalier, Royal, Zeon and Zorro are dense, fine-textured and relatively low-growing varieties. Cavalier, released for production in 1996, has long and slender leaves, good salt and traffic tolerance, and like Palisades, improved shade tolerance. Cavalier is also resistant to fall armyworms and large patch.

Bermudagrass Stolon

Zoysiagrass Rhizomes

Meyer zoysiagrass sod

Thatch layer in zoysiagrass

Hunting billbug larva. Photo credit Dr. Frank Hale

Large patch disease on zoysiagrass.

Photo credit: Dr. Alan Windham

Countries in which zoysiagrass is native

Palisades zoysiagrass

Zeon zoysiagrass

Zenith zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass seed in inflorescence

Zoysiagrass as greens research site – Knoxville

Zoysiagrass green research plot

Zoysiagrass seeds

Royal, a variety released by Texas A&M University in 2001, has dense rhizomes and tillers, excellent salt tolerance, good shade tolerance and recovers more rapidly from injury than several other varieties. Royal may also transition from winter dormancy earlier than other varieties. Zeon, released in 1996 by Bladerunner Farms, is very tolerant of extended periods of drought, is adapted to both clayey and sandy soils, and develops a dense turf at a cutting height of ½ inch, one reason the variety is being maintained on golf course fairways. Zeon has good insect resistance, including hunting billbug, and shade tolerance.

Although the variety Zorro, released by Texas A&M University in 2001, has limited cold hardiness, it is fairly tolerant of low light conditions, recovers fairly quickly from damage, has excellent salt tolerance, and resists several diseases and insect pests. The variety Emerald, released in

1955 by the USDA, is a hybrid between Z. japonica and Z. pacifica. An objective of crossing the two species was to combine the darker green color, fine texture and excellent stand density of the Z. pacifica parent from Guam with the cold hardiness and more rapid growth rate of the Z. japonica parent from Korea. Although less tolerant of extreme low temperatures, Emerald is denser, finer textured and more shade tolerant than Meyer.

The variety ‘Innovation’, a cross between the Z. matrella variety Cavalier and an ecotype of Z. japonica named ‘Anderson 1’, a derivative of Chinese Common, is a joint release by Texas A&M University and Kansas State University. Cold tolerance, fall color retention and spring transition of the variety are equivalent to Meyer, and plants have a finer leaf texture and are more resistant to bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus). Newer vegetatively established The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 13

Turf Talk • Continued

zoysiagrass varieties continue to gain acceptance and market-share in TN and other states located in the turfgrass ‘transition’ zone, and will most likely eventually replace both Meyer and Emerald.

Seeded Types. The inflorescence of seed-producing Z. japonica plants consist of a flower stalk called a peduncle supporting the entire inflorescence to which racemes with 10 to 50 seed-containing spikelets are attached. Each seed is suspended on a short (1½ to 6 mm) pedicel and alternately attached along each spikelet. Presently, seed of ‘Chinese Common’ Z. japonica imported from China, Japan and/or Korea is marketed in the Southeastern U.S. The color and leaf blade width of ‘Zenith’, a seed-producing Z. japonica variety released in 2000 by Patten Seed Company resemble Meyer.

‘Compadre’ (formerly named ‘Companion’) is another Z. japonica variety that yields viable seeds. It also resembles Meyer, and may transition from winter dormancy slightly earlier than Zenith. Chinese Common, Compadre and Zenith are not intended to be maintained in moderate to heavy shade. Zoysiagrass seeds are often pre-treated (primed) and may be coated before packaging in an effort to improve the uniformity of seed germination and seedling growth, respectively. There are approximately 601,440 zoysiagrass seeds per pound.

Classification of Species/Varieties Historically, and based on morphological characteristics such as leaf blade width and inflorescence as well as traits including the level of shade tolerance, individual varieties have been categorized as being japonica, matrella or pacifica species or “types” within the genus Zoysia.

Recently, genetic research conducted at North Carolina State University in collaboration with the University of Florida, the USDA-Agricultural Research Service in Tifton, GA and Blue Moon Farms, LLC revealed that an “interconnectedness” exists among species. Because zoysiagrasses are cross fertile, plant breeders are able to develop improved varieties with traits of keen interest from each species as well as valued and overlapping traits that both species share. A total of 62 varieties and collections from five different zoysiagrass species (Z. japonica, Z. matrella, Z. machrostachya, Z. minima and Z. sinica) were included in this study.

