Adaptability of newly improved creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera l.) genotypes in a mediterranean environment

Abstract

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), with a mild shade tolerance, is a stoloniferous cool season turfgrass adaptable to temperate climatic conditions. Recently new genotypes were improved by breeders in theUSA, having respectively higher heat and drought tolerance. In an attempt to evaluate the ad aptability of thistype of bentgrass genotype s, an experiment were established on the experimental farm located at Bornova, EgeUniv. Agric. Faculty, Izmir, Turkey during the years of 2007 and 2009. Six genotypes of bentgrass andtraditional cultivarKromi as control were tested for two years and t urf grass color, cover, weed infestationand turf quality were assessed by a visual scoring (1 -9 points). Results indicated significant variations amongthe genotypes in terms of the evaluated characteristics and the average adaptability of some genotypes ofwhich some traits such as cover and turf quality were in an acceptable range. It was also suggested thatdistinguished genotypes such as genotype M65 -6 -OVN-28, M71 -6 -26 -294 and M39 -6 -20 should be testedfurthermore and for other agronomical characteristics .