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Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass or couch, Cynodon spp., includes several species of warm-season, sod-forming grasses used in pastures with two species and their interspecific hybrids for lawns and fine turf, Cynodon dactylon (common bermudagrass) and Cynodon transvaalensis (African bermudagrass). Cynodon magennissii was named from an interspecific hybrid but the name may be misapplied. Major available cultivars are Tifway or T-419, Tifdwarf, Celebration, Latitude-36, GN-1, and Floratex. Although chromosome counts are difficult, the general belief is that C. dactylon has chromosome number 2n=36, C. transvaalensis 2n=18, and their interspecific hybrids (including reciprocals) 2n=27.

Bermudagrasses performs well in lawns in heavier (loamy and clay) soil throughout southeastern United States and in golf courses and sports fields throughout a wider geographic range in lighter (sandy) soil. Very rapid growth rates allow bermudagrasses to recover quickly from wear and to respond strongly to high rates of nitrogen fertilization, which can worsen pest problems. Most improved cultivars are propagated vegetatively but there are seeded cultivars such as Princess 77 that perform well. The main limitation of bermudagrasses is shade.

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