`MS-Express` Bermudagrass

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT
The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Bermudagrass, which has excellent turfgrass quality, good pest resistance and above-average environmental stress hardiness. The inventive Bermudagrass is suitable for use on residential lawns, sports fields, golf fairways and tess.
The inventive Bermudagrass is characterized by a medium green color, high-shoot density, moderate seed head-density, fine-leaf texture, good fall color retention, average sod strength, excellent cold tolerance, good shade tolerance as compared to other Bermuda grasses, good dollar spot and good leaf-spot resistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The plant is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, which are color photographs of the inventive Bermudagrass.
FIG. 1 reflects whole plant features of mowed and unmowed turf.
FIG. 2 is a photograph of a field plot of mowed turf.
FIG. 3 is a photograph of a typical inflorescence structure showing three racemes per stalk.
FIG. 4 is a photograph reflecting the leaf blade and sheath features of the inventive plant.
FIG. 5 is a photograph reflecting an abaxial view of spikelets of the inventive Bermudagrass.
FIG. 6 is a photograph reflecting an adaxial view of spikelets of the inventive Bermudagrass.

MS-Express (experimental name MSB 20) is a distinct genotype of Cynodon that was developed and is vegatatively propagated at the Plant Science Research Center, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State, Miss. MS-Express originated from a single clone collected, from the 10th fairway at the Shady Oaks Country Club, Jackson, Miss. on Aug. 21, 1980. Persons knowledgeable of Shady Oaks Country Club's history said that this fairway was established with Bermudagrass seed in the 1913, has existed as a golf fairway since its original planting, and had not been intentionally replanted with Bermudagrass seed, sprigs, plugs or sod since 1913.
MS-Express's origin may be from anyone of the following sources: (a) a seed within the original seed lot; (b) a seed or plant introduced unintentionally to this site; or (c) a plant which developed as a result of an environmentally selected mutations.
The identifying features of the original clone of MS-Express were a medium green color, very fine leaf texture, prostrate leaf growth, and a high shoot density. The size of the original clone was approximately 2 ft in diameter. A 4 inch diameter plug was removed from the center of the clone and transplanted to a Bermudagrass nursery located at the Plant Science Research Center. MS-Express was 1 to 72 ecotypes of Bermudagrass planted and maintained in this nursery.
MS-Express was evaluated for 5 years in this nursery. During this period, MS-Express maintained its original green color, very fine leaf texture, prostrate growth of leaves, and high shoot density.
In 1986, MS-Express was included in a regional Bermudagrass evaluation trial located at 15 sites encompassing 11 states. Data was collected from 1986 to 1990. The findings from this study confirmed MS-Express's light to medium green color, prostrate leaf growth, and high shoot density.
Morphological Description
MS-Express has a medium leaf width (1.6 to 2.0 mm), short leaf length (17.8 to 29.8 mm), medium internode length (8.1 to 14.1 mm), medium internode diameter, (0.78 to 1.12 mm), and medium node diameter (1.03 to 1.47 mm) (Table 1).
Seed Head Density
The seed head density of MS-Express was measured at 3 location for 2 or 3 years depending on location (Table 2). At all three locations, MS-Express had slightly higher than average seed head density compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Genetic Color
The genetic color of MS-Express was visually rated at 7 locations for 1 or 2 years depending on location (Table 3). At all locations, MS-Express's color was rated light to medium green. The stolons are light green and rhizomes are white.
The color designation of MS-Express is 7.5 GY 5/8 using a Munsell color chart rating.
Shoot Density
The shoot density of MS-Express was measured at 2 location for 1 or 2 years depending on location (Table 4). MS-Express has a high shoot density that ranked average or slightly higher compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Shade Tolerance
The shade tolerance of MS-Express was measured at 1 location for 2 years (Table 5). MS-Express has a good tolerance to shade that ranked above average compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Ploidy Level and Chromosome Number
MS-Express's ploidy level and chromosome number were determined and compared to other Bermudagrasses (Table 6). MS-Express was found to be a triploid with 27 chromosomes.
