Wear Tolerance, Shoot Performance, and Spectral Reflectance of Seashore Paspalum and Bermudagrass

Abstract

Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) displays wide intraspecific diversity and exhibits tolerance to numerous abiotic stresses. In addition, comparatively low fertility requirements and high quality growth characteristics of many ecotypes render this grass a prospective candidate for use on golf courses, athletic fields, and landscaped areas in warm climates worldwide. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the relative growth, quality, and wear tolerance of seashore paspalum and bermudagrass. This research was conducted in two consecutive field trials during 1997 under wear and non‐wear conditions on seven seashore paspalum ecotypes and three hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy) cultivars established on a native Appling sandy clay loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic typic Kanhapluduit) at the University Georgia Experiment Station at Griffin, GA. We found that two paspalum ecotypes, Temple 1 and SIPV‐2, ranked as high or higher than ‘Tifway’ and ‘Tifsport’ for visual quality, shoot density, shoot growth, and amount of verdure tissue under non‐wear conditions. In addition, these two paspalum ecotypes showed the most favorable spectral reflectance data responses, indicating greatest utilization of intercepted light, and also showed rates of recovery from wear which were equal to or greater than those of the bermudagrass entries. Paspalum ecotypes Temple 1 and SIPV‐2 appear to be suitable for use in areas where a high quality, traffic‐tolerant turfgrass is required. Paspalum ecotypes with lower shoot densities were less wear tolerant.