The USGA continues to support buffalograss breeding at the University of Nebraska. Researchers evaluate advanced buffalograss for turfgrass performance under minimal irrigation.
Buffalograss is a low-maintenance grass. Yet, proper management during establishment saves headaches down the road. Aggressive weed control is critical until the new stand has matured. Early weed control promotes quicker establishment and reduced weed competition.
Competition from weeds causes thinning of the turf during establishment. Preliminary research suggests several products are safe to use on buffalograss. Drive, Tenacity, Dismiss, and SquareOne were safe when applied at seeding or after emergence.
The USGA continues to support buffalograss breeding at the University of Nebraska. ‘Sundancer’ is the newest seeded buffalograss and is available through the Native Turfgrass Group. Researchers evaluated ‘Sundancer’ in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
‘Sundancer’ has better color, turf quality, and establishment rate compared to other seeded buffalograsses. ‘Sundancer’ also performed the best when evaluated for fall color, percent cover and canopy density. Additionally, ‘Sundancer’ was among the best for leaf texture, internode length and seed production characteristics.
Buffalograss requires fewer maintenance inputs – like water – once it is established than some other commonly used grass species. Turfgrasses that conserve water will help meet the existing economic and environmental concerns facing golf. Advancements in Buffalograss breeding demonstrate that this species has the ability to meet the challenges of limited water availability and high temperatures.
Source: Mike Kenna
Additional Information:
Buffalograss on the Golf Course
Buffalograss: Tough Native Turfgrass
Buffalograss Breeding And Genetics