DNA markers were used to investigate the genetic makeup of each of the 62 zoysiagrass samples which fell into one of three categories identified by the researchers as Clusters.

Cluster I included true Z. japonica varieties and Cluster III, true Z. matrella varieties, while Cluster II consisted of hybrids between the two species. Cluster II was divided into two subgroups. The researchers labelled the subgroups Hybrid I

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Continued

•

Turf Talk

Leaf Width and Relative Shoot Density, Shade Tolerance and Cold Hardiness of Zoysiagrass Species Maintained as Turf in the U.S.a Species Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. pacifica

Leaf Width > 2.5b 1.5 – 2.5 < 1.5

Shoot Density Medium Medium High

Shade Tolerance Fair to Good Good Good to Excellent

Cold Hardiness Moderate Poor Very Poor

a Source: Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July–Aug. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37 b Varieties of Z. japonica can be grouped based on leaf width. Varieties in one group (for example, ‘Carrizo’, ‘Chisholm’, ‘Crowne’, ‘El Toro’, ‘Empire’, ‘Palisades’ and ‘Zenith’) usually have a leaf width > 3.5 mm, and rhizomes and stolons with much longer internodes compared to those in the second group. Leaves of varieties in the second group (for example, ‘Cutlass’, ‘DeAnza’ and ‘Meyer’) are usually more narrow than those in the first group. Cutlass and DeAnza are often referred to as Meyer types.

Zoysiagrass Variety Accession, Registration and Patent Numbers, Date of Release by Agency, Company or University, and Species Designation Based on Morphology or Genetic Research Conducted at North Carolina State University.

Variety, Accession (AN), Registration (RN), Plant Introduction & Patent Protection (PP) #s

Year of Introduction, Agency, Institution or Company

Species/ Morphology

Species/ Genetic Markersa

2005, University of Florida 1985, USDA 1989, Pursley Turf Farms 1996, Texas A&M University 1996, Texas A&M University 1995, University of California 1996, Texas A&M University 1984, Univ. of California, Riverside 1955, USDA & U.S. Golf Assoc.

1999, Sod Solutions 2000, Sod Solutions 1989, Greg Norman Turf 1995, Japan 2002, Zoysian Japan Co., Ltd. 1996, Bladerunner Farms 2008, Heritage Turf 1941, Alabama AES 1951, USDA/ U.S. Golf Assoc.

1963, Indiana Agric. Expt. Sta. 1998, Japan 1996, Texas A&M University 2008, Winrock Grass Farm 2001, Texas A&M 2008, Heritage Turf 2007, Ivey Gardens Greenhouses 2008, Heritage Turf 2005, University of Florida 2014, Bladerunner Farms 1995, University of California 2006, Bladerunner Farms and Patten Seed 1996, Bladerunner Farms 2001, Texas A&M University

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica x Z. pacifica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Unknown Z. matrella Z. japonica Unknown Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella

Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. matrella Hybrid II Hybrid I Hybrid I Z. matrella Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid I Hybrid I Hybrid II

1993, Seed Research of Oregon 1993, Patten Seed

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica

Vegetative Types BA-189 PP23716 Belair AN R52-25, RN 104 Cashmere (P1) PP6529 Cavalier (DALZ8507) PP10788 Crowne (DALZ8512) PP11570 DeAnza (Z88-8) PP9127 Diamond (DALZ8502) PP10636 El Toro (UCR#1) PP5845 Emerald (RN 7) Empire (SS-500) PP11466 Empress (SS300) PP11495 GNZ, OakZ (ZT-11) PP7074 GS90-18 PP9089 Himeno PP13267 JaMur PP13178 Marion PP14147 Matrella (FC 13521) PI 48574 Meyer, Amazoy (RN 12, Z-52) Midwest Miyako, PP10187 Palisades (DALZ8514) PP11515 Rollmaster Royal (DALZ9006) PP14395 Serene PP14175 Shadowturf (Ivey-1) PP20266 Southern Gem PP15218 Toccoa Green (BA305) PP18415 Trinity L1F PP25203 Victoria (Z88-14) PP9135 Leisure Time Zoysia/ LTZ (Y2) PP17824P2 Zeon PP13166 Zorro (DALZ8510, 9601) PP14130

