Establishment of dormant ‘Latitude 36’ bermudagrass sprigs in the transition zone

摘要

Abstract Improved vegetative bermudagrasses such as ‘Latitude 36’ [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] provide desirable playing surfaces for sports fields and golf courses in the transition zone of the United States because of their cold tolerance and exceptional density. However, establishing bermudagrass from vegetative stems (sprigs) during the standard planting times of mid‐spring through to mid‐summer in this region requires regular and frequent moisture after planting, essentially prohibiting the establishment of these grasses where supplemental irrigation is unavailable. Trials were conducted in 2017–2018 at the Turfgrass Research Center of Virginia Tech to evaluate the establishment success of sprigged Latitude 36 in January, February, or March under non‐irrigated conditions. Within sprig blocks, the addition of 0.25 inch compost, a turf blanket, and a combination of these were compared for improved establishment success. Digital image analysis was used to quantify green bermudagrass coverage over time. Ultimately, a targeted mean 90% bermudagrass coverage was achieved within 5 wk of removing the turf blankets in Blacksburg, VA, regardless of the initial sprigging date. Turf blankets alone and in combination with compost increased initial bermudagrass coverage after blanket removal but did not impact the final establishment rate. Data from these studies imply that hybrid bermudagrass can be sprigged successfully without irrigation during winter months, and that covering sprigs after planting had no long‐term impact on establishment.