`MS-Pride` Bermudagrass
An improved Bermudagrass plant, having superior properties, suitable for a variety of turf applications, is disclosed. The Bermudagrass is characterized by a medium to dark green color, short-head density, low seed-head density, fine-leaf texture, excellent fall color retention, excellent sod strength, average cold tolerance, good shape tolerance as compared to other Bermudagrasses, excellent dollar spot and leaf-spot resistance.
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The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Bermudagrass, which has excellent turfgrass quality, good pest resistance and above-average environmental stress hardiness. The inventive Bermudagrass is suitable for use on residential lawns, sports fields, golf fairways and tees.
The inventive Bermudagrass is characterized by a medium to dark green color, high-shoot density, low seed-head density, fine-leaf texture, excellent fall color retention, excellent sod strength, average cold tolerance, good shade tolerance as compared to other bermuda grasses, excellent dollar spot and leaf-spot resistance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESThe plant is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, which are color photographs of the inventive Bermudagrass.
FIG. 1 reflects whole plant features of mowed and unmowed turf.
FIG. 2 is a photograph of a field plot of mowed turf.
FIG. 3 is a photograph of a typical inflorescence structure showing three racemes per stalk.
FIG. 4 is a photograph reflecting the leaf blade and sheath features of the inventive plant.
FIG. 5 is a photograph reflecting an abaxial view of spikelets of the inventive Bermudagrass.
FIG. 6 is a photograph reflecting an adaxial view of spikelets of the inventive Bermudagrass.
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTIONMS-Pride (experimental name MSB-10) is a distinct genotype of Cynodon that was developed and is vegatatively propagated at the Plant Science Research Center, Mississippi Agricultural and Mississippi State University, MS. MS-Pride originated from a the 5th fairway at the Vicksburg Country Club, on Aug. 20, 1980. Persons knowledgeable of Vicksburg Country Club's history said that this fairway was established with Bermudagrass seed in the mid-1960's, has existed as a golf fairway since its original planting, and had not been intentionally replanted with Bermudagrass seed, sprigs, plugs or sod since 1960. MS-Pride's origin may be from anyone of the following sources: (a) a seed within the original seed lot; (b) a seed or plant introduced unintentionally to this site; or (c) a plant that developed as a result of an environmentally selected mutation(s).
The identifying features of the original clone of MS-Pride were a medium green color, fine leaf texture, upright growth of leaves, and a high shoot density. The size of the original clone was approximately 6 ft in diameter. A 4 inch diameter plug was removed from the center of the clone and transplanted to a Bermudagrass nursery located at the Plant Science Research Center. MS-Pride was 1 of 72 ecotypes of Bermudagrass planted and maintained its original green color, fine leaf texture, upright growth of leaves, and high shoot density.
In 1986, MS-Pride was included in a regional Bermudagrass evaluation test located at 15 sites encompassing 11 states. Data was collected from 1986 to 1990. The findings from this study confirmed MS-Pirde's medium green color, high shoot density, and low seed head density. In addition, MS-Pride was found to have moderate cold tolerance, good shade tolerance, excellent dollar spot and good leafspot resistance, and at all 15 evaluation sites excellent turfgrass quality.
Morphological DescriptionMS-Pride has a narrow leaf width (1.1 to 1.5 mm), long leaf length (23.0 to 35.0 mm), medium internode length (8.3 to 1.07 mm) diameter (Table 1).
Seed Head DensityThe seed head density of MS-Pride was measured at 3 location for 2 or 3 years depending on location (Table 2). At all three location, MS-Pride had slightly less than average seed head density compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Genetic ColorThe genetic color of MS-Pride was visually rated at 7 locations for 1 to 2 years depending on location (Table 3). At all locations, MS-Pride's color was rated dark to moderate green. The stolons are light green and rhizomes are white.
The color designation of MS-Pride is 7.5 GY 4/6 using a Munsell color chart rating.
Shoot DensityThe shoot density of MS-Pride was measured at 2 locations for 1 or 2 years depending on location (Table 4). MS-Pride has a high shoot density which reflects a competitive growth habit, excellent wear tolerance potential, and good surface resiliency.
