Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Wild.) is a sustainable choice for the Mediterranean area, being identified as grass species adapted to low-input environments (limited water requirements, no fertilizer or pesticides after establishment). A distinct drawback in the transition zone is winter dormancy, a temporary suspension of visible growth, followed by discoloration and loss of functionality. In order to investigate the genotype/species effect in relation with agro-meteorological conditions, 10 cultivars/experimental lines were screened for their ability to extend the winter colour retention. A two years field study was conducted on mature swards and evaluated during the onset of dormancy and spring green-up using digital image analysis. For both parameters, in both years, the Authors observed a wide range of cultivar responses. Zoysia japonica genotypes in our study provided significantly shorter dormancy period than fine-leaved genotypes. In some instances, there were as much as 35 and 20 d difference between entries in respect to the winter colour retention and spring onset, respectively. The identification of genotypes with shorter dormancy than 'Meyer' (industry standard) may reduce use of cultural practices, as late-season nitrogen or iron application, normally used to extend the winter colour retention of zoysiagrass in late fall or early spring, showing different levels of success.
Winter Colour Retention and Spring Green-Up of Zoysiagrass Genotypes in Southern Europe
POMPEIANO, ANTONIO;GROSSI, NICOLA;GUGLIELMINETTI, LORENZO;VOLTERRANI, MARCO
2014-01-01
Abstract
Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Wild.) is a sustainable choice for the Mediterranean area, being identified as grass species adapted to low-input environments (limited water requirements, no fertilizer or pesticides after establishment). A distinct drawback in the transition zone is winter dormancy, a temporary suspension of visible growth, followed by discoloration and loss of functionality. In order to investigate the genotype/species effect in relation with agro-meteorological conditions, 10 cultivars/experimental lines were screened for their ability to extend the winter colour retention. A two years field study was conducted on mature swards and evaluated during the onset of dormancy and spring green-up using digital image analysis. For both parameters, in both years, the Authors observed a wide range of cultivar responses. Zoysia japonica genotypes in our study provided significantly shorter dormancy period than fine-leaved genotypes. In some instances, there were as much as 35 and 20 d difference between entries in respect to the winter colour retention and spring onset, respectively. The identification of genotypes with shorter dormancy than 'Meyer' (industry standard) may reduce use of cultural practices, as late-season nitrogen or iron application, normally used to extend the winter colour retention of zoysiagrass in late fall or early spring, showing different levels of success.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
