Bermudagrass adaptation in the Mediterranean climate: phenotypic traits of 44 accessions

The use of bermudagrass in the Mediterranean area is increasing for its outstanding tolerance to heat and drought, and its aggressive growth and high recuperative potential make it particularly suited to heavily worn areas and appreciated for sports turfs. However, the overall performance of a given genetic type can be affected by the adaptation to a specific environment. The objective of this research was to determine the variability of a number of phenotypic traits that can affect bermudagrass turf performance on a wide range of bermudagrass accessions grown in two locations in Italy. In May 2010, 44 accessions of bermudagrasses, grouped in "wild", "improved" "hybrid" and "dwarf" types were transplanted in the center of field plots in Pisa and Palermo. In 2011, when the turf was completely established, the following traits were determined: shoot density, horizontal stem density, node density, leaf width, colour, quality, spring green-up, and fall colour retention. Dwarf and hybrid types yielded the best aesthetic characteristics. With respect to colour retention and spring green-up, great variability was recorded within the groups. Dwarf types presented the earliest dormancy, while the hybrid types were in general the ones to green-up first in spring.