Evaluation of Seeding/Sprigging, Nitrogen, and Traffic Rates on Late Established Hybrid Bermudagrass in the Transition Zone.

A studied was initiated in the summer of 2013 to evaluate seeding/sprigging, nitrogen, and traffic rates on establishment and survivability of hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers. var. dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) established late.  This study was at the Western Kentucky University Farm in Bowling Green, KY and the A.J. Powell Jr. Turf Experiment Station in Lexington, KY.  Three bermudagrass cultivars were utilized; ‘Tifway 419’, ‘Riviera’, and ‘Latitude 36’.  Riviera seeding rates consisted of 24.5, 49.0, and 98.0 kg/ha. Tifway 419 and Latitude 36 sprigging rates were 34.6, 69.2, and 138.4 m³/ha.  Nitrogen was applied weekly at rates of 12.2, 24.5, and 49.0 kg/ha for a total of seven applications.  Plots were seeded/sprigged on 7/15/3013.  Traffic treatments were applied utilizing a Cady traffic simulator.  Traffic rates were one and three events per week.  Traffic treatments began on 9/2/2013 and continued through 11/1/2013.  Percent bermudagrass cover, percent turfgrass disturbance, bermudagrass color, and turf quality were visually rated.  Initially, high sprigging rates of Tifway 419 along with high and medium sprigging rates of Latitude 36 had significantly higher bermudagrass cover rates.  However, prior to initiation of traffic treatments only the medium and low Riviera seeding rates showed significantly lower bermudagrass cover.  Initially, high nitrogen rates resulted in significantly higher bermudagrass cover and bermudagrass color readings.  However, as the study continued these differences were not present.  Nitrogen rate did not affect wear tolerance.  Latitude showed significantly less wear damage compared to Tifway 419 and Riviera.  High traffic resulted in significantly greater wear compared to low traffic.  Initial results show that Latitude 36 is superior to Tifway 419 and Riviera in wear tolerance.  High sprigging/seeding and nitrogen rates may not be necessary for successful establishment of hybrid bermudagrass when established late in the transition zone.