Estimation of Base Germination Temperature of Ten Seeded-Type Bermudagrass Cultivars

摘要

Several studies have demonstrated that the establishment of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] in transition zones should take place as early as possible in spring in order to avoid damage in the winter of the first year. To define the base germination temperature of some commercial common bermudagrass cultivars in Europe, a laboratory study was conducted from April to May 2013 at the Agricultural Research Council Laboratory of Tavazzano (Lodi). Ten bermudagrass cultivars: 'Gobi', 'Sunbird', 'SR9554', 'Princess77', 'Yukon', 'Riviera', 'Transcontinental', 'Casino Royal', 'Savannah', and 'La Paloma' were tested at alternating temperature regimes 0/10 degrees C, 5/15 degrees C, 10/20 degrees C, 15/25 degrees C to assess final germination percentage and seed vigour through calculation of the Germination Rate Index and Corrected Germination Rate Index. This study shows that seeded bermudagrass cultivars have significantly different germination capacity at the tested temperatures. In addition, findings indicate that seeded bermudagrass can even germinate at temperatures of 10/20 degrees C, corresponding to an average temperature of 15 degrees C. Among tested cultivars 'Riviera' showed the slowest germination.