FOR RELEASE WEEK OF JULY 14, 1997
University Extension Center
Courthouse Room 201
Palmyra MO 63461 (573) 769-2177
Contact: Area Agronomist, Jimmy Smith
BERMUDAGRASS HITS NORTHEAST MISSOURI
Bermudagrass is a highly productive, warm-season perennial grass widely grown for hay and pasture throughout the southern United States. Planting warm-season grasses for the summer when cool-season grasses are semi-dormant can improve animal performance and reduce reliance on stored feeds. Because bermudagrass typically lacks winter hardiness, it's usually grown only in the southern third of Missouri. However, over the last couple of decades, several bermudagrass varieties have been selected for their winter hardiness. Some of the sprigged hybrids include ‘Hardy', ‘Greenfield', and ‘Midland', along with a seeded variety called ‘Guymon'.
Until recently, very little research on bermudagrass has been conducted in the northeastern portion of the state. Within the last couple of months, Jimmy Smith, area agronomist with University Extension in Palmyra, has been working with Pike County residents Mr. & Mrs. Harlow Keeser of Eolia on a replicated bermudagrass trial. The trial includes three plots planted with ‘Guymon' seed, three plots sprigged with the ‘Hardy' hybrid, and three plots sprigged with a newly developed Oklahoma hybrid. The hybrids were sprigged at 20 bushels per acre in early June while the ‘Guymon' variety was seeded at 40 pounds per acre in mid June for quick establishment. All nine plots will be monitored for winter hardiness and total yields over a three year period. "I have no doubt that all three varieties will survive, but the big question is, how much will yields be reduced due to our cooler climate," Smith said. "Where I grew up in east Texas, we only had one primary grass for our grazing systems - Coastal Bermuda. But, I'm not sure if bermudagrass will ever serve as a viable alternative in this part of the state. This trial will give us a better indication of whether or not this grass is even worth fooling with," Smith added.
When the Keesers were asked how they got interested in bermudagrass, Harlow Keeser said, "I read an article in the Missouri Ruralist about a fellow in southwest Missouri using bermudagrass in his cattle operation. He claimed that bermudagrass had more nutrients than his regular pasture, cattle could stay on it longer, and it provided good erosion control. So, I eventually contacted the Extension office in Palmyra about conducting a bermudagrass trial on my property." A study like this is not for the faint hearted. The Keesers spend about 5 hours a week watering and weeding the nine plots. According to the Keesers, all three varieties are well established and growing rapidly. "As of right now, the new Oklahoma variety appears to be out competing the others," Keeser said. "It will take a couple of years before we know which variety is best adapted to this area," Smith added. For more information about winter hardy varieties of Bermudagrass, contact Jimmy Smith with University Extension in Palmyra at (573) 769-2177.
PHOTO #1 - Mr. & Mrs. Harlow Keeser are impressed with the newest Oklahoma hybrid of bermudagrass.
PHOTO #2 - ‘Hardy' bermudagrass sends out runner.
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