Development of Seeded Zoysiagrass Cultivars with Improved Turf Quality and High Seed Yields.

Zoysiagrass is most often vegetatively propagated by plugging, sprigging, or sodding.  Vegetatively produced grasses provide considerably higher quality turf, however, marketing and distribution is easier with seeded cultivars.  The objective of this breeding project is to develop seeded cultivars of zoysiagrass that are genetically stable with improved turf quality, high seed yields, persistence, and competitive ability.  Initial breeding efforts to develop seeded type zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) were carried out at Texas AgriLife Research – Dallas during 2000-2002. Preliminary work involving cycles of recombination and selection of zoysiagrass germplasm resulted in the selection of 53 out of approximately 1600 experimental lines that exhibit high seed yield potential and turf quality.  The 53 advanced lines were categorized into three texture classes (e.g. – fine, medium coarse and coarse) and planted in isolation blocks in 2009 to facilitate cross pollination within each textural class.  Bulk seed was harvested from each of the isolation blocks in 2010.  Seed lots from the fine textured class is being tested for percent germination and seedling vigor.  Progeny derived from the fine texture class seed parents will be advanced to a spaced plant nursery in 2011 for another cycle of a recurrent selection.  Simultaneously, turf plots will be planted by direct seeding to evaluate performance under traditional management practices. The intended outcome of this research is to produce improved seeded germplasm/cultivar(s) of zoysiagrass for use on golf course playing surfaces and other recreational sites to facilitate availability, rapid establishment and genetic diversity compared to vegetatively propagated genotypes of zoysiagrass.