An initial study into the suitability of Sicilian ecotypes of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. for turfgrass use

The aim of the study is to evaluate the biodiversity of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. in Sicily (Italy), observing several ecotypes collected in specific areas of the island. The ultimate goal was to identify ecotypes that have the qualitative standards required to establish turfgrasses and/or for specific plant breeding programmes. For each of the 22 bermudagrass ecotypes that were collected from Sicily, leaf texture, stolon internodes length, stolon diameter, turf colour, uniformity and quality rating were the main biometric and qualitative parameters monitored. The speed of recovery was also determined for each ecotype. Interesting variability was recorded in the collected vegetative material for the main tested parameters. All ecotypes showed significant differences for most parameters. In particular, the ecotypes 7, 8 and 22 exhibited the highest results.