Rhizome and stolon development of bermudagrass cultivars in a transition-zone environment

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a warm season turfgrass that spreads by stolons and rhizomes. The present study aimed to increase knowledge on development of stolons and rhizomes in fertile (‘LaPaloma’ and ‘Yukon’) and sterile (‘Patriot’ and ‘Tifway’) cultivars of bermudagrass. A plot trial was established in May 2013 in Legnaro, northeastern Italy. Fertile cultivars were seeded while sterile cultivars were established by vegetative plugs. Turf samples were collected from autumn 2013 until summer 2015 on March, July, and October. Total length of stolons and rhizomes was measured and total dry weight was determined. The concentration of starch in stolons and rhizomes in October was also determined. The stolon and rhizome density per unit area, the rhizome specific weight, and the rhizome/stolon length and weight ratios were calculated. Sterile cultivars had higher stolon and rhizome density compared to fertile cultivars for both length. In all cultivars, the production of stolons was favoured over that of rhizomes and rhizomes began to develop more in the second season after establishment. Cultivars did not differ significantly in starch content, indicating no relationship between stolon and rhizome density and carbohydrate reserve accumulations.Abbreviations: LD: length density per unit area; WD: weight density per unit area; SW: specific weight; LR: rhizome-to-stolon length ratio; WR: rhizome-to-stolon weight ratio; TS: total starch per unit area