Golfdom Files: Tifgreen, new high-rated bermuda, is released

In the April 1956 edition of Golfdom, B.P. Robinson and J.M. Latham Jr. wrote about the exciting new Tifgreen bermudagrass. It originally was intended for use on putting greens, but it also was used on tees, fairways and roughs. Although it isn’t used today, Tifgreen’s descendants, Tifdwarf, and ultradwarf bermudagrasses Champion and Miniverde, can be seen on many courses, according to USGA Green Section Agronomist Patrick O’Brien’s article on USGA.org, “Trip to Taylor Creek G.C. in Georgia offers agronomic history lesson while providing glimpse into the future.”

To read the full story from 1956, click here.

Tifgreen, new high-rated bermuda, is released

One of the primary objectives of the turfgrass program at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station has been the development of improved putting green Bermudagrasses. Releases in the past were Tiflawn in 1950 and Tiffine in 1953. As in any breeding program, the search for new types and varieties is a never-ending proposition.

Origin

Fine-leaf texture is one of the highly desired characteristics of putting green grasses. To achieve this in Bermudagrass, the breeder has utilized a species from South Africa (Cynodon transvalensis). In most instances when this grass is hybridized with another, it imports a narrow leaf width to the offspring.

In 1946, W.G. Thomas and Walter Harkey of the Charlotte (N.C.) CC, selected a fine-textured Bermuda from their fourth green. This was sent to Tifton for further observations. During 1951, this grass, along with seven others, was cross-pollinated with the South African Bermuda. The 432 hybrid seedlings from these crosses were planted in a screening nursery in 1952. Ratings on height of growth, rate of spread, disease incidence and turf quality were made on the seedlings. The best seedlings were transplanted into putting green test plots in 1953 (among them was selection 328 — Charlotte CC selection x the South African Bermuda).

Experimental results

The putting green test plots were maintained similar to golf greens during 1953, 1954 and 1955. The new hybrids, their parents and several other promising selections were graded on the many characters which make up desirable turf quality — rate of coverage, height of growth, fineness of leaves, recovery from ryegrass overseeding, lateral spread (aggressiveness), disease incidence, seedhead production, color, general appearance, et cetera. Selection 328 received the best average ratings of all Bermuda selections in all comparisons. The recumbent habit of growth makes this hybrid especially adaptable for putting green management.

Field observations

Golf professionals and superintendents appraised the putting quality of grasses in the putting green test plots during the 8th Annual Southeastern Turfgrass Conference, 1954. Selection 328 received more votes for the best putting Bermudagrass than any other selection. Ratings by a similar group in 1955 yielded the same results.

A survey was made in late 1955 of the golf course superintendents who had Tifgreen (selection 328) planted on their own course, and under observation from three to 36 months. Out of 10 items on this checklist, Tifgreen rated best for six and better or equal for four. Sixteen superintendents in nine states reported these results, 10 of which had Tifgreen planted in their greens. Ninety percent of the superintendents planned to plant more greens to Tifgreen. Eighty-nine percent reported less seedhead production than other Bermudas and 66 percent indicated less mat formation. These field plantings of Tifgreen were compared with such outstanding selections as Tiffine , Gene Tift, Ormond, Tiflawn, U-3, Everglades 1 and 2, Cynodon magenniisi (Magennis Grass) and common seeded Bermudagrass. Tifgreen has a forest green color, fine texture and a low spreading growing habit. From its performance to date, it may prove to be very useful for turf purposes other than that for which it is now being recommended.

Planting stock

In keeping with Experiment Station policy, Tifgreen will be released to certified growers only… The price on foundation stock is $15.00 per sq. yd. F.O.B. Tifton.

Photo: Golfdom