Turfgrass Quality Rating
The overall turf quality of MS-Express was measured at 15 locations for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on location (Table 7). MS-Express has excellent turfgrass quality. In comparison to other Bermudagrasses tested, MS-Expressed at or near the top of the rankings depending on location.
Leaf Texture
Leaf texture based on a visual comparison was measured at 8 locations for 1 or 2 years depending on location (Table 8). MS-Express has a fine leaf texture that ranked well above average when compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Establishment Rate
The establishment rate of MS-Express was measured at 6 locations during the 1986 establishment year (Table 9). MS-Express had the highest establishment rate 4 to 5 weeks after planting compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Fall Color Retention
Fall color retention of MS-Express was measured during the month of November at 6 locations for 1 or 3 years depending on location (Table 10). MS-Express had good fall color retention that ranked at or slightly less than average when compared to other the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Unmowed Height and Sod Strength
The unmowed height and sod strength of MS-Express was measured at 1 location for 1 year and 1 location for 2 years, respectively (Table 11). MS-Express had a low unmowed height and average sod strength compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Low Temperature Kill
The low temperature kill of MS-Express was measured at 1 location for 2 consecutive years (Table 12). During both years, MS-Express showed better than average low temperature tolerance compared to the other Bermudagrasses tested.
Disease Resistance
MS-Express's resistance to leafspot (Helminthosporium spp.) and dollar spot (Sclerotinia spp.) was measured at 1 location for 2 years (Table 13). MS-Express showed good resistance to leafspot and slightly above average susceptibility to dollar spot compared to other Bermudagrasses tested.
Distinguishing Features of MS-Express
MS-Express can be distinguished by morphological and turf performance characteristics. MS-Express has high turf density and quality as illustrated in pot and field plot culture (FIG. 1 and 2). MS-Express's shoot structure is pilose on the abaxial and adaxial leaf blade surfaces, pubescence tufted at the ligule margins, and glabrous on the adaxial leaf surface and sheath (FIG. 4). MS-Express has a raceme inflorescence structure with 3 racemes attached per stalk in a single whorl (FIG. 3). Spikelet density is one spikelet attached every 1.73 mm on the raceme stalk. Length of an average spikelet is 2.30 mm with glumes extending 1/3 to 1/2 the length of a floret (FIG. 5 and 6). The flower of MS-Express has a purple stigma and yellow anthers.
MS-Express has a narrower leaf than MS-Choice and Midiron, but a wider leaf width than MS-Pride, Tifgreen, Tifway II, and Tifway (Table 1). Leaf length of MS-Express is shorter than Midiron and Tufcote. There were no difference in internode length between MS-Express and the other Bermudagrasses tested. The internode and node diameters of MS-Express were larger than MS-Pride, Tifway II, and Tifway, but smaller than MS-Choice and Texturf 10. Seed head density of MS-Express was higher than MS-Choice, Tifway, Tifway II, Texturf 10, Tufcote, Midiron, and MS-Pride (Table 2).
MS-Express has turf performance characteristics that distinguish it from other Bermudagrasses. Compared to other fine textured Bermudgrasses, MS-Express has a significantly faster rate of establishment (Table 9). This feature is important under putting green management because rapid establishment reflects a shortened time prior to playability. In addition, MS-Express showed excellent tolerance to winter kill (Table 12) and a fine leaf texture (Table 8). These characteristics are important because Bermudagrass winter kill is common in the South and fine texture is necessary for putting green quality.
MS-Express, like all turf grasses, has a tendency to thatch. The tendency to thatch in this grass is limited. The thatch is comprised of dead leaves, dead or living stolons and dead or living crowns. In contrast to other Bermudagrasses, MS-Express has an average tendency to thatch.
The mowing height range for MS-Express is from 3/16-3/4 inches. This Bermudagrass is suitable for use for golf putting greens.
Other performance characteristics of MS-Express ranked above average and included good turf quality, high shoot density, good fall color retention, good shade tolerance, and good disease resistance.
The following additional distinctive features are noted:
(a) Leaf color is lime green and rated a 7.5 GY 5/8 based on a Munsell.RTM. color chart for plant tissue. There is no anthocyanin pigmentation expressed in leaves during the fall. The average leaf width is 1.8 mm and average length 23.8 mm.
