Research Update

Factors to Consider for Low-Input Blue grama (Boutelous gracilis) Establishment in the MidAtlantic Transition Zone

Authors: Kevin Hensler, David McCall, Ph.D., Caleb Henderson, Wendell Hutchens, and Mike Goatley,

Blue grama’s (Boutelous gracilis) excellent drought tolerance and ability to withstand and survive seasonal temperature extremes with minimal inputs make it a potential candidate for use along roadsides, out-of-play areas of golf courses, cemeteries, etc. Our objective is to determine whether blue grama is a viable utility grass alternative in the midAtlantic transition zone under minimal establishment inputs. Field observation studies include evaluating commercially available cultivars, determining optimal seeding rates, and assessing suitable planting dates. Five commercially available cultivars of blue grama (Alma; Bad River; BirdsEye; Hachita; Lovington) were evaluated for emergence and establishment capabilities with minimal inputs. Five seeding rates (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 lbs 1000ft2) of two cultivars (BirdsEye and Lovington) were evaluated for percent ground cover and time to establish acceptable cover. Both studies were planted 14 May and initiated with approximately ¼ inch of irrigation. BirdsEye and Lovington were utilized to determine optimal planting dates based on soil temperatures throughout the growing season at 50°F, 59°F, 68°F, 77°F, 68°F, 59°F, and 50°F, and initiated with ¼ inch irrigation. All cultivars attained acceptable emergence and plot coverage of 70% by four to six weeks. Acceptable coverage was achieved at three and four weeks for BirdsEye and Lovington, respectively, at a 19.5 g m-2 seeding rate. Acceptable coverage was not achieved with a 0.1lbs 1000ft2 seeding rate of BirdsEye, while Lovington took seven weeks. Spring plantings at 59°F and 68°F were the only viably acceptable plantings, achieving 70% target coverage in four to six weeks. Plantings at 77°F, late season 68°F and 59°F, and 50°F in the spring or fall were unsuccessful. Our data indicates blue grama can succeed in the mid-Atlantic region under minimal-input conditions and would be a viable utility grass option.

BirdsEye (BE, Bottom Row) and Lovington (LV, Top Row) blue grama cultivars seeded at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 lbs/1000ft2 (left to right). Image taken four weeks after study initiation.