Shade ToleranceThe shade tolerance of MS-Pride was measured at 1 location for 2 years (Table 5). MS-Pride has better than average shade tolerance compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Ploiday Level and Chromosome NumberMS-Pride's ploidy level and chromosome number were determined and compared to other Bermudagrasses (Table 6). MS-Pride was found to be a triploid with 27 chromosomes.
Turfgrass Quality RatingThe overall turf quality of MS-Pride was measured at 15 locations for 1, 2 or 3 years depending on location (Table 7). MS-Pride had higher than average turf quality compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested. The high turf quality of MS-Pride indicates that it will have widespread appeal and acceptance as a turf.
Leaf TextureLeaf texture based on a visual rating was measured at 8 locations for 1 or 2 years depending on location (Table 8). These rating confirmed MS-Pride as a fine leaf textured Bermudagrass. The fine leaf texture of MS-Pride makes it a suitable for golf course fairways, home lawns, and sports fields.
Establishment RateThe establishment rate of MS-Pride was measured at scheduled intervals over a 54 day period post-planting (Table 9). MS-Pride has a slow establishment rate compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested. At the end of the establishment period, MS-Pride had a 92% turf cover.
Fall Color RetentionFall color retention of MS-Pride was measured during November at 6 locations for 1 or 3 years depending on location (Table 10). MS-Pride had excellent fall color retention compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested. This feature has special appeal in subtropical and tropical regions (deep South regions of the United States) where chilling (dormancy) of Bermudagrass is borderline. MS-Pride's better than average fall color retention makes it highly desirable in these regions.
Unmowed Height and Sod StrengthThe unmowed height and sod strength of MS-Pride was measured at 1 location for 1 year and 1 location for 2 years, respectively (Table 11). MS-Pride had a low unmowed height and better than average sod strength compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Low Temperature KillThe low temperature kill of MS-Pride was measured at 1 location for 2 consecutive years (Table 12). During both years, MS-Pride had only moderate low temperature kill compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Disease ResistanceMS-Pride's resistance to leafspot (Helminthosporium spp.) and dollar spot (Sclerotinia spp.) was measured at 1 location for 2 years (Table 13). MS-Pride's ratings for leafspot and dollar spot resistance were better than average compared to other Bermudagrasses tested.
Distinguishing Features of MS-PrideMS-Pride can be distinguished by morphological and turf performance characteristics. MS-Pride has high turf density and quality as illustrated in pot and field plot culture (FIGS. 1 and 2). MS-Pride's shoot structure is pilose on the abaxial leaf blade surface, pubescence tufted at the ligule margins, and glabrous on the adaxial leaf surface and sheath (FIG. 4). MS-Pride has a raceme inflorescence structure with 3 racemes attached per stalk in a single whorl (FIG. 3). Average spikelet density is one spikelet attached every 0.75 mm on the raceme stalk. Length of an average spikelet is 2.5 mm with glumes extending from 1/2 to 2/3 the length of a floret (FIGS. 5 and 6). The flower of MS-Pride has a purple stigma and yellow anthers.
Compared to MS-Choice, Midiron, Texturf 10, Tufcote, and MS-Express, MS-Pride has a narrower leaf width (Table 1). Leaf length of MS-Pride is longer than MS-Choice, Texturf 10, and Tifgreen. There are few differences in internode length between MS-Pride and the other Bermudagrasses tested; however, diameters of MS-Pride's internodes and nodes were smaller compared to those found in MS-Choice, Midiron, Text 10, and Tifgreen. Seed head density of MS-Pride was less than Tifgreen, Texturf 10, Tufcote, Midiron, MS-Express, and Arizona Common (Table 2).
MS-Pride has turf performance characteristics that distinguish it from other Bermudagrasses. MS-Pride has sod strength significantly greater than all other Bermudagrasses tested (Table 5). This feature is important because MS-Pride plants lack viable seed and they must rely on sod for propagation. The high sod strength of MS-Pride turf provides efficient sod harvest, handling, and installation.
MS-Pride, light all turf grasses, has a tendency to thatch. The tendency to thatch in this grass is limited. The thatch is comprised of dead leaves, dead or living stolons and dead or living crowns. In contrast to other Bermudagrasses, MS-Pride has an average tendency to thatch.
