INNOVATIONS

North Carolina State University ’ s Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics program , under the direction of Dr . Susana Milla-Lewis , released Lobo Zoysiagrass ( experimental name XZ 14069 ). Researchers selected Lobo from hundreds of nurserymates for its unusual combination of aggressive establishment and stress tolerance . These traits were later confirmed by six years of multi-location trials under low input conditions .

Lobo Zoysia will be exclusively licensed through Sod Solutions for commercial production and marketing . This release is NC State ’ s first warm-season turfgrass cultivar from Milla-Lewis ’ s breeding program that started in 2009 .

Zoysiagrasses are warm-season , perennial turfgrasses known for their low maintenance requirements but

A group examines a newly planted sample plot of Lobo Zoysia at NC State ’ s 2021 Turfgrass Field Day .

slow establishment . Lobo is fast to establish , drought-tolerant , and maintains good color and quality under very low inputs .

“ This medium-fine zoysiagrass cultivar is simultaneously well adapted for infrequently managed areas like golf course roughs , roadsides , and

40 SportsField Management | December 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com