Performance of advanced breeding lines of bermudagrasses, seashore paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrasses in response to shade

Abstract Shade poses a significant challenge to the growth and maintenance of turfgrasses, particularly in environments such as urban landscapes and residential lawns. This study aimed to evaluate the shade tolerance of advanced breeding lines of bermudagrasses ( Cynodon Rich. spp.), seashore paspalum ( Paspalum vaginatum Swartz), St. Augustinegrass [ Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze], and zoysiagrasses ( Zoysia Willd. spp.) in field trials from 2021 to 2023 using poly‐fiber cloth shade structures at six locations across the southern region of the United States. Turfgrass quality and percent green cover were evaluated under varying levels of shade using a 1–9 visual rating scale and digital image analysis, respectively. Results indicated significant variations in shade tolerance among the breeding lines for all genera. In bermudagrass, OSU2021 consistently exhibited superior turfgrass quality and percent green cover under shade, outperforming traditional check entries such as OKC 1131 (Tahoma 31 ® ) and Tifway. For seashore paspalum, UGP341 and UGP358 demonstrated enhanced shade tolerance compared to check entries SDX‐1 (SeaDwarf™) and TE‐13 (Platinum TE ® ). In St. Augustinegrass, DALSA1913, DALSA1910, and NCXS12341 maintained higher turfgrass quality and percent green cover under shade than standard cultivars SS‐100 (Palmetto ® ) and Raleigh. Zoysiagrass breeding lines TifZ20301, TifZ20305, and NCXZ14069 (Lobo™) showed promising shade tolerance, outperforming check entries Diamond and Palisades. These findings suggest that shade tolerance can be significantly improved through turfgrass breeding, offering practical solutions for turf management in shaded environments. These advanced breeding lines identified herein have the potential to enhance turfgrass quality and sustainability, reducing the need for intensive management practices in areas with limited light availability.