An evaluation of cool season turfgrassess in order to identify the species and varieties most suitable for the Mediterranean environment

Abstract

The cultivars of cool season Graminae species diffusely used to establish turfgrasses, are grown in northern areas of Europe. The aim of the research described in this paper was to identify the turfgrass species and cultivars most suitable for the Mediterranean environment. The trial was carried out in 1999 and 2000 at the experimental farm “Parco d’Orleans” belonging to the Department A.C.E.P. of University of Palermo. During the trial sixty different cultivars of cool season turf species were compared – 20 cultivars of Festuca arundinacea Schreb., 20 cultivars of Poa pratensis L., and 20 cultivars of Lulium perenne L. The main biometric and qualitative parameters examined were ground cover, general appearance, colour, weed rate and leaf texture. Festuca arundinacea showed intermediate ground cover values, the best general appearance, the best colour (especially in spring 2000), the highest weed resistance values in 2000, the highest leaf texture values and overall was the most successful turfgrass in the summer. Lolium perenne showed the best ground cover values and the best general appearance in spring. The colour decreased in summer, the weed rate was poor. Poa pratensis showed the lowest values in general appearance and colour, and the weed rate was also poor.