Cynodon dactylon
Certified NuMex Sahara was the first seeded bermudagrass to be developed exclusively for turf. Sahara was released in 1988 after over 20 years of research. Compared to common bermudagrass, Sahara is more uniform, has increased density and improved summer green color. Sahara is superior in drought tolerance to common and many other bermudagrass varieties.
Characteristics:
Improved overall turf performance
Increased durability and wear tolerance
Reduced plant height
Increased density
Low in thatch
Lower mowing heights with less scalping
Medium-fine texture with dark green color
Recommended Use:
Golf Courses (fairways & roughs), Home Lawns, Athletic Fields, Parks, Playgrounds, Erosion Control, and Cemeteries
Climatic Zones:
7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (may not be adaptable to all areas within each climatic zone)
Establishment & Maintenance:
NuMex Sahara should be planted when soil temperatures are consistently above 65° F (18º C). For best results, plant in full sun on well-drained soil and soil moisture must be maintained for at least 1 to 2 weeks after planting through irrigation or natural rainfall. Under ideal conditions, germination may begin within 7 to 10 days. Allow 10 to 21 days for full germination, full coverage may be attained in 4 to 6 weeks. More time may be needed for establishment if planting early or late in the season. Mowing may begin when grass is 1/3 taller than desired mowing height. Sahara performs best at mowing heights of 1/2 - 1 1/2 inches (13 – 38 mm). Fertilize with 1/2 to 1 lb/1,000 sq ft actual N (0.25 to 0.5 kg /100 sq m) per month of growing season for optimum performance, fertilization may be reduced by 1/2 if clippings are returned.
Seeding Rates:
(0.5 – 1.3 kg/100 square meters)
(0.25 – 0.5 kg/100 square meters)
NuMex Sahara has been tested for more years at more locations than any other seeded bermudagrass; in test after test it consistently outperforms common bermudagrass. The performance characteristics of Sahara are what make it the distinguished choice over common bermudagrass.
1986 National Bermudagrass Test – 6 Year Averages for selected Turfgrass Characteristics.
Quality Color Density Texture Thatch
Variety ---------------------1-9; 9=Most Desirable------------------ --mm--
Tifway 6.6 7.4 7.4 7.3 19.8
Tifgreen 6.5 6.2 7.7 7.9 18.8
NuMex Sahara 4.9 6.1 5.6 5.5 15.2
Guymon 4.4 6.1 5.1 3.9 16.8
AZ Common 4.4 5.7 4.9 4.8 14.0
LSD (0.05) 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.3 4.2
No. of Locations reporting data 21 15 5 11 2
For complete report go to: National Bermudagrass Test – 1986, Final Report 1986-91, NTEP No. 93-1
1992 National Bermudagrass Test – 4 Year Averages for selected Turfgrass Characteristics.
Quality Color Density Texture Plant Ht.
Variety ---------------------1-9; 9=Most Desirable------------------ ---cm---
Tifgreen 6.1 6.2 7.4 7.8 4.3
Tifway 6.0 7.2 6.8 7.5 5.3
Guymon 5.0 6.1 4.9 4.4 9.3
NuMex Sahara 4.6 6.0 5.5 5.1 11.7
AZ Common 4.2 5.5 5.0 5.0 20.3
LSD (0.05) 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.2 2.8
No. of Locations reporting data 25 24 14 18 1
For complete report go to: National Bermudagrass Test – 1992, Final Report 1992-96, NTEP No. 97-9
1997 National Bermudagrass Test – 2000 Data for selected Turfgrass Characteristics.
Quality Color Density Texture Scalping
Variety ---------------------1-9; 9=Most Desirable------------------ 1-9; 9=None
Tifway 6.5 6.9 8.0 7.1 5.1
Tifgreen 6.1 5.8 7.6 7.5 6.9
Mirage 5.0 5.9 5.6 5.1 5.8
NuMex Sahara 4.9 6.2 5.6 5.0 6.3
AZ Common 4.6 5.9 5.2 4.8 6.0
LSD (0.05) 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.9
No. of Locations reporting data 18 19 7 16 1 loc. 4 dates