Z. japonica Hybrid I Hybrid I Hybrid I Z. japonica Z. japonica Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid II Hybrid I Z. matrella Hybrid I Z. matrella Z. matrella Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid II Hybrid II

Seeded Types Chinese Common Compadre (ZMB-2) Zenith (ZNW-1)

a Source: Milla-Lewis, S. and J.A. Kimball. 2018. Rooted in research. Genetic research shines light into Zoysia’s family tree. C. Reynolds (ed.) Turf News. Turfgrass Producers International.

May/June, Pp. 48-51

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 15

Turf Talk • Continued

and Hybrid II. Hybrid I contained Z. japonica x Z. matrella hybrids with a higher concentration of genetic material from Z. japonica. Hybrid II contained Z. japonica x Z. matrella hybrids with a higher concentration of genetic material from Z. matrella. In addition to benefiting turfgrass breeders, this new information should help turfgrass industry professionals develop effective zoysiagrass sod production and turf management plans according to variety-specific requirements.

Golf Greens Interest in breeding, producing and marketing zoysiagrasses for use on golf greens is growing. Presently, Diamond, a variety of Z. matrella with fine to dwarf leaf texture, resistance to large patch and fall armyworm, and excellent stand density released by Texas A&M University in 1996, is being maintained on a number of golf greens in the U.S. Breeders and researchers are developing and evaluating new zoysiagrasses (e.g., ‘Primo’, ‘Prizm’, ‘DALZ1308’ and ‘Trinity’) for suitability as ‘sustainable’ putting surfaces.

In 2011, Prizm was identified as a distinctly different vegetative patch or clonal plant with fine leaf texture and a deeper green color compared to other plants growing under cultivated conditions near Proteet, TX and originating from crosses among Zeon, Trinity, and two unpatented plants

16 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Fall 2019

’29-2 B9’ and ‘380-1’. DALZ1308, a new and yet to be named ultra-dwarf zoysiagrass developed at Texas A&M University specifically for putting greens is a hybrid between Z. minima and Z. matrella with very fine leaf texture, high aerial shoot density and improved winter color retention.

The species Z. minima is native to New Zealand where it grows along the coast to ~ 2000 ft. above sea level on sand dunes and in sandy and gravelly soils.

Comparing Varieties National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). The results of the NTEP Zoysiagrass Tests can help determine if a particular variety of interest is well adapted to a local area or region and a specific level of maintenance. There have been a total of five NTEP Zoysiagrass Tests. The first test or trial initiated in 1991 contained 21 entries of which four were seeded. Entries were evaluated from 1992 to 1995 by university researchers at 21 locations (AL, AR, AZ, CA- 4 sites, FL- 2 sites, GA- 2 sites), ID, IL- 2 sites, Kansas- 2 sites, KY, MD- 3 sites, MD, MS, MO, NE, OH, OK, TX- 3 sites and VA) throughout the U.S. Evaluators used standard procedures and formats to determine such traits as overall quality, color, leaf texture, spring transition, establishment/seedling vigor, drought tolerance,

Continued

•

Turf Talk

Accession/Registration Number or Experimental Designation, Year of Introduction by Agency, Institution or Company and Species of Several Zoysiagrass Varieties Presently or Formerly Commercially Available In the U.S.a Variety, Accession (AN), Registration (RN) & Patent Protection (PP) #s

Year of Introduction, Agency, Institution or Company

Species

Aloyzia PP22168

2011, Aloyzia Blue

Z. japonica

BK-7

1987, Craft Turf Farms

Z. japonica

Carrizo (6136) PP17808

2006, Bladerunner Farms

Z. japonica

Chisholm (DALZ 0102) P1666039

2012,Texas A&M University & Kansas State University

Z. japonica

Cutlass (LR-1) PP25380

2013, Bladerunner Farms

Z. japonica

Geo (BK-9) PP20150020273 P1

2010, Sod Solutions

Z. japonica x Z. pacifica

Icon (MAC03)