The mowing height range for MS-Pride is from 1/2-2 inches. This Bermudagrass may not be suitable for use for golf putting greens. Another distinctive turf feature of MS-Pride is excellent shade tolerance (Table 5). MS-Pride has significantly better shade tolerance than Tifway, Tifway II, Texturf 10, Tufcote, Common, and Midiron Bermudagrasses. Shade tolerance, like sod strength, is a key feature that given MS-Pride high turf desirability.
Other performance characteristics of MS-Pride ranked above average compared to the other grasses tested. Some of these features are high turf quality, good shoot density, good fall color retention, fine leaf texture, good resistance to low temperature kill, and good disease resistance. The following characteristics are also distinctive:
(a) Leaf color is line green and rated 7.5 GY 4/6 based on a Munsell.RTM. color chart for plant tissue. There is no anthocyanin pigmentation expressed in leaves during the fall. The average leaf width is 1.3 mm and average length 29.0 mm.
(b) The grass has a dense canopy of leaves erect from a prostrate base of creeping, strong stolons. Rhizomes are stout, branched profusely. Stolon color is 5 GY 7.8 based on a Munsell.RTM. color chart for plant tissue. There is no anthocyanin pigmentation expressed in stolons during the fall. The average stolon internode diameter is 0.65 mm, the average stolon node diameter is 0.85 mm, and average stolon internode length is 11.8 mm.
(c) The grass has an extensive fibrous root system initiated from the nodes of stolons and rhizomes.
(d) Leaves are folded in the bud shoot; the blades are mostly flat or slightly V-shaped with a only the midvein visible; and the leaf tip is tapered to an acute apex.
(e) The grass has a moderate frequency of inflorescence formation having an average density of 450 inflorscence per square meter. Average height of culms is 35 mm. The inflorescence consists of 2 to 3 digitate spikes at the top of the main stem, folded down at a 30 to 40 degree angle from vertical, spikelets sessiled and closely appressed. The average length of a spike is 23 mm.
(f) The grass blade is pilose on the abaxial and glabrous on adaxial surface. The ligule consists of a fringe of hairs. The sheath is glabrous, split with margins overlapping, and pubescence tufted at the side of the ligule. The collar is a continuous narrow band, glabrous and auricles are absent.
(g) The spikelets are glabrous in two rows, blunt at their base and pointed at their tips. Spikelets are attached an average distance of 0.75 mm along the spikes. The length of an average spikelet is 2.5 mm with glumes extending 1/2 to 2/3 the length of a floret. The spikelet has stigmas of light purple-red color rated as a 5 RP 7/8 based on a Munsell.RTM. color chart for plant tissue.
(h) The grass has a somatic chromosome number of 27 and classed as a tripolid.
TABLE 1
______________________________________
A quantitative comparison of morphological features that describe
the whole plant morphology of MS-Pride and eight other
bermudagrasses.
Bermudagrass
Leaf Leaf Internode
Internode
Node
Entry Width Length Length Diameter
Diameter
______________________________________
mm
MS-Pride 1.3 29.0 11.8 0.65 0.85
MS-Choice 2.4 22.6 10.2 1.43 1.65
Midiron 2.3 35.8 15.7 1.00 1.35
Texturf 10
1.8 22.9 9.4 1.28 1.28
Turfcote 1.7 33.7 12.9 1.10 1.33
MS-Express
1.8 23.8 11.1 0.95 1.25
Tifgreen 1.3 22.3 9.4 0.90 1.22
TIfway II 1.3 27.2 10.9 0.64 0.85
Tifway 1.2 28.2 11.8 0.67 0.89
LSD (.05) .22 5.66 3.02 0.172 0.222
Mean 1.65 27.27 11.47 0.93 1.18
______________________________________
TABLE 2
______________________________________
Comparative seed head density of MS-Pride and nine other
bermudagrasses.
Field Plot Locations
Bermudagrass
Starkville Las Cruces
Blacksburg
Entry Mississippi New Mexico
Virginia
______________________________________
MS-Choice 8.8.sup.1 9.0 9.0
Tifgreen 4.0 4.7 6.2
Tifway 7.0 7.8 8.2
Tifway II 7.3 7.8 7.8
Texturf 10
5.3 8.0 6.7
Tufcote 7.5 5.3 7.7
Midiron 5.7 5.0 7.3
MS-Pride 7.3 7.9 7.7
MS-Express
4.3 5.1 6.5
Arizona Common
4.7 5.9 6.7
LSD (.05) 0.77 0.67 0.82
Mean 6.2 6.6 7.4
Cultivar X Year
* ** **
interaction.
