Cultivar Affects Field Emergence, Establishment Rate, and First-Year Traffic Tolerance of Seeded Bermudagrasses in the Transition Zone

Slow field emergence and establishment rates of some seeded bermudagrasses [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] contribute to extreme competition from weeds, sometimes leading to failure of stand establishment. Previous work has also indicated significant differences in tolerance to simulated athletic traffic among some bermudagrass cultivars. This study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in Lexington, KY, to quantify field emergence rates, establishment rates, and tolerances to simulated traffic applied during the establishment year among seeded bermudagrass cultivars. Nineteen cultivars were evaluated representing all of the seeded bermudagrasses available for purchase from commercial retailers at the beginning of the study. The effect of cultivar was highly significant (P < 0.001) for days to field emergence, days to maximum cover, and traffic tolerance in both years. 'Riviera' was equivalent to or very nearly the slowest for field emergence in both years. 'Casino Royale' was the fastest or equivalent to the fastest for field emergence in both years. 'Yukon' was the slowest to reach maximum cover in both years. 'Sovereign' reached maximum cover quickest in 2010. Riviera and Sovereign were equivalent in reaching maximum cover in 2011. Riviera and Yukon ranked highest and lowest, respectively, in tolerance to simulated athletic traffic. We conclude that there are highly significant differences in how cultivars in the upper transition zone should be expected to perform regarding successful establishment and tolerance to simulated athletic traffic applied during the establishment year.