Hatfield - Turf Grass

Scientific name: Cynodon dactylon.

Other names: Species common names

Green couch (Australia); Bermudagrass (USA).

Cultivar name: Hatfield.

Origin: Low-growing plant with dense, dark green foliage selected in 1983 from a variable population of green couch plants found in Gympie, Qld. Breeder: Graham Hatfield, Gympie, Qld.

Global growing areas: Australia (one licensed grower).

IP protection: Australian PBR certificate #2565 (granted 20 August 2004).

Details

• Texture: Fine and dense.
• Description: Dark green leaves. Leaf blade 4.5-9.7 mm and leaf width 1.6-2.4 mm at forth visible node from stolon tip. (Data from PBR growing trial.)
• Use: Lawns for home and commercial use, parks.
• Mowing height: 15-35 mm.
• Method of propagation: Vegetative sod, sprigging.
• Preferred soil types: Sandy to clay loams (pH 6-8) maintained with good nitrogen fertility (as per other Cynodon dactylon cultivars).

Comments

Selected on the basis of colour and sward density. Sparse seeding with short seed heads.

Tolerances

• Heat: Good.
• Cold: Maintains good turf quality during winter in southern Queensland, but in Melbourne loses quality during winter relative to other varieties selected from colder climates.
• Shade: Unknown.
• Drought: Good tolerance of dry conditions.
• Salinity: Medium salinity tolerance. Among the best of the green couch cultivars tested.
• Wear: Soft foliage better suited to lawn use than on intensively used sportsfields.
• Herbicide sensitivity: DSMA and MSMA can be used to remove other grasses. A wide range of herbicides can be safely used to remove broadleaf weeds. Use only registered herbicides in accordance with the label.
• Pests and diseases: Lawn grubs (army worm, sod webworm) during summer and autumn.

Photos used on this page are not necessarily photos from DEEDI

For more information and updates on warm season turfgrasses, their production and management please go to http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/turf

For updates on Hatfield please go to http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/26_4186.htm