Abstract

Visual evaluation of a 5-year-old replicated planting of 63 Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) genotypes  in southern Florida showed highly significant (P<1%) differences in overall vigor and survival.   Eight selections and 2 commercial cultivars ('Emerald' and 'Meyer') were sodded at 2 distant sites.  Selected genotypes (FZ-28, FZ-80, FZ-26 and FL- 1753) were significantly better adapted, had significantly less weed encroachment and greater vigor and ground coverage, than either of Emerald or Meyer.   The latter commercial cultivars were unacceptable in most evaluations.   Furthermore, FZ-28 and FZ-80 had low sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau) counts and FZ- 28 had few eggs of Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis [Banks]).  Sod webworm (Crambus spp.) infestation appeared to be another variable closely associated with adaptive differences among genotypes and explained serious establishment problems at some sites.  Zoysiagrass was successfully established as a turf on one site only involving fumigated soil and generally proved poorly suited for this subtropical region.