Morphological characterization and turf performance of Paula hard fescue and Casero colonial bentgrass selections under low maintenance conditions

Planting grasses that require low maintenance is a good option for reducing the management input required. The objective of this study was to obtain information about turfgrass characteristics based on spaced-plant characterization and turf performance in turf plots of two selections (Paula hard fescue and Casero colonial bentgrass) recently released for public distribution by the Plant Production Area of the University of Oviedo. The plants were grown under conditions of no irrigation, no fertilizer, no pesticide application and minimal mowing over a 3-year period (2012–2014). The following morphological measurements were done in a spaced-plant nursery: heading date, plant height, inflorescence length and flag leaf length and width. The turf plots were evaluated for several traits including overall turfgrass quality (turf score), leaf texture and genetic colour. In both the spaced-plant nursery and turf trials, hard fescue genotypes displayed better morphological characteristics (narrow leaves, reduced plant height) and performed better (overall high turfgrass quality, fine leaf texture, dark green colour) than bentgrass genotypes under conditions of low maintenance. For areas in which climate, soil characteristics and management conditions are similar to those encountered in this trial, the selection of Paula hard fescue is recommended for use in low-maintenance turf settings because of the good turfgrass performance and morphological characteristics of this selection.