Bahiagrass Breeding for the U.S. Southern Coastal Plain.

UF-Riata is a novel diploid bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) developed for fall and early spring forage production for the southeastern U.S. It has improved forage growth under short-days and during the cool season. This bahiagrass exhibits lower photoperiod sensitivity, improved leaf tissue cold tolerance, and increased forage production during the cool season compared to the standard bahiagrass cultivars Argentine and Pensacola. Multi-location variety trials show UF-Riata is similar in total season yield to Tifton 9, but with improved seedling vigor and leaf tissue cold tolerance that promotes late fall-season growth and early spring-season growth. On average, UF-Riata seasonal forage yields have been greater than 25% compared with Argentine and Pensacola, and at least 8% compared with Tifton 9. UF-Riata was developed through recurrent selection breeding using ‘Pensacola’-derived bahiagrass plants collected from a number of locations in the southern U.S.A. Individual plants were selected for superior leaf tissue cold tolerance, as well as vigorous crown and forage production. Bahiagrass improvement through modified recurrent selection will continue with a focus on improving forage quality. Bahiagrass Breeding for the U.S. Southern Coastal Plain.