Digitaria didactyla
Blue couch
Aussiblue (protected by Australian Plant Breeder's Rights); formerly D. swazilandensis (scientific name).
Aussiblue is a fine-medium textured blue couch grass with a soft leaf, suited for domestic and commercial lawns, low usage recreational areas. The variety maintains a dense sward when mown between 15 mm to 40 mm. Regular mowing is required to keep the variety maintained. Turf clippings can also become a nuisance when mowing, clumping blocking the catcher entry or mower blades, because of the moisture within the turf sward. Aussiblue is more resistant to weed invasion (possible allopathic effects). Seed head production is minimal (if any under routine mowing). The variety is not tolerant to MSMA or DSMA herbicide. Wear tolerance is poor, however good recovery is encountered following fast spreading stolons/runners. Aussiblue has better shade tolerance than Queensland blue couch (Roche, 2013).
Aussiblue retains its colour in winter in South-East Queensland. Recovers quickly from frost. Browns off with heavy frost. Is more shade tolerant than Queensland Blue Couch and many green couch varieties. Aussiblue prefers soil that comprises sands and loams but adaptable to light clays. Grows well on neutral to acid soils; tolerant of very acid soils (pH 5.5 and lower). The variety has vigorous lateral stolon growth (averaging 1400 mm from a 45 mm plug in 100 days, 24% more than Queensland blue couch). Source: DAF Technical note.
Pests, disease and weeds
Check to see which Pests, Diseases and or Weeds this turf variety may be susceptible to and how to successfully control them in your home lawn or sports turf.
