Development of Fine Textured Seeded Types and Clonally Propagated Zoysiagrasses.

We are working to develop fine textured germplasm/cultivar(s) of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) with high seed yields that offer an economical alternative to vegetative types.  In 2015 we began our third cycle of recurrent selection and planted a Spaced Plant Nursery of 1,750 progeny with ‘Zenith’ and ‘Compadre’ as checks. Focus is to select for individuals with high seed yield potential along with high turf quality and persistence under biotic and abiotc stresses.  In addition, three synthetics (3-parent each) were planted in the summer of 2014.  Syn-1 (TAES 6619) produced only 17.5g /54 sq. ft.  The yield from Syn-2 (DALZ 1512) was much better and yielded 171g /54 sq. ft. (estimated 303.4 lbs./acre).  Syn-3 (DALZ 1513) yielded 163 g /54 sq. ft. (estimated 289.3 lbs./acre).  Seed from these three synthetics were scarified with 30% NaOH for 35 min and planted in a replicated field trial to evaluate turf quality characteristics. We have also been working on a collaborative project between Texas A&M AgriLife, Kansas State University and Purdue University since 2012 to develop clonally propagated fine textured and cold hardy zoysiagrasses for the transition zone.  Texas A&M breeding team developed approximately 2,800 new hybrids by utilizing cold hardiness genetics contributed by ‘Meyer’ (or its derivatives) and large patch (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) tolerance genetics contributed by ‘Carrizo’ (or its derivatives). These hybrids were tested at three locations (Dallas, TX; Manhattan, KS and West Lafayette, IN) from 2012 to 2014.  Based on the cold hardiness and texture ratings in comparison to Meyer primarily, we have selected the top 2% (60 hybrids) for advanced testing in the 2015 Zoysiagrass Cooperative Test currently underway at ten locations across the transition zone: Blacksburg, VA; Chicago, IL; Columbia, MO; Dallas, TX; Fayetteville, AR; Knoxville, TN; Manhattan, KS; Raleigh, NC; Stillwater, OK and West Lafayette, IN.