Effect of Burrs vs. Caryopses and Planting Date on Establishment of Seeded Buffalograss in the Southern Great Plains

Successful establishment of buffalograss [Buchole dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] by seed is the greatest limitation of this native species as a turfgrass. There has been limited research to determine the impact of planting date and use of untreated burrs vs. caryopses on establishment in the semiarid environments of the Southern Great Plains. During the 1992,1993, and 1994 growing seasons, buffalograss was established by seed at 2-wk intervals from mid-May to mid-September at the Texas Tech Univ. Plant Stress Lab. in Lubbock, TX. The test site was located on an Amarillo fine, sandy soil (fineloamy, mixed, thermic Aridic Paleustalf). Seedling emergence at 2 and 4 wk after planting, and stand density and turf quality at the end of the growing season were used as indices of stand establishment. The cultivars Texoka and Comanche differed only slightly in stand establishment and final turfgrass quality ratings in these studies. Caryopses had an average of 34 and 28% higher seedling establishment than burrs at 2 and 4 wk after planting, respectively. The improved establishment of caryopses was significant in 1992 and 1994. Neither caryopses nor burrs produced good quality turf by the end of the growing season when planted after mid-July (Day of the Year 193197). Based on these studies, both commercial turfgrass growers and homeowners in the Southern Great Plains should be encouraged to plant buffalograss caryopses in the late spring or early summer to ensure successful establishment of high quality turf.