Shade response of bermudagrass accessions under different management practices

The development of cultivars 'TifGrand' and 'Celebration' has shown potential increases in shade tolerance compared to previous industry standards of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). Based on the literature, further improvements in shade tolerance can be attained through changes in nitrogen fertility rates, mowing heights, and the application of plant growth regulators. In this study, two South African hybrid (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) bermudagrass accessions ('WIN10F' and 'STIL03') and three standard cultivars (Celebration, Tifgrand, and 'Tifway') were compared for their ability to persist under 63% shade, two mowing heights, two trinexapac-ethyl (TE) treatments, and two nitrogen fertility rates. The experimental design was a strip-strip-split plot and digital image analysis was used to measure percent turfgrass cover, percent turfgrass spread after cup-cutter removal, and percent turfgrass re-growth after divot formation. Turf quality was measured using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Differences among genotypes, TE treatments, and mowing heights were observed across all response variables in 2014 and 2015. Differences in fertility treatments were observed in NDVI, percent turfgrass growth, and percent turfgrass recovery within and across years. Significant differences were observed for the interactions between entry by plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments, entry by mowing height, and mowing height by PGR. These results suggest shade management recommendations should be dependent on genotype and site-specific considerations. The development and implementation of specific management plans for certain bermudagrass varieties will contribute to the more widespread use of Cynodon spp. in shaded environments.