Meadow fescue and tetraploid perennial ryegrass - Two new species for overseeding dormant bermudagrass turf

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is often overseeded with a cool-season turfgrass to provide a green, actively growing surface for winter and early-spring sporting activities. Two grass species that have not been tested for overseeding include tetraploid (2n = 4x - 28) perennial ryegrass (Lotium perenne L.) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.). The objectives of this study were to test these two species in comparison to three standard overseeding species [diploid perennial ryegrass, intermediate ryegrass (L. perenne X L. multiflorum Lam.), and Poa trivialis L.] in three environments; Maricopa, AZ (arid), Fayetteville, AR (transition zone), and Auburn, AL (humid, subtropical). At all locations, overseeding grasses were seeded into dormant bermudagrass turf and managed according to standard overseeding practices. The tetraploid ryegrass had equal or superior turfgrass quality to all other overseeding species except the diploid ryegrass. Meadow fescue produced similar turfgrass quality to intermediate ryegrass and tetraploid ryegrass at Arkansas and Alabama, but had lower turf quality scores in Arizona. The meadow fescue and tetraploid ryegrass transitioned more quickly back to bermudagrass compared to the diploid ryegrass, intermediate ryegrass, and P trivialis, which would be very favorable aspects of these new overseeding grasses. These trials clearly demonstrate the potential of two new species, meadow fescue and tetraploid ryegrass, for overseeding dormant bermudagrass turf.