Seeding time affects establishment of warm-season turfgrasses

Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) is a warm-season, salttolerant grass species. It is considered suitable to subtropical climates and is being increasingly used for turf purposes in the Mediterranean countries of Europe. Several studies have reported on the performance of mature seashore paspalum stands under Mediterranean conditions; however, little information is available regarding establishment from seed. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seeding time and rate on the germination and speed of establishment of Sea Spray seashore paspalum in comparison to Riviera and Sovereign bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. A field trial was conducted at the experimental farm of Padova University (Italy) from January to August 2006. The cultivars were planted and compared at three seeding dates (24 January, 27 February, and 18 April) and two seeding rates (2.5 and 5.0 g m.2). Percentage of green coverage was evaluated weekly using digital image analy...