Seashore paspalum is a new turfgrass in Florida that is becoming quite popular. The grass has been successful in other regions, but many turfgrass varieties come and go, and it is best to be conservative in regard to recommending any new species. With golf courses being successful with wall-to-wall plantings of seashore paspalum for more than five years, it has certainly gained credence in our region.

Bayer Environmental Sciences recently hosted a two-day workshop that was full of excellent information for seashore paspalum growers. Nearly 50 individuals attended, including USGA agronomists, golf course superintendents, university professors and other industry representatives. An excellent information exchange occurred and several highlights taken from the presentations/discussions included:

• Management practices for seashore paspalum are similar to bermudagrass in regard to soil cultivation, sand topdressing, grooming and mowing. Less nitrogen is required to provide good conditions; but it is unknown to what extent. Seashore paspalum tolerates lower mowing heights than bermudagrass on all playing surfaces. Additional cultural practices (double mowing/rolling) are necessary on putting greens to provide desirable playing conditions.
• Turfgrass breeding is still occurring at the University of Georgia under the direction of Dr. Paul Raymer. Desirable attributes include improved salt and disease tolerance.
• Numerous weed control trials have been conducted at the University of Georgia by Dr. Tim Murphy to determine herbicides that are safe on seashore paspalum. There are many safe herbicides for controlling grasses, sedges and broadleaves that have not yet been registered for seashore paspalum. Effective herbicide programs for selective bermudagrass control have not yet been developed.
• Large patch and dollar spot are the most common diseases associated with seashore paspalum, according to Dr. Bruce Martin from Clemson University. Effective large patch control requires preventative treatments from late fall through early spring. Superintendents mentioned that although diseases may occur from time to time, no diseases have completely killed the grass.
• New pesticides developed by Bayer Environmental Sciences offer a broad spectrum of pest control. Allectus insecticide and Tartan fungicide are new tools for seashore paspalum and other turfgrasses.

Superintendents attending the meeting who grow seashore paspalum were positive in regard to the playability that seashore paspalum provides. While some increased budget funds may generally be required for fungicides, double mowing, rolling and mower sharpening, the improved playing conditions that it provides are worth it.

Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625