Zoysia Matrella (l.) Merr. Var. Pacifica Gouds. - Manila Grass

Overview of Zoysia matrella var. pacifica

Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. is a cultivar of Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr., a warm-season grass species native to Southeast Asia. This cultivar is commonly known as Pacific Zoysia and is widely used for turfgrass in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Appearance

Pacific Zoysia is a fine-textured, slow-growing, and highly dense grass that forms a thick mat-like turf. Its leaves are narrow, tapering, and deep green in color, growing up to 5-7 cm in length. The blades stand upright and have a soft feel when walked upon. The plant produces short, creeping stems that form a dense root system, producing a thick sod layer.

Cultivation and Uses

Pacific Zoysia is widely cultivated for commercial and residential lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and landscaping. It is a highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance grass species that can thrive in a wide range of soil types, from sand to clay. It is also resistant to pests and diseases and can tolerate moderate shade. Pacific Zoysia can be propagated via seeds, plugs, or sod and can be grown in full sun to partial shade.

The grass is commonly used as a groundcover in tropical and subtropical regions due to its ability to grow in hot and humid conditions. Its close-knit growth pattern makes it well-suited for areas with heavy foot traffic, such as playgrounds, parks, and sports fields.

In traditional medicine, Zoysia matrella var. pacifica has been used for its medicinal properties. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

In conclusion, Zoysia matrella var. pacifica is a widely grown cultivar of the Zoysia matrella species that is known for its dense and low-maintenance nature. It is a popular choice for turfgrass in tropical and subtropical regions due to its adaptability to different soil types and its resistance to pests and diseases.

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Light Requirements

Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica Gouds. thrives in full sun exposure, meaning it requires direct sunlight for at least six hours each day for healthy growth. However, it can endure partial shade for a few hours each day during the growing season.

Temperature Requirements

For optimal growth, Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica Gouds. requires a temperature range between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It can withstand frost conditions but experience growth retardation when exposed to lower temperatures. High humidity levels do not affect this plant much, but it performs well in well-ventilated locations.

Soil Requirements

Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica Gouds. prefer soils that are well-draining with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate salt spray and some levels of drought but does poorly in waterlogged soils. A recommended soil depth is around 10-20 cm to foster root development.

Cultivation methods

Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica Gouds. commonly known as Manila grass or Korean velvet grass, is a warm-season turfgrass that thrives well in warm and humid tropical and subtropical climates. This grass prefers full sunlight but can tolerate up to 70% shade making it an ideal choice for lawns, golf courses and sports fields. It grows best in well-drained soil types with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Watering needs

Manila grass requires consistent watering to maintain its lush green look. It is recommended to water the lawn about 2 to 3 times a week, and watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation. Avoid watering late in the evening as this can lead to fungal diseases. The grass should receive about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, depending on the climate and soil type.

Fertilization

Fertilization is one of the key factors in maintaining healthy and vigorous grass growth. To ensure a healthy Manila grass lawn, apply a balanced fertilizer blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to thatch development and reduce the growth of the grass. A soil test can provide accurate information on the soil's nutrient requirements, guiding you to fertilize accordingly.

Pruning

To maintain a uniform and neat lawn appearance, Manila grass requires regular pruning. Pruning helps to control thatch growth, which is a buildup of dead grass stems and leaves. The grass should be mowed at least once a week, or as needed to maintain a height of 1 to 2 inches. When mowing, avoid cutting more than one-third of the length of the grass blades to avoid stressing the grass. Subsequently, the grass clippings should be left on the lawn to decompose and provide nutrients to the soil. Additionally, pruning should be done consistently to avoid overgrowth that can be difficult to control.

Propagation of Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds.

Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. is commonly known as Manila grass and is used for turfgrass. It is a warm-season grass and can be propagated through various methods which include:

Sod propagation

The most commonly used method for zoysia grass propagation is through sod. This involves cutting the grass and its roots from an established lawn and transplanting it to a new area where it can grow on its own. The sod must be kept moist before transplanting to prevent drying out and must be established within a few weeks of transplanting.

Stolon propagation

Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. can also be propagated through stolons. Stolons are running stems that grow parallel to the ground and will eventually take root and develop into new plants. Stolons can be cut and transplanted to a new location where they can grow into new plants. This method can be slow and requires more maintenance than sod propagation.

Seed propagation

Seed propagation is another method used for zoysia grass propagation, but it is not as common as sod or stolon propagation. The seeds must be collected from an established lawn and sown in well-draining soil. The soil must be kept moist and the seeds must be allowed to germinate. Once they have germinated, the seedlings must be cared for until they are established enough to be transplanted to a new location.

Disease Management for Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds.

Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. is a hardy grass that usually does not suffer from many serious diseases as long as it is well-maintained and planted in the appropriate conditions. However, it can be susceptible to certain types of diseases, which can affect both the visual appeal and health of the lawn. Here are some common diseases of Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. and recommendations for managing them:

Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases are a common problem in Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. lawns. Brown patch disease and dollar spot are two of the most common fungal diseases affecting this type of grass. Brown patch disease presents itself as brown, circular patches on the lawn, while dollar spot appears as small, circular patches with a bleached appearance.

To manage fungal diseases, you should water your lawn early in the day, avoid over-fertilization, and promptly remove any leaves or other debris from the lawn to reduce the risk of fungal growth. You can also treat the lawn with a fungicide if you notice fungal infections.

Viral Diseases

Viral diseases are uncommon in Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. but can cause severe damage to lawns if they do occur. Common viral diseases affecting this type of grass include yellowing and stunting of the grass due to disease infection.

While no effective chemical treatments are available for viral infections, you can help prevent the spread of the disease by practices such as proper fertilization, timely mowing, and watering your lawn appropriately.

Pest Management for Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds.

Aside from diseases, Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. is also susceptible to damage from pests that can harm the lawn and reduce its aesthetic appeal. Here are some common pests that can affect this type of grass and recommendations for managing them:

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs, which are small, winged insects, are a common pest of Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. lawns. They feed on grass blades, causing yellow and brown patches that can spread quickly if not managed.

To manage chinch bug infestations, ensure that the lawn is properly watered and fertilized, and immediately remove any debris such as grass clippings or leaves. You can also treat your lawn with an insecticide specifically targeted at chinch bugs.

Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are larvae that live in the thatch layer of Zoysia matrella var. pacifica Gouds. lawns. They can seriously damage the lawn by feeding on the grass blades, causing irregular patches of dead or yellowing grass.

To manage sod webworm infestations, maintain proper lawn hygiene by removing any debris from the lawn. You can also apply insecticides to reduce their populations. Natural predators like birds and ground beetles can also help to manage the sod webworm population.