Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review

Since its introduction into the United States circa 1900, zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.) has made a tremendous impact on the turfgrass industry. Three species of zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica, Z. matrella, and Z. pacifica) collected from Asia and introduced into the United States are utilized directly in turf production or utilized by turfgrass breeders in the development of advanced lines. Golf courses, lawns, grounds, sod farms, sports turf, roadsides, and airports are some of the many locations were zoysiagrass is utilized. While over 40 improved cultivars of zoysiagrass are utilized in some capacity at these sites, active efforts to improve zoysiagrass further and expand its utilization are ongoing. This symposium presentation will address and discuss the history of zoysiagrass; advantages and disadvantages to its utilization; breeding history, methodology, and challenges; and future prospects and potential for this species in the United States.