Advances in breeding for improved cultivars of turfgrass

Publication date: 23/01/2023
Extent: 62 pages

Contributions by: Phillip L. Vines, University of Georgia, USA; Ambika Chandra, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, USA; and Trent M. Tate, GO Seed, Inc., USA

Chapter synopsis:

Turfgrass breeding efforts are aimed at developing new turfgrass varieties adapted to a wide range of geographic regions with excellent seed or sod production, improved stress and pest tolerance, and elite turf quality under high, medium, and low maintenance practices. Various cooperative testing programs are available and utilized by turfgrass breeders to expedite these efforts. In addition, new technologies and advanced breeding strategies are being developed for enhanced DNA genotyping and high-throughput plant phenotyping approaches to improve turfgrass breeding and selection efficiency. This chapter discusses biological characteristics, traditional breeding strategies, current breeding objectives, and advanced breeding methods for the major cool- and warm-season turfgrass species. Although remarkable progress has been made in the development of improved turfgrass cultivars, much work remains to deliver turfgrass varieties that are able to withstand the stresses of the future.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0110.02