(b) The grass has a dense canopy of leaves erect from a prostrate base of creeping, strong stolons. Rhizomes are branched profusely. Stolon color is 5 GY 6/8 based on a Munsell.RTM. color chart for plant tissue. There is no anthocyanin pigmentation expressed in stolons during the fall. The average stolon internode diameter is 0.95 mm, the average stolon node diameter is 1.25 mm, and average stolon internode length is 11.1 mm.
(c) The grass has an extensive fibrous root system initiated from the nodes of stolons and rhizomes.
(d) Leaves are folded in the bud shoot; the blades are mostly flat or slightly V-shaped with only the midvein visible; and the leaf tip is tapered to an acute apex.
(e) The grass has a moderate frequency of inflorescence formation having an average density of 235 inflorescences per square meter. Average height of culms is 30 mm. The inflorescences consists of 2 to 3 digitate spikes at the top of the main stem, folded down at a 30 to 40 degree angle from vertical, spikelets sessiled and closely appressed. The average length of each spike is 32 mm.
(f) The grass blade is pilose on the abaxial and adaxial surface. The ligule consists of a fringe of hairs. The sheath is glabrous, split with margins overlapping, and pubescence tufted at the side of the ligule. The collar is a continuous narrow band, glabrous and auricles are absent.
(g) The spikelets are glabrous in two rows, blunt at their base and pointed at their tips. Spikelets are attached an average distance of 1.73 mm along the spikes, borne singly on short branches. The length of an average spikelet is 2.3 mm with glumes extending 1/3 to 1/2 the length of a floret. The spikelet has stigmas of light purple-red color rated as a 5 RP 7/8 based on a Munsel.RTM. color chart for plant tissue.
(h) The grass has a somatic chromosome number of 27 and classed as a triploid.
TABLE 1______________________________________A quantitative comparison of morphological features for describing thewhole plant morphology of MS-Express and eight other bermudagrasses. Leaf Leaf Internode Internode NodeBermudagrass Width Length Length Diameter DiameterEntry mm______________________________________MS-Pride 1.3 29.0 11.8 0.65 0.85MS-Choice 2.4 22.6 10.2 1.43 1.65Midiron 2.3 35.8 15.7 1.00 1.35Texturf 10 1.8 22.9 9.4 1.28 1.28Turfcote 1.7 33.7 12.9 1.10 1.33MS-Express 1.8 23.8 11.1 0.95 1.25Tifgreen 1.3 22.3 9.4 0.90 1.22TIfway II 1.3 27.2 10.9 0.64 0.85Tifway 1.2 28.2 11.8 0.67 0.89LSD (.05) 0.22 5.66 3.02 0.172 0.222Mean 1.65 27.27 11.47 0.93 1.18______________________________________
TABLE 2______________________________________Comparative seed head density of MS-Express and nine otherbermudagrasses. Field Plot LocationsBermudagrass Starkville Las Cruces BlacksburgEntry Mississippi New Mexico Virginia______________________________________MS-Choice 8.8.sup.1 9.0 9.0Tifgreen 4.0 4.7 6.2Tifway 7.0 7.8 8.2Tifway II 7.3 7.8 7.8Texturf 10 5.3 8.0 6.7Tufcote 7.5 5.3 7.7Midiron 5.7 5.0 7.3MS-Pride 7.3 7.9 7.7MS-Express 4.3 5.1 6.5Arizona Common 4.7 5.9 6.7LSD (.05) 0.77 0.67 0.82Mean 6.2 6.6 7.4Cultivar X Year * ** **interaction.Years data was 1987 1986 1987collected. 1988 1987 1988 1988______________________________________ .sup.1 Seed head density rating based on a 1 to 9 scale; with 1 = high seed head density and 9 = no seed heads. *,** Significant at the .05 and .01 level of probability, respectively.
