Registration of ‘DALZ 1308’ zoysiagrass

Abstract

Abstract‘DALZ 1308’ (Reg. no. CV‐285, PI 691612) is a first‐generation interspecific hybrid developed in 2004 by crossing a genotype of Zoysia minima (Colenso) Zotov and Z. matrella (L.) Merr. ‘Diamond.’ After field evaluations in Dallas, TX (2004–2009) and Gainesville, FL (2006–2008), DALZ 1308 was selected for advancement to the 2013 Warm‐season Putting Greens National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). DALZ 1308 was evaluated at 10 NTEP locations (2013–2018) as well as in Dallas, TX (2014–2017) and Gainesville, FL (2013–2017). DALZ 1308 exhibited a diminutive growth habit with narrower and shorter leaf blades and dwarf canopy height as compared to Diamond and L1F; shorter internode length, smaller node, and smaller internode diameter as compared to L1F; superior ball roll as compared to Diamond and L1F in Arizona, Kentucky, and Texas; resistance to tawny mole crickets; and reduced seedhead incidence and density during the growing season. As compared to Diamond and L1F, DALZ 1308 has shown to have reduced winter injury with fabric cover in Bloomington, IN. Although characteristics varied by location, DALZ 1308 exhibits good turfgrass quality, high shoot density, medium‐green genetic color, and extended fall and winter color retention. Initial greenhouse experimentation under moderate shade shows that DALZ 1308 has a greater percent green cover as compared to ‘Palisades’, Diamond, and ‘Zorro’. Overall, DALZ 1308 is an ultradwarf zoysiagrass suitable for golf course putting greens in a wide range of environments across the United States.