International Journal of Horticulture, 2017, Vol.7, No. 11, 82-94
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Emerald Zoysiagrass: Emerald zoysiagrass is a hybrid between
Zoysia japonica
and
Zoysia tenuifolia
and was
developed in 1955. This hybrid zoysiagrass has the characteristics of cold tolerance, colour, and faster growth rate
of one parent with the fine texture and density of the other parent. Emerald zoysiagrass resembles
Zoysia matrella
in colour, density, and texture but grows faster and has a wider adaptation. It is very fine leaf textured, good cold
tolerant, good shade tolerant, good wear resistant, and dark green colour, but it lacks the cold tolerance of Meyer
zoysiagrass. This zoysiagrass is excellent for high-quality lawns with an adequate maintenance program. Emerald
is susceptible to thatch accumulation and “puffiness” and is vulnerable to brown patch, dollar spot, and leaf spot
diseases.
Belaire Zoysiagrass: Belaire is an improved selection of
Zoysia japonica
developed in Maryland and released by
the USDA in 1985. It is excellent cold tolerant and medium green colour. Belaire has an open growth habit,
having a coarser leaf texture and faster growth rate than Meyer zoysiagrass. This cultivar is highly vulnerable to
brown patch disease.
El Toro Zoysiagrass: El Toro zoysiagrass is an improved selection of
Zoysia japonica
released in 1986 from
California. It resembles Meyer zoysiagrass in appearance but has a faster growth rate, improved colour in cooler
temperatures, and less thatch accumulation. El Toro also has early spring greenup like Meyer zoysiagrass and is
reported to have improved resistance to the rust diseases.
Cashmere Zoysiagrass: A Pursley Turf in Florida released as Cashmere zoysiagrass in 1988. This cultivar of
zoysiagrass resembles Emerald zoysiagrass in colour, density, and leaf texture, but it does not exhibit the stiff,
bristlelike feel of Emerald.
Seeded varieties of
Z. japonica
: ‘Zenith’, ‘Compadre’.
Vegetatively propagated selections.
Z. japonica
selections: ‘El Toro’, ‘Meyer’, ‘Palisades’.
Z. matrella
selections: ‘Cavalier’, ‘Diamond’, ‘Zeon’, ‘Zorro’.
Interspecific hybrids: ‘Emerald’, ‘Z-3’.
Other improved varieties: ‘De Anza’, ‘Empire Zoyia’, ‘JaMur’, ‘Toccoa Green’, ‘BA-189’.
Importance and uses: A number of species and varieties of zoysiagrass are utilized for residential and commercial
landscapes, athletic fields, and golf course tees, fairways, and roughs. These turfgrasses are good tolerant to cold
temperature, shade, and salt spray. Once established, zoysiagrasses give extremely dense, slow-growing sod that
can reduce weed growth and population. Because of slow growth, they require less-frequent mowing than other
turfgrasses.
4 Conclusions
In cool season, a grass mixture of fine-leaved bents and fescues is used, e.g.,
Agrotis tenuis
is mixed with
Festuca
rubra.
Cultivars of common Bermuda grass and zoysia grasses make the highest quality lawns in warm season. In
addition, it is a best idea one has to consider climate while selecting the grass in lawn as there are different species
and varieties for different climates. In wet climate, it is good to select a grass that can withstand these hardy
onslaughts and wood meadow grass mixed alongside rough-stalked meadow grass for the best appearance as well as
the for best covering. Utility lawns are developed for playing area of children or a space for outdoor entertainment.
In cool areas grasses like
Agrostis tenuis
and
Festuca rubra
var.
rubra
and
Paspalum notatum
(Bahia grass)
,
Axonopus
(carpet grass),
Cynodon dactylon
are used in warm region. Sports lawns comprise of a mixture of bents
and fescues just like high quality lawns. But for playing games like tennis for instance, it is again one should have an
idea to incorporate perennial ryegrass into the mix to provide that element of protection. Further, Bermuda grasses
are a best place to start and provide a hard-wearing, attractive surface.