TABLE 3______________________________________Comparative genetic color of MS-Express and nine other bermudagrasses.______________________________________ Field Plot LocationBermudagrass Tucson Santa Ana Gainsville StarkvilleEntry Arizona California Florida Mississippi______________________________________MS-Choice 7.0.sup.1 9.0 7.3 7.7Tifgreen 6.3 7.0 5.2 5.0Tifway 6.7 8.0 7.0 6.3Tifway II 6.3 8.0 6.8 7.0Texturf 10 6.3 7.7 5.8 5.3Tufcote 6.7 6.7 5.8 5.0Midiron 6.7 7.7 5.7 5.3MS-Pride 6.0 7.7 6.8 7.0MS-Express 6.3 7.7 6.2 5.0Arizona Common 5.3 5.7 5.2 5.0LSD (.05) NS 0.75 0.55 0.65Mean 6.4 7.5 6.2 5.9Cultivar X Year **interaction.Years data was 1987 1987 1987 1988collected. 1988______________________________________ Field Plot LocationBermudagrass Las Cruces Stilwater ClevelandEntry New Mexico Oklahoma Texas______________________________________MS-Choice 7.5 8.0 8.7Tifgreen 6.8 6.3 7.7Tifway 7.0 7.7 9.0Tifway II 7.7 6.0 8.0Texturf 10 7.0 7.3 8.0Tufcote 7.2 4.7 7.3Midiron 6.3 6.7 7.0MS-Pride 7.7 7.0 8.7MS-Express 6.7 6.3 7.7Arizona Common 5.5 6.0 6.7LSD (.05) NS 1.08 0.80Mean 6.9 6.6 7.9Cultivar X Year NSinteraction.Years data was 1986 1988 1988collected. 1987______________________________________ .sup.1 Genetic color rating based on a 1 to 9 scale; with 1 = light green color and 9 = dark green color. *,** Significant at the .05 and .01 level of probability, respectively.
TABLE 4______________________________________Comparative shoot density of MS-Express and nine other bermudagrasses. Field Plot LocationBermudagrass Las Cruces StillwaterEntry New Mexico Oklahoma______________________________________MS-Choice 8.4.sup.1 8.0Tifgreen 8.4 7.7MS-Pride 8.1 7.3Texturf 10 7.8 8.0Tifway 7.7 7.7Midiron 7.9 7.0Tifway II 7.3 7.7MS-Express 7.3 7.3Tufcote 6.3 7.7Arizona Common 3.9 6.0LSD (0.05) 0.61 0.95Mean 7.3 7.5Entry x Year ** NAInteractionYear(s) data was 1986 1987recorded 1987______________________________________ .sup.1 Shoot density rating based on a visual scale; with 1 = low density and 9 = high density. *, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 5______________________________________Comparative shade tolerance ofMS-Express and nine other bermudagrasses.sup.1.BermudagrassEntry Shade Tolerance______________________________________MS-Choice 4.9.sup.2MS-Pride 4.5Tifgreen 4.3MS-Express 4.3Tifway II 3.8Tifway 3.7Texturf 10 3.5Tufcote 3.4Arizona Common 2.5Midiron 2.1LSD (0.05) 0.39Mean 3.7Cultivar X Year **interactionYears data was 1987collected 1988______________________________________ .sup.1 Field plots located in Starkville, MS. .sup.2 Shade tolerance based on a visual scale of 1 to 9: with 9 = excellent shade tolerance and 1 = poor shade tolerance. *, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 6______________________________________The ploidy level and chromosome number of MS-Express and nine otherbermudagrasses.BermudagrassEntry Ploidy Level Chromosome Number______________________________________MS-Choice Tetraploid .sup. 36.sup.1Texturf 10 36Turfcote 36Midiron 36Arizona Common 36MS-Express Triploid 27MS-Pride 27Tifgreen 27Tifway 27Tifway II 27______________________________________ .sup.1 Chromosome numbers were determined using squashes of root tips.