2011, DIG Plant Company

Z. macrantha

Innovation (KSUZ 0802) Patent application filed 5/7/2018

2015, Kansas State University & Texas A&M University / Sod Solutions

Z. japonica x Z. matrella

Marquis (TC 2033)

1991, Turf Center

Z. spp.

N/A (DALZ1308)

N/A, Texas A&M University/ Bladerunner Farms

Z. minima x Z. matrella

Prizm (M60) PP29143

2017, Bladerunner Farms

Z. matrella

Primo (M85) PP27289 P2

2016, Bladerunner Farms

Z. matrella

Omni (CD2013)

1991, Bladerunner Farms

Z. matrella

Sunburst (Z-73)

1952, USDA

Z. japonica

ZoyBoy (Z-3) PP8553

1994, Quality Turfgrass

Z. japonica x Z. matrella

a Source: Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July-Aug. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37

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The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 17

Turf Talk • Continued

Anon. 2018. Zoysia for Greens. http://www.bladerunnerfarms.com/ site/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ BF-Green-Grass-Slick.pdf Anon. 2017. Registration of ‘KSUZ 0802’ Zoysiagrass. Journal of Plant Registrations. https://dl.science societies.org/ publications/jpr/ abstracts/11/2/100 Anon. 2016. Zoysiagrass Plant named ‘M85’. http://www.freepatentsonline .com/PP27289.html Anon. 2016. Zoysiagrass Plant named ‘M60’. https://patents.justia.com/ patent/20170339816 AOSA [Association of Official Seed Analysts]. 2017. Rules for Testing Seeds. Vols. 1-4. Washington, D.C. 20002 Chandra, A., J. D. Fry, A. D. Genovesi, M. Meeks, M. C. Engelke, Q. Zhang, D. Okeyo, J. Q. Moss, E. Ervin, Xi Xiong, S. Milla-Lewis, J. T. Brosnan, J. Griffin, and L. Parsons. 2017.

frost tolerance/ winter kill, and both insect and disease resistance. The 2013 National Zoysiagrass Test is currently underway. Thirty-five named and experimental varieties are being evaluated in AL, AR, AK, CA, FL- 2 sites, GA, IN, KS, MO, NC- 2 sites, TN and TX- 2 sites. Progress reports for 2014 – 16 have been published and are now available online at http://ntep.org/zg.htm.

Information regarding the performance of several zoysiagrass varieties entered in the 2013 NTEP National WarmSeason Putting Green Test is also available online at: http://www.ntep. org/reports/ws13g/ws13g_15-1/ws13g _15-1.htm.

References Alderson, J. and W. C. Sharp. 1995.

Grass Varieties in the United States, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.D.A., Lewis Publishers, CRC, New York, NY

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18 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Fall 2019

Registration of ‘KSUZ 0802’ Zoysiagrass. Journal of Plant Registrations.

Madison, WI Engelke, M. and D. Stone. 2003.

Management of Zoysiagrass on Golf Courses, GCSAA Seminars 2004, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in partnership with Jacobsen, a Textron Company, Lawrence, KS Hanson, A. A.1972. Grass Varieties in the United States, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.D.A., Agriculture Handbook Number 170, Washington, D. C. Kelsheimer, E. G. 1956. The Hunting Billbug a Serious Pest of Zoysia.

Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society. 69: 415-417. fshs.org/proceedings-o/1956-vol69/415-417 Kimball, J. A., M. C. Zuleta, K. E. Kenworthy, V. G. Lehman, K. R. Harris-Shultz, and S. Milla-Lewis 2013. Genetic Relationships in Zoysia Species and the Identification of Putative Interspecific Hybrids using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Inflorescence Traits.

Crop Sci. 53(1):285. January McCarty, L. B. 1995. Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns in SP 45 Florida Lawn Handbook, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Milla-Lewis, S. and J. A. Kimball.

2018. Rooted in Research. Genetic Research Shines Light into Zoysia’s Family Tree. Edited by C. Reynolds.

Turf News. Turfgrass Producers International. May/June, Pp. 48–51 Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July– Aug. https:// dl.sciencesocieties. org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/ supplement1/S-37 Patton, A. 2010. Selecting Zoysiagrass Cultivars: Turf Quality and Stress Tolerance. Golf Course Management.

May. Pp. 90–95 v

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