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1996 NTEP Zoysiagrass Test

Clark Throssell

Objective

The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the performance of vegetative and seeded varieties of zoysiagrass in Indiana.

Rationale

Zoysiagrass is well adapted for golf course tees and fairways, and lawns in the transition zone in Indiana. New zoysiagrass varieties have been or will soon be introduced to the market including some seeded varieties. It is important to know the survivability, rate of establishment and performance of these varieties so turfgrass managers can make informed decisions regarding their use.

How It Was Done

Eight seeded and 11 vegetative varieties of zoysiagrass were established on 10 July 1996 at the Purdue Agronomy Research Center on silt loam soil. Seed was spread on plots using a hand shaker jar, lightly raked and rolled. Vegetative varieties were established using 2 by 2 in. plugs of greenhouse grown zoysiagrass. Plugs were planted approximately 25 per plot on 1 foot centers. A starter fertilizer was applied after seeding/planting at 0.3 lbs. N, 1.5 lbs P₂O₅, and 0.3 lbs K₂O per 1,000 sq. ft. Invasion of Poa annua in fall 1996, and spring and early summer 1997 necessitated the use of both preemergence and postemergence herbicides for Poa annua control. In 1997 the zoysiagrass was fertilized with 1 lb N per 1,000 sq. ft. using urea on 18 June and 12 July. The zoysiagrass was mowed at 0.75 inches three times per week with clippings returned. The site was irrigated to prevent drought stress. In addition to using herbicides to control Poa annua, herbicides have been applied to control crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. No insecticides or fungicides have been applied to the zoysiagrass.

Data collected include percent of plot area covered by zoysiagrass in Nov 1996, and in July and Aug 1997.

Results to Date

• Seeded varieties of zoysiagrass had a higher percent cover than vegetatively established varieties in Aug 1997 (Table 2).
• The seeded varieties J-37, Chinese Common, ZEN-500, J-36, ZEN-400, and Zenith all had 40% or more cover in Aug 1997.
• J-14 and Meyer were the only vegetative varieties with 40% or more cover in Aug 1997.
• HT-210, Victoria, and Z-18 did not survive the winter of 1996-97 and DeAnza and Miyako were severely injured during the winter of 1996-97.
• Seed of Korean Common was very slow to germinate and only a small amount of the seed germinated.
• Several more years of evaluation will be needed before the performance of these varieties of zoysiagrass can be more fully determined in Indiana.

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Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to biehlj@purdue.edu