TABLE 7______________________________________Comparative turfgrass quality ofMS-Express and nine other bermudagrasses.______________________________________ Field Plot LocationBermudagrass Tucson Santa Ana Riverside GainsvilleEntry Arizona California California Florida______________________________________MS-Choice 7.5.sup.1 6.3 4.9 5.7Tifgreen 7.3 5.8 5.4 4.8Tifway 7.8 6.5 5.5 5.8Tifway II 7.9 6.5 5.7 5.7Texturf 10 7.8 5.8 5.1 5.1Tufcote 7.3 5.4 5.2 5.6Midiron 6.2 5.8 4.9 4.9MS-Pride 8.3 6.5 5.3 6.0MS-Express 7.8 5.9 5.8 5.2Arizona Common 5.5 4.4 4.7 4.9LSD (.05) 0.54 0.33 0.55 0.32Mean 7.3 5.9 5.2 5.4Cultivar X Year ** NS **interaction.Year(s) data was 1988 1986 1986 1987collected. 1987 1987 1988 1988 1988______________________________________ Field Plot LocationBermudagrass Manhattan Wichita Baton Rogue Silver SpringsEntry Kansas Kansas Louisiana Maryland______________________________________MS-Choice 6.9 8.0 7.0 6.0Tifgreen 6.9 7.8 7.7 6.2Tifway 6.3 8.2 7.6 6.3Tifway II 6.5 8.4 7.6 6.4Texturf 10 6.7 7.9 6.9 5.3Tufcote 6.9 7.7 7.3 5.8Midiron 6.7 7.7 6.7 5.4MS-Pride 6.5 8.3 7.5 6.4MS-Express 6.8 8.1 7.6 7.7Arizona Common 5.0 5.9 6.3 5.0LSD (.05) 0.38 0.30 0.59 NSMean 6.5 7.8 7.2 6.1Cultivar X Year ** ** *interaction.Year(s) data was 1987 1986 1987 1988collected. 1988 1987 1988 1988______________________________________ Field Plot LocationBermudagrass Starkville Las Cruces Cleveland BeltsvilleEntry Mississippi New Mexico Texas MarylandMS-Choice 6.1.sup.1 7.3 8.0 7.0Tifgreen 7.4 6.3 9.0 7.3Tifway 6.7 7.0 7.7 6.6Tifway II 6.9 7.5 8.0 6.8Texturf 10 5.6 6.8 5.7 6.5Tufcote 5.5 6.2 5.7 6.7Midiron 5.1 6.5 5.3 5.8MS-Pride 6.9 7.2 8.0 6.9MS-Express 7.6 6.7 8.7 7.0Arizona Common 4.1 3.8 4.0 4.5LSD (.05) 0.19 0.49 1.14 0.38Mean 6.2 6.5 7.0 6.5Cultivar X Year ** ** NA **interaction.Year(s) data was 1986 1986 1988 1986collected. 1987 1987 1987 1988 1988 1988______________________________________ Field Plot LocationBermudagrass Blacksburg Blackstone Virginia BeachEntry Virginia Virginia Virginia______________________________________MS-Choice 5.9 6.8 6.7Tifgreen 5.9 6.8 6.2Tifway 6.5 7.0 6.3Tifway II 6.1 6.8 6.9Texturf 10 6.0 6.6 5.7Tufcote 5.8 6.4 4.9Midiron 5.0 5.8 5.9MS-Pride 5.8 6.8 6.4MS-Express 6.5 6.8 6.0Arizona Common 4.2 5.0 3.9LSD (.05) 0.43 0.38 0.77Mean 5.8 6.5 5.9Cultivar X Year * ** NAinteraction.Year(s) data was 1986 1986 1986collected. 1987 1988 1988______________________________________ .sup.1 Turfgrass quality ratings based on a 1 to 9 scale with 1 = poor turfgrass quality and 9 = excellent turf quality. *, ** Significant at the .05 and .01 level of probability, respectively.
