Lateral Growth and Leaf Texture of Diverse Zoysiagrass Progeny.

In addition to freezing tolerance, lateral growth characteristics and
leaf texture are important factors to consider in development of a new
zoysiagrass cultivar for use in the transition zone.  Thirty-one
zoysiagrasses, most of which were progeny resulting from the cross of a
Z. japonica x Z. matrella, were evaluated for stolon and rhizome growth
characteristics, rate of coverage, and leaf texture in randomized
complete block design experiments with three replications over two
growing seasons and two locations in Eastern Kansas; data were
subjected to ANOVA. Compared to Meyer zoysiagrass, a standard Z.
japonica cultivar used in the transition zone, several progeny having
the parents Cavalier (Z. matrella) x Chinese common (Z. japonica) had
greater stolon numbers. A few progeny from Cavalier x Chinese common
also exhibited a faster rate of stolon elongation; a greater number of
branches; and a faster rate of coverage than Meyer at 5 to 7 weeks
after planting. Some of the progeny with improved lateral growth
characteristics also had a finer leaf texture than Meyer, and one or
more may have potential for release as a new cultivar for transition
zone use.