cultivars. In 2016, DT-1, was one of the outstanding entries with turf quality ratings in the top statistical group at 12 of 15 standard locations. OKC 1131, OKC 1163, JSC-2-21-1-v and JSC-2-21-18-v, all vegetative entries, also performed very well finishing in the top statistical group at many locations. Tis performance is comparable, or even better in some cases to Latitude 36, a past top performer and Tifway, probably the most widely utilized turf bermudagrass in history. And as in the past, the seeded entries were often

outperformed by the best vegetative entries. However, at the Jay, FL, and Tucson, AZ, locations, the seeded entries 12-TSB-1, MSB 002 and Princess 77 performed statistically similar to the top vegetative entries. Some other entries at times have performed statistically equal to the best vegetative entries. Terefore, several years of data will help us to determine if these new seeded experimentals can match the quality and performance of the vegetative bermudas. Several ancillary trial locations conducted unique

tests in 2015. Some results were not significant, as in most of the nematode counts made in Gainesville, FL. Significant differences were noted in traffic tolerance at Lexington, KY, with Tifway, JSC-2-21-1-v and NuMex-Sahara topping the traffic ratings. However, these same differences were not noted during traffic stress while conducted at Knoxville, TN where little statistical differences among entries were noted. Te most striking performance differences were seen in

an ancillary trial evaluating drought tolerance at College Station, TX. In that trial, DT-1 and OKC 1131 were statistically superior to almost every other entry, where turf quality scores ranged from 7.5 to 2.2 (LSD=0.8). Since water use reduction is probably the most important issue the turf industry is facing, it will be interesting to see if these results continue in subsequent years.

Zoysiagrass Meyer zoysiagrass was released in the early 1950’s and

has been a standard in the industry ever since. Meyer is known for its medium leaf texture (for a zoysia japonica type) and excellent winter hardiness. Zeon is a zoysia matrella type that is finer textured than Meyer. Zeon is a standard for use on golf course fairways and tees because it can develop a dense turf at mowing heights of 0.5” or lower. Both grasses are included in this new trial as standard entries. One of the weaknesses of zoysiagrass is its rate of

establishment, especially compared to other warm-season species. Terefore, plant breeders are working to improve spread and recovery rate in zoysiagrass. In addition, Meyer historically has not performed particularly well in the warmer southeast and southwest locations. For both of these traits, it appears that breeders are making considerable gains. As with the bermuda trial, injury in the winters

of 2013-14 and 2014-15 significantly affected some locations. Winter injury was evident at Manhattan, KS,

TPI Turf News July/August 2016

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