| SeaIsle Paspalum
Overview - "The Environmental Turfgrass" Paspalum Vaginatum, or "Seashore Paspalum" has been in existence for thousands of years. It is a warm-season grass that is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide. Seashore Paspalum grows naturally in coastal environments, and is often found in brackish marsh water or in close proximity to ocean waters. It also grows in areas that receive extended periods of heavy rain. Its best growth occurs in response to warm temperatures and long day lengths. SeaIsle 1, Seashore Paspalum is in the same genus, Paspalum, as Bahia, but it is a different species. The proper nomenclature is: "Paspalum vaginatum O Swartz". The cultivar is Sea Isle 1. It's important that people do not think that they are getting a type of Bahia. Bahiagrass is a bunch-type, open growing grass. SeaIsle 1 is a prostrate-growing grass with underground runners (rhizomes) and above ground runners (stolons) similar in to St. Augustine. SeaIsle 1 is the cultivar released by the University of Georgia in 1999. It is a fine-leaved, dense growing selection from Argentina. Its intended use is for landscapes, athletic and sports fields, and golf course fairways. SeaIsle 1 is a dark green, dense grass with excellent salinity tolerance and good tolerance to drought and wear. SeaIsle 1 requires only moderate fertilization to produce an excellent lawn. It resembles hybrid bermudagrass in appearance. SEAISLE 1 Paspalum is different from SALAM Paspalum. While the leaf texture and color are similar, the SeaIsle 1 has superior salt tolerance, fewer seed heads, less dollar spot and other diseases, and MUCH BETTER DROUGHT TOLERANCE when managed properly. To date, no other Paspalum found has better drought tolerance than SeaIsle 1. Because there has been to date very little commercial use of this species, the University of Florida County Extension Office has information on the specific management of this species for home lawn use. While it will exhibit best growth and quality under optimal environmental conditions, it can exist under less than optimal conditions for extended periods of time.
Proper fertilization of any lawngrass is an important component of the best management practices of your home lawn. Fertilization and other cultural practices influence the overall health of your lawn, and can reduce or increase its vulnerability to numerous stresses, including weeds, insects, and disease. Seashore Paspalum responds well to low fertility rates. As with any lawn, the fertility regime will determine not only the rate of growth and curb appeal of your lawn, it will also determine the amount of maintenance required to keep it in optimal condition. During establishment of a Seashore Paspalum lawn, small amounts of fertilizer should be applied on a regular basis to hasten growth and ground cover. "Spoon-feeding" 1/2 lb. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet in two applications during a 3-4 week period will stimulate growth. To encourage root development, phosphorous should be applied during establishment at rates equal to or greater than the nitrogen. Potassium needs of Seashore Paspalum are also greater during establishment, particularly when irrigated with saline water. Until the grass provides a uniform ground cover, a 1:2:3 fertilizer ratio of N:P:K in biweekly applications will provide the needed nutrients.
Following this establishment period, the fertility regime should be reduced. It is best to apply fertilizer in small increments (at least 2-3 applications) from late March or early April through August. Never apply more than 0.5 of water-soluble nitrogen per 1000 square feet at any one time. Up to 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet may be applied as long as at least 50% of the nitrogen is in slow-release form. Phosphorous application should be made depending upon results of soil tests. As some Florida soils contain ample amounts of phosphorous, little or none may be required. Generally, if phosphorous is needed, apply no more than 1/4 to 1/2 lb. of phosphorous for every 1 lb. of nitrogen applied. Potassium requirements of Seashore Paspalum are generally low, with rates of 1/4 to 1/2 lb. of potassium per 1 lb. of nitrogen being adequate.
Proper mowing practices are essential to the maintenance of a healthy lawn. Seashore Paspalum used in home lawns should be mowed at 3/4 to 1.5 inches in height. Do not scalp Seashore Paspalum. Higher mowing heights will reduce Turfgrass density and increase weed problems. Mower blades should be kept sharp to avoid tearing leaf tissue. When mowing, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at any one time. Do not mow when the grass is wet or the soil is soggy. If the lawn is under stress from drought, shade, nutrient deficiencies, insects or diseases, it is best to maintain a higher cutting height until the stress pressure is relieved. Because seashore Paspalum is very tolerant of poor water quality, it can be irrigated with recycled water or water subject to salt-water intrusion. However, during the establishment period, it is best to irrigate with fresh water. Due to the tolerance of seashore Paspalum to periods of drought, irrigation is recommended on an as-needed basis. If signs of water deficit are present (rolling of leaf blades, wilting, foot imprints that remain on the lawn after walking on it) apply 1/2 to 3/4 inch of irrigation to the entire lawn. Do not apply smaller volumes of water more frequently because it will not encourage root growth. Current herbicides available to homeowners are generally not labeled for Seashore Paspalum. Irrigation with saltwater has been one method used to effectively control both grassy and broadleaved weeds in Seashore Paspalum. Herbicides that do not injure Paspalum include pendimethalin, halosulfuron, and mixtures of 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP. Consult your County Extension Service office for proper identification of weeds and a prescription for environmentally friendly control of the problem. *Paspalum shows injury with any Atrazine product such as Scotts® Bonus® S Weed and Feed. Some herbicides that are safe on Paspalum are: (Refer to herbicide label for specific use listing) A. Broadleaf Post emergence control
Herbicides: 2,4-d, dicamba, and MCPP B. Post emergence Nut Sedge control: Halosulfuron
Post emergence Nut Sedge control: Bentazone
C. Premergence grassy weeds controls: Pendimethalin
* Use of brand names does not imply endorsement of the products but is used for convenience only. It does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product. In general, Seashore Paspalum has few problems with insects. Chemical requirements for their control are minor. It is subject to occasional problems from mole crickets, sod webworms, spittlebugs, white grubs, billbugs, cutworms and fall army- worms. It generally has no problems with chinch bugs. Seashore Paspalum has relatively few disease problems when maintained under recommended fertility levels and cultural practices. Organisms which may cause problems include fusarium blight which may be found under hot, humid conditions, or when the grass is under drought stress. When infected, the entire Turfgrass plant will change color from green to reddish brown to dark brown. Helminthosporium disease may also occur under conditions of high humidity or soil compaction. This disease is seen as small purple leaf spots with brown centers and light tan halos. SeaIsle 1 grows well in Florida and is cold tolerant to a line drawn roughly from Raleigh, North Carolina to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Little Rock, Arkansas, to Dallas, Texas to south of San Francisco, California. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/turf/residential/seashorepaspalum.htm
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