Registration of ‘TifQuik’ Bahiagrass

Abstract

TifQuik' (Reg. No. CV‐4, PI 648303, PVP No 200700209) is a fast emerging forage bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) released by the University of Georgia–Tifton Campus and the USDA‐ARS in 2008. The current forage bahiagrass cultivars have a considerable amount of hard seed and thus require 2 or 3 wk to establish a full stand, during which time weeds may infest the pasture or moisture for germination may be restricted. The purpose of the breeding program that produced TifQuik was to select for an increased rate of germination and emergence. TifQuik was produced by employing four cycles of recurrent restricted phenotypic selection for improving the emergence and establishment rates originating from ‘Tifton 9’ bahiagrass. TifQuik had a fourfold improvement of emergence compared with Tifton 9 after 1 wk in greenhouse trials. Emergence rates, plant heights after 3 wk from planting, and first harvest yields were significantly greater for TifQuik than for other cultivars in replicated field trials. The accelerated emergence and establishment of TifQuik will be useful in sod‐based rotation systems with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).