Years data was
1987 1986 1987
collected.
1988 1987 1988
1988
______________________________________
.sup.1 Seed head density rating based on a 1 to 9 scale; with 1 = high
seed head density adn 9 = no seed heads.
*,** Significant at the .05 and .01 level of probability, respectively.
TABLE 3
______________________________________
Comparative genetic color of MS-Pride and nine other bermudagrasses.
______________________________________
Field Plot Location
Bermudagrass
Tucson Santa Ana Gainsville
Starkville
Entry Arizona California
Florida
Mississippi
______________________________________
MS-Choice 7.0.sup.1
9.0 7.3 7.7
Tifgreen 6.3 7.0 5.2 5.0
Tifway 6.7 8.0 7.0 6.3
Tifway II 6.3 8.0 6.8 7.0
Texturf 10 6.3 7.7 5.8 5.3
Tufcote 6.7 6.7 5.8 5.0
Midiron 6.7 7.7 5.7 5.3
MS-Pride 6.0 7.7 6.8 7.0
MS-Express 6.3 7.7 6.2 5.0
Arizona Common
5.3 5.7 5.2 5.0
LSD (.05) NS 0.75 0.55 0.65
Mean 6.4 7.5 6.2 5.9
Cultivar X Year **
interaction.
Years data was
1987 1987 1987 1988
collected. 1988
______________________________________
Field Plot Location
Bermudagrass
Las Cruces Stilwater
Cleveland
Entry New Mexico Oklahoma Texas
______________________________________
MS-Choice 7.5 8.0 8.7
Tifgreen 6.8 6.3 7.7
Tifway 7.0 7.7 9.0
Tifway II 7.7 6.0 8.0
Texturf 10
7.0 7.3 8.0
Tufcote 7.2 4.7 7.3
Midiron 6.3 6.7 7.0
MS-Pride 7.7 6.3 8.7
MS-Express
6.7 6.3 7.7
Arizona Common
5.5 6.0 6.7
LSD (.05) NS 1.08 0.80
Mean 6.9 6.6 7.9
Cultivar X Year
NS
interaction.
Years data was
1986 1988 1988
collected.
1987
______________________________________
.sup.1 Genetic color rating based on a 1 to 9 scale; with 1 = light green
color and 9 = dark green color.
*,** Significant at the .05 and .01 level of probability, respectively.
TABLE 4
______________________________________
Comparative shoot density of MS-Pride and nine other bermudagrasses.
Field Plot Location
Bermudagrass Las Cruces
Stillwater
Entry New Mexico
Oklahoma
______________________________________
MS-Choice 8.4.sup.1 8.0
Tifgreen 8.4 7.7
MS-Pride 8.1 7.3
Texturf 10 7.8 8.0
Tifway 7.7 7.7
Midiron 7.9 7.0
Tifway II 7.3 7.7
MS-Express 7.3 7.3
Tufcote 6.3 7.7
Arizona Common 3.9 6.0
LSD (0.05) 0.61 0.95
Mean 7.3 7.5
Entry x Year ** NA
Interaction
Year(s) data was
1986 1987
recorded 1987
______________________________________
.sup.1 Shoot density rating based on a visual scale; with 1 = low density
and 9 = high density.
*, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 5
______________________________________
Comparative shade tolerance of MS-Pride and nine other bermudagrasses.sup.
Bermudagrass
Entry Shade Tolerance
______________________________________
MS-Choice 4.9.sup.2
MS-Pride 4.5
Tifgreen 4.3
MS-Express 4.3
Tifway II 3.8
Tifway 3.7
Texturf 10 3.5
Tufcote 3.4
Arizona Common 2.5
Midiron 2.1
LSD (0.05) 0.39
Mean 3.7
Cultivar X Year
**
interaction
Years data was 1987
collected 1988
______________________________________
.sup.1 Field plots located in Starkville, MS.
.sup.2 Shade tolerance based on a visual scale of 1 to 9: with 9 =
excellent shade tolerance and 1 = poor shade tolerance.
*, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 6
______________________________________
The ploidy level and chromosome number of MS-Pride and nine other
bermudagrasses.
