Feature Story
Bermudagrasses AN UPDATE By Tom Samples and John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, Department of Plant Sciences
B
ermudagrass, an aggressive sod-forming and warm-season turfgrass, most likely originated in Africa and south and southeastern Asia. It is believed that the species was introduced into the U.S. in the mid- 1700’s from seed in hay used as bedding on ships sailing from Africa to America. Some turf-type bermudagrasses in today’s marketplace are non-seed bearing hybrids of two Cynodon species, C. dactylon
(Common) and C. transvaalensis (African), and must be vegetatively established. Others are improved varieties of ‘Common’ bermudagrass and are prolific seed producers often referred to as ‘seeded-types’. Plants spread by both above- and belowground stems referred to as stolons and rhizomes, respectively.
Bermudagrass grows best in open areas receiving full sun and although a limited number of varieties have improved shade
Auricles – Absent
Collar – Continuous
Ligule – Short membrane with hairs
10 North Carolina Turf gr a ss
tolerance, the species is generally not well adapted in moderately to heavily shaded areas. Leaves and stems become strawbrown as plants enter dormancy each fall. A healthy, actively growing bermudagrass turf is dense, uniform, resistant to weed invasion and capable of quickly recovering from wear injury. Under ideal growing conditions, and in nutrient-rich soils, newly planted sprigs of several varieties may grow at the rate of ¾-inch or more per day.
Leaf Tip – Sharply pointed
Leaf Blade – Flat with visible midvein
Sheath – Compressed to round, loose, split,