TABLE 8______________________________________Comparative leaf texture of MS-Express and nine other bermudagrasses.______________________________________ Field Plot Locations Tucson Wichita Gainsville StarkvilleCultivar Arizona Kansas Florida Mississippi______________________________________MS-Choice 5.3.sup.1 6.7 5.7 5.0Tifgreen 7.3 9.0 7.5 7.7Tifway 7.0 7.7 7.8 6.0Tifway II 6.3 8.3 8.2 6.0Texturf 10 5.7 8.0 5.5 5.0Tufcote 5.7 6.0 7.0 5.0Midiron 5.3 4.0 5.8 5.0MS-Pride 6.7 7.3 8.0 6.0MS-Express 7.7 9.0 7.3 8.0Arizona Common 4.3 3.7 2.7 4.3LSD (.05) 0.92 0.68 1.01 0.43Mean 6.1 7.0 6.6 5.8Cultivar X Year **interaction.Year(s) data was 1987 1986 1987 1988collected. 1988______________________________________ Field Plot Locations Las Cruces Baton Rogue VirginiaCultivar New Mexico Louisiana Virginia______________________________________MS-Choice 6.5 6.3 4.7Tifgreen 9.0 9.0 7.0Tifway 8.2 9.0 6.0Tifway II 8.3 9.0 5.7Texturf 10 5.8 6.3 5.7Tufcote 6.7 9.0 3.7Midiron 6.8 7.7 4.3MS-Pride 8.5 9.0 6.0MS-Express 8.8 9.0 6.0Arizona Common 4.2 6.3 2.3LSD (.05) 0.79 0.79 1.19Mean 7.3 8.1 5.1Cultivar X Year **interaction.Year(s) data was 1986 1988 1988collected. 1987______________________________________ .sup.1 Leaf texture rating based on a 1 to 9 scale; with 1 = coarse leaf texture and 9 = fine leaf texture. *, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 9______________________________________Comparative establishment rate 4-5 weeks after planting of MS-Express and 27 other bermudagrasses..sup.1 Field Plot LocationsBermudagrass Starkville Beltsville BlacksburgEntry Mississippi Maryland Virginia______________________________________MS-Express 3.0 7.0 2.7Az-Common 6.3 7.0 2.7Numex Sahara 5.7 7.3 2.3NMS 15 4.7 8.0 3.3FB-119 4.3 5.7 2.7NMS 2 4.0 8.0 2.7Tifgreen 3.3 6.0 2.3RS-1 3.3 6.0 3.0A-29 3.3 6.7 1.7Midlawn 3.3 5.0 3.0Vamont 3.7 5.7 2.3NM 43 2.7 5.7 2.0Sonesta 2.7 6.3 2.7MS-Choice 3.3 4.3 2.3NMS 4 3.7 5.7 2.0Texturf 10 3.0 4.7 2.0Midfield 4.3 6.0 2.3Guymon 3.7 5.3 2.7NM 471 3.3 4.0 2.0NM 507 3.3 4.0 2.0Tifway 2.3 4.0 2.3Midiron 3.3 4.7 1.7Tufcote 3.0 4.0 2.0Tifway II 2.3 4.3 2.0NM 72 2.7 2.7 2.0MS-Pride 1.7 3.0 1.7NM 375 2.7 2.3 1.7CT-23 2.0 3.0 1.7LSD (.05) 1.3 1.1 0.7______________________________________ Field Plot LocationsBermudagrass Blackstone Virginia BeachEntry Virginia Virginia Mean______________________________________MS-Express 7.3 5.3 5.1Az-Common 7.3 5.3 5.0Numex Sahara 4.7 3.3 4.7NMS 15 4.0 3.3 4.7FB-119 6.3 4.0 4.6NMS 2 4.3 3.7 4.5Tifgreen 5.3 4.7 4.3RS-1 4.3 3.7 4.1A-29 4.7 4.0 4.1Midlawn 4.3 3.7 3.9Vamont 4.3 4.3 3.9NM 43 4.3 3.3 3.8Sonesta 3.7 3.7 3.9MS-Choice 4.7 3.7 3.7NMS 4 3.7 2.7 3.5Texturf 10 4.0 4.0 3.5Midfield 2.7 2.0 3.5Guymon 3.0 2.7 3.5NM 471 4.3 3.0 3.3NM 507 4.7 2.3 3.3Tifway 4.7 2.0 3.1Midiron 3.0 2.3 3.0Tufcote 3.3 1.3 2.7Tifway II 2.7 2.0 2.7NM 72 3.3 1.7 2.5MS-Pride 3.7 2.0 2.4NM 375 2.3 2.0 2.2CT-23 1.7 1.0 1.9LSD (.05) 1.5 1.3 0.5______________________________________ .sup.1 Comparative establishment rate based on a visual scale of 1 to 9; with 1 = minimal cover and 9 = complete cover.