Bermudagrass
Entry Ploidy Level
Chromosome Number
______________________________________
MS-Choice Tetraploid
.sup. 36.sup.1
Texturf 10 36
Turfcote 36
Midiron 36
Arizona Common 36
MS-Express Triploid 27
MS-Pride 27
Tifgreen 27
Tifway 27
Tifway II 27
______________________________________
.sup.1 Chromosome numbers were determined using squashes of root tips.
TABLE 7
______________________________________
Comparative turfgrass quality of MS-Pride and nine other
______________________________________
bermudagrasses.
Field Plot Location
Bermudagrass
Tucson Santa Ana Riverside
Gainsville
Entry Arizona California
California
Florida
______________________________________
MS-Choice 7.5.sup.1
6.3 4.9 5.7
Tifgreen 7.3 5.8 5.4 4.8
Tifway 7.8 6.5 5.5 5.8
Tifway II 7.9 6.5 5.7 5.7
Texturf 10 7.8 5.8 5.1 5.1
Tufcote 7.3 5.4 5.2 5.6
Midiron 6.2 5.8 4.9 4.9
MS-Pride 8.3 6.5 5.3 6.0
MS-Express 7.8 5.9 5.8 5.2
Arizona Common
5.5 4.4 4.7 4.9
LSD (.05) 0.54 0.33 0.55 0.32
Mean 7.3 5.9 5.2 5.4
Cultivar X Year ** NS **
interaction.
Year(s) data was
1988 1986 1986 1987
collected. 1987 1987 1988
1988 1988
______________________________________
Field Plot Location
Bermudagrass
Manhattan
Wichita Baton Rogue
Silver Springs
Entry Kansas Kansas Louisiana
Maryland
______________________________________
MS-Choice 6.9 8.0 7.0 6.0
Tifgreen 6.9 7.8 7.7 6.2
Tifway 6.3 8.2 7.6 6.3
Tifway II 6.5 8.4 7.6 6.4
Texturf 10 6.7 7.9 6.9 5.3
Tufcote 6.9 7.7 7.3 5.8
Midiron 6.7 7.7 6.7 5.4
MS-Pride 6.5 8.3 7.5 6.4
MS-Express 6.8 8.1 7.6 7.7
Arizona Common
5.0 5.9 6.3 5.0
LSD (.05) 0.38 0.30 0.59 NS
Mean 6.5 7.8 7.2 6.1
Cultivar X Year
** ** *
interaction.
Year(s) data was
1987 1986 1987 1988
collected. 1988 1987 1988
1988
______________________________________
Field Plot Location
Bermudagrass
Starkville
Las Cruces
Cleveland
Beltsville
Entry Mississippi
New Mexico
Texas Maryland
______________________________________
MS-Choice 6.1.sup.1 7.3 8.0 7.0
Tifgreen 7.4 6.3 9.0 7.3
Tifway 6.7 7.0 7.7 6.6
Tifway II 6.9 7.5 8.0 6.8
Texturf 10 5.6 6.8 5.7 6.5
Tufcote 5.5 6.2 5.7 6.7
Midiron 5.1 6.5 5.3 5.8
MS-Pride 6.9 7.2 8.0 6.9
MS-Express 7.6 6.7 8.7 7.0
Arizona Common
4.1 3.8 4.0 4.5
LSD (.05) 0.19 0.49 1.14 0.38
Mean 6.2 6.5 7.0 6.5
Cultivar X Year
** ** NA **
interaction.
Year(s) data was
1986 1986 1988 1986
collected. 1987 1987 1987
1988 1988 1988
______________________________________
Field Plot Location
Bermudagrass
Blacksburg Blackstone Virginia Beach
Entry Virginia Virginia Virginia
______________________________________
MS-Choice 5.9 6.8 6.7
Tifgreen 5.9 6.8 6.2
Tifway 6.5 7.0 6.3
Tifway II 6.1 6.8 6.9
Texturf 10 6.0 6.6 5.7
Tufcote 5.8 6.4 4.9
Midiron 5.0 5.8 5.9
MS-Pride 5.8 6.8 6.4
MS-Express 6.5 6.8 6.0
Arizona Common
4.2 5.0 3.9
LSD (.05) 0.43 0.38 0.77
Mean 5.8 6.5 5.9
Cultivar X Year
* ** NA
interaction.
