Stenotaphrum secundatum
Buffalograss
B12 (protected by Australian Plant Breeder's Rights and United States Plant Patent), Sapphire® (registered trade mark of TurfBreed Pty Ltd and West Australian Group Pty Ltd).
Sapphire® is an open pollinated seedling selection from ‘Sir Walter’ which was selected for shorter internodes and greener foliage. Sapphire® has a medium textured leaf (width avg. 5.8 mm) compared with other commercial buffalo grass varieties. Mature leaves fold in on themselves length-wise to produce a finer textured appearance. Sapphire® leaves are blue-green in colour and the variety has medium-long brown to yellow green stolons. The variety has rapid lateral stolon development with a moderate upright growth habit. Sapphire® has vigorous growth in tropical and subtropical environments. The variety has excellent heat tolerance in high and low humidity area, but grows best at moderate temperatures between 20–30°C. Does not show significant yellowing in summer. Sapphire® has good winter colour retention and survives normal frosts to minus 10°C under Australian conditions. The buffalo grass has a moderate to high shade tolerance (Duff, A. et. al., 2009). Performed well in shade trails compared with other soft leaf buffalo grass. Can withstand shading under trees – up to 50% shade for wear areas and 70% shade for low wear areas. Sapphire® shows moderate drought tolerance having a deep root system. Salinity tolerance is also medium. Sapphire® is not recommended for high traffic areas. Better wear tolerance than sweet smother, kikuyu and “Wintergreen” green couch in 50% shade (Duff, A. et. al., 2006). Rapid lateral stolon recovery exists, however needs a recovery time to repair damage.
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.
