Turf establishment quality as affected by planting density and variety of Doobgrass (Cynodon dactylon L.)

Abstract

The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with Factorial concept which replicated thrice and comprised of two factors viz., factor-I Varieties of Cynodon dactylon turf (V1: Tifdwarf, V2: Selection-1, V3: Locally available variety and factor-II Planting desnsity (P1: 100.00 dibble/m2, P2: 44.44 dibble/m2, P3: 25.00 dibble/m2). The interaction effect of varieties and planting desnsity were influence on different characters viz., highest number (196.08) of runners per 100 cm2, earliness for fully establishment of turfgrass (48.67 days), dry biomass (13.24 g/100 cm2) of doobgrass at 60 DAP. Moreover, maximum root depth (84.27 mm) and longest runner length (37.87 cm) was noted in V3P3. Maximum number of nodes (17.20) present on runner found maximum in V1P3.In case minimum fresh weed (197.20 g/plot and 43.40 g/plot) and dry biomass of weed (24.64 g/plot and 5.05 g/plot) observed with combination V1P1 and V2P1 From the results it was revealed that dibble of Cynodon dactylon var. Tifdwarf or Selection-1 grown at 100.00 dibble/m2 planting desnsity favoured quick establishment of turf, appropriate growth habit for less frequency of lawn mowing and minimal weed growth.