Year(s) data was
1986 1986 1986
collected. 1987 1988
1988
______________________________________
.sup.1 Turfgrass quality ratings based on a 1 to 9 scale with 1 = poor
turfgrass quality and 9 = excellent turf quality.
*, ** Significant at the .05 and .01 level of probability, respectively.
TABLE 8
______________________________________
Comparative leaf texture of MS-Pride and nine other bermudagrasses.
______________________________________
Field Plot Locations
Tucson Wichita Gainsville
Starkville
Cultivar Arizona Kansas Florida
Mississippi
______________________________________
MS-Choice 5.3.sup.1
6.7 5.7 5.0
Tifgreen 7.3 9.0 7.5 7.7
Tifway 7.0 7.7 7.8 6.0
Tifway II 6.3 8.3 8.2 6.0
Texturf 10 5.7 8.0 5.5 5.0
Tufcote 5.7 6.0 7.0 5.0
Midiron 5.3 4.0 5.8 5.0
MS-Pride 6.7 7.3 8.0 6.0
MS-Express 7.7 9.0 7.3 8.0
Arizona Common
4.3 3.7 2.7 4.3
LSD (.05) 0.92 0.68 1.01 0.43
Mean 6.1 7.0 6.6 5.8
Cultivar X Year **
interaction.
Year(s) data was
1987 1986 1987 1988
collected. 1988
______________________________________
Field Plot Locations
Las Cruces Baton Rogue
Virginia
Cultivar New Mexico Louisiana Virginia
______________________________________
MS-Choice 6.5 6.3 4.7
Tifgreen 9.0 9.0 7.0
Tifway 8.2 9.0 6.0
Tifway II 8.3 9.0 5.7
Texturf 10 5.8 6.3 5.7
Tufcote 6.7 9.0 3.7
Midiron 6.8 7.7 4.3
MS-Pride 8.5 9.0 6.0
MS-Express 8.8 9.0 6.0
Arizona Common
4.2 6.3 2.3
LSD (.05) 0.79 0.79 1.19
Mean 7.3 8.1 5.1
Cultivar X Year
**
interaction.
Year(s) data was
1986 1988 1988
collected. 1987
______________________________________
.sup.1 Leaf texture rating based on a 1 to 9 scale; with 1 = coarse leaf
texture and 9 = fine leaf texture.
*, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 9
______________________________________
Comparative establishment rate of MS-Pride and other
bermudagrasses.
Days After Planting.sup.1
Bermudagrass
Entry 26 33 40 47 54
______________________________________
% cover
Arizona Common
65.0.sup.2
66.7 90.0 97.7 100.0
Midiron 36.7 43.3 76.7 91.7 100.0
MS-Choice 36.7 38.3 71.7 88.3 100.0
Tifgreen 35.0 41.7 80.0 91.7 100.0
MS-Express 35.3 45.0 86.7 88.3 98.3
Tufcote 35.0 40.0 76.7 91.0 98.3
Texturf 10 31.7 43.3 73.3 88.3 98.3
Tifway 25.0 30.0 51.7 66.7 93.3
Tifway II 21.7 28.3 41.7 73.3 93.3
MS-Pride 20.0 28.3 51.7 66.7 91.7
LSD (0.05) 14.3 14.7 18.7 20.3 8.2
Mean 34.2 40.5 70.0 84.4 97.3
______________________________________
.sup.1 All entries were planted on 620-86 using 2 inch diameter plugs
spaces on 1 ft intervals. Plots were located in Starkville, MS and plot
size was 5 .times. 10 ft.
.sup.2 The % cover was based on a visual estimation of the % of the plot
area covered by vegetation.
TABLE 10
______________________________________
Comparative fall color retention of
MS-Pride and nine other bermudagrasses.