TABLE 10______________________________________Comparative fall color retention ofMS-Pride and nine other bermudagrasses.Field Plot LocationBermuda- Raleigh Starkville Loc. 2grass Beltsville North Mississ- Las Cruces NewEntry Maryland Carolina ippi New Mexico Mexico______________________________________MS-Pride 5.3.sup.1 6.7 6.5 4.3 5.3Tifway 4.8 6.7 6.2 4.6 5.7Tifway II 4.5 7.3 6.5 4.4 5.7Tufcote 2.8 6.3 5.3 3.2 3.3Midirion 2.3 3.7 4.2 3.1 3.3Texturf 10 2.2 5.3 3.2 2.6 5.0MS-Choice 2.0 5.7 4.2 3.4 4.3Tifgreen 2.0 6.3 3.2 2.0 4.0MS-Express 1.7 6.7 3.0 2.1 4.3Arizona 1.7 5.7 4.5 3.4 2.3CommonLSD (0.05) 0.68 1.54 0.43 0.76 1.74Mean 2.9 6.0 4.7 3.3 4.3Cultivar x ** NA ** ** NAYearinteractionYear(s) data 1986 1986 1986 1986 1988was 1987 1988 1987collected 1988______________________________________ .sup.1 Color ratings based on a visual scale of color with; 9 = green color and 1 = brown color. *, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively
TABLE 11______________________________________Comparative height of unmowed plots and sod strength of MS-Expressand nine other bermudagrasses.______________________________________ Plant Measurement Unmoved SodBermudagrass Height StrengthEntry cm lbs______________________________________Arizona Common 31.7.sup.1 26.8.sup.2Tufcote 8.7 39.3Midiron 5.7 39.5Tifway II 5.0 121.5MS-Choice 4.3 65.5Texturf 10 4.3 77.8Tifway 4.3 95.2MS-Express 4.0 86.7MS-Pride 4.0 157.7Tifgreen 3.3 74.7LSD (0.05) 1.8 34.5Mean 7.5 78.5Entry x Year Interaction NA NSYear(s) data was collected 1986 1987 1988Location Las Cruces Starkville New Mexico Mississippi______________________________________ .sup.1 The shoot height was determined by measuring the height of the grass at its maximum length above the soil surface. .sup.2 Sod strength was determined by measuring the amount of force (lbs) required to shear an 18 .times. 24 .times. 1" section of sod.
TABLE 12______________________________________Comparative turf mortality due to winter kill of MS-Express and nineother bermudagrasses.sup.1. YearBermudagrass 1987 1988Entry % turf mortality______________________________________Tufcote 0.sup.2 0Tifgreen 3.3 1.7MS-Express 1.7 5.0Texturf 10 3.3 10.0MS-Pride 5.0 25.0Midiron 11.7 11.7Tifway 5.0 36.7Tifway II 5.0 36.7MS-Choice 11.7 36.7Arizona Common 35.0 88.3LSD (0.05) 11.6 12.9Mean 8.2 25.2______________________________________ .sup.1 Field plot were located in Beltsville, MD. .sup.2 The % of plot area lost to low temperature killed was based on a visual evaluation of turf lost immediately following spring greenup in May.
TABLE 13______________________________________Comparative leafspot (Helminthosporium spp.) and dollarspot(Sclerotinia spp.) disease resistance of MS-Express and nine otherbermudagrasses.Bermudagrass Disease RatingEntry Helminthosporium Dollar Spot______________________________________MS-Pride 8.8.sup.1 8.4MS-Express 8.7 7.7Tifgreen 8.3 7.3Tifway II 8.3 8.5Texturf 10 8.2 8.7Tifway 8.2 8.7MS-Choice 7.9 6.4Midiron 7.8 8.7Tufcote 7.0 8.8Arizona Common 6.2 8.6LSD (0.05) 0.73 0.83Mean 7.9 8.2Entry x Year ** **InteractionYear(s) data was 1986 1986collected 1988 1988______________________________________ .sup.1 Disease rating based on a visual scale of 1 to 9; with 9 = no disease damage (excellent disease resistance) and 1 = high incidence of disease damage (poor disease resistance). *, ** Significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of probability, respectively

`MS-Express` Bermudagrass

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