Establishment of Zoysia japonica by seed and vegetative methods in Mediterranean region

Zoysia japonica Steud (Japanese grass) presents a great potential for Mediterrenean and transition zones with its superior turf characteristics, shade tolerance, low maintanence requirement. The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate seeding and planting time, and plug density for a successful establishment of Zoysia japonica cultivar under the conditions of the Mediterranean climate. Two parallel trials were conducted for this purpose. In the first study, Z. japonica 'Zenith' cultivar were seeded at 10 g/m2 rate, on June, July and August 2012. Turfgrass establishment rate and quality were taken biweekly, and turfgrass density priot to onset of dormancy. The results showed that June seeding was the most successful where establishment rate was 98% at 2107 GDD, 12 weeks after seeding. However, plots seeded in August reached to 48% at the end of the growing season at 1980 GDD. Plots seeded in June provided the highest density per unit area of grass with 225 pieces of 50cm2 plugs, followed by 175 and 103 pieces / plots in July and August plantings, respectively. In the second study, Z. japonica 'Meyer' plugs with 5 cm in diameter were planted at 25 (16 plugs/m2), 34 (9 plugs/m2) and 50 cm (4 plugs/m2) plugging distance in June, July and August 2012. According to the results of research; In June, plugs of Zoysia japónica 'Meyer' cultivar planted at 25 cm (16 plugs/m2) plugging distance were the fastest established 96 % at 1414 GDD after 8 weeks of planting. The pluggings in June and July, irrespective of density, established from 93% to 100%, providing a quality turf. However, August plugging failed to establish with a range of 32 to 71% before the onset of dormancy. The highest shoot density with 206 shoots/50 cm2 was counted from the plots planted in June. Overall results indicate that June is the best time for seeding, and June pluggings at 25 to 34 cm/plug distance established successfully before the growing season ends. Thus, August seeding or plugging is not recommended due to failing to establish within the planting season.