Field Plot Location
Bermuda- Raleigh Starkville Loc. 2
grass Beltsville
North Mississ-
Las Cruces
New
Entry Maryland Carolina ippi New Mexico
Mexico
______________________________________
MS-Pride
5.3.sup.1
6.7 6.5 4.3 5.3
Tifway 4.8 6.7 6.2 4.6 5.7
Tifway II
4.5 7.3 6.5 4.4 5.7
Tufcote 2.8 6.3 5.3 3.2 3.3
Midirion
2.3 3.7 4.2 3.1 3.3
Texturf 10
2.2 5.3 3.2 2.6 5.0
MS-Choice
2.0 5.7 4.2 3.4 4.3
Tifgreen
2.0 6.3 3.2 2.0 4.0
MS-Express
1.7 6.7 3.0 2.1 4.3
Arizona 1.7 5.7 4.5 3.4 2.3
Common
LSD (0.05)
0.68 1.54 0.43 0.76 1.74
Mean 2.9 6.0 4.7 3.3 4.3
Cultivar x
** NA ** ** NA
Year
interaction
Year(s) data
1986 1986 1986 1986 1988
was 1987 1988 1987
collected 1988
______________________________________
.sup.1 Color ratings based on a visual scale of color with; 9 = green
color and 1 = brown color.
*, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 11
______________________________________
Comparative height of unmowed plots and sod strength of MS-Pride and
nine other bermudagrasses.
______________________________________
Plant Measurement
Unmoved Sod
Bermudagrass Height Strength
Entry cm lbs
______________________________________
Arizona Common 31.7.sup.1
26.8.sup.2
Tufcote 8.7 39.3
Midiron 5.7 39.5
Tifway II 5.0 121.5
MS-Choice 4.3 65.5
Texturf 10 4.3 77.8
Tifway 4.3 95.2
MS-Express 4.0 86.7
MS-Pride 4.0 157.7
Tifgreen 3.3 74.7
LSD (0.05) 1.8 34.5
Mean 7.5 78.5
Entry x Year Interaction
NA NS
Year(s) data was collected
1986 1987
1988
Location Las Cruces
Starkville
New Mexico
Mississippi
______________________________________
.sup.1 The shoot height was determined by measuring the height of the
grass at its maximum length above the soil surface.
.sup.2 Sod strength was determined by measuring the amount of force (lbs)
required to shear an 18 .times. 24 .times. 1" section of sod.
TABLE 12
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Comparative turf mortality due to winter kill of MS-Pride and nine
other bermudagrasses.sup.1.
Year
Bermudagrass 1987 1988
Entry % turf mortality
______________________________________
Tufcote 0.sup.2 0
Tifgreen 3.3 1.7
MS-Express 1.7 5.0
Texturf 10 3.3 10.0
MS-Pride 5.0 25.0
Midiron 11.7 11.7
Tifway 5.0 36.7
Tifway II 5.0 36.7
MS-Choice 11.7 36.7
Arizona Common 35.0 88.3
LSD (0.05) 11.6 12.9
Mean 8.2 25.2
______________________________________
.sup.1 Field plot were located in Beltsville, MD.
.sup.2 The % of plot area lost to low temperature killed was based on a
visual evaluation of turf lost immediately following spring greenup in
May.
TABLE 13
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Comparative leafspot (Helminthosporium spp.) and dollarspot
(Sclerotinia spp.) disease resistance of MS-Pride and nine other
bermudagrasses.
Bermudagrass Disease Rating
Entry Leaf Spot
Dollar Spot
______________________________________
MS-Pride 8.8.sup.1
8.4
MS-Express 8.7 7.7
Tifgreen 8.3 7.3
Tifway II 8.3 8.5
Texturf 10 8.2 8.7
Tifway 8.2 8.7
MS-Choice 7.9 6.4
Midiron 7.8 8.7
Tufcote 7.0 8.8
Arizona Common 6.2 8.6
LSD (0.05) 0.73 0.83
Mean 7.9 8.2
Entry x Year ** **
Interaction
Year(s) data was
1986 1986
collected 1988 1988
______________________________________
.sup.1 Disease rating based on a visual scale of 1 to 9; with 9 = no
disease damage (excellent disease resistance) and 1 = high incidence of
disease damage (poor disease resistance).
*, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
Claims
1. A Bermudagrass plant substantially as described and illustrated in the specification herein.
- Krans, J.V., et al. "Registration of `MS-Pride` Bermudagrass" Crop Science 35:1506 (1995).
Type: Grant
Filed: Jan 4, 1996
Date of Patent: Mar 17, 1998
Assignee: Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS)
Inventors: Jeffrey V. Krans (Mississippi State, MS), H. Wayne Philley (Mississippi State, MS)
Primary Examiner: James R. Feyrer
Law Firm: Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier, & Neustadt, P.C.
Application Number: 8/582,964
International Classification: A01H 500;
