Herbage accumulation, nutritive value, and fatty acid profile of bermudagrass cultivars grown in different latitudes

Abstract

The geographical distribution of bermudagrass cultivars is limited by freezing events (<0°C), commonly associated with higher latitudes in the northern hemisphere. The lipid composition in the plant cell membranes is critical to promote persistence under freezing conditions. This study evaluated herbage accumulation (HA), nutritive value, and lipid biosynthesis of different bermudagrass cultivars in Ona, FL (27°26' N 82°55' W) and Marianna, FL (30^o52' N 85^o11' W), in 2 years. Treatments were five bermudagrass cultivars (Coastal, Tifton 44, Tifton 85, Jiggs, and Mislevy) distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. HA was greater in Marianna than in Ona for all cultivars (p < 0.05). Mislevy and Jiggs had greater HA in Marianna than the others (p < 0.05), while all cultivars were similar in Ona (p > 0.05). There was no difference between locations or among the cultivars for crude protein and neutral detergent fibre, but bermudagrass cultivars had greater in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) in Marianna than in Ona (p < 0.05). The concentration of unsaturated fatty acids increased in the northern latitude (Marianna; p < 0.05). Coastal had greater unsaturated fatty acid concentration than other cultivars (p < 0.05). Geographical location affects HA, IVDOM, and unsaturated fatty acid concentration of bermudagrass cultivars. The unsaturated fatty acid concentration plays a key role in acclimating bermudagrass to different thermal environments. Coastal showed great potential to tolerate chilling stress in Florida. Further studies may be developed to identify promising molecular markers for cold tolerance in bermudagrass.