Maya Turf Bermudagrass
Maya is a new variety of seeded bermudagrass. Tested as RAD-CD1 in the latest NTEP (National Turfgrass Evaluation Program) trial (2007 – 2012) it is a seeded variety selected for improved turf performance, disease resistance, excellent color, texture and broad adaptation. Maya will establish a superior bermudagrass turf throughout the warm season and transition zone areas normally growing the species. It has very good spring green up. Overall, it was one of the top varieties in the NTEP trial.
Disease Resistance: This vigorous, medium fine-bladed cultivar adds excellent disease resistance to any warm-season blend throughout the hottest summer months. It exhibited no dollar spot (9.0 resistance score) and had less damage from Spring Dead Spot (only 5% damage) than any other variety. Maya shows remarkable cold tolerance even in cold winter areas like Virginia where it exhibited no winterkill. Maya displays very good resistance (7.3) to Take All Patch in Texas trials. It had little damage (8.0 resistance score) from mole crickets.
Usage: Maya is recommended for southern lawns, parks, sports fields, golf fairways and roughs or wherever a high quality turf is desired. Being established from seed, it is much easier to use than the old sprigged vegetative varieties.
Establishment: Late spring plantings are best. Plant 2 to 3 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet (1kg/100 square meters) for new turf applications. More seed may be needed when stands are established early or late in the season to ensure full coverage. It is very important to use coated seed and cover the bermudagrass seeds with soil or mulch (1/8 to 1/4 inch) – a bare, open-to-the-air seed lying on the soil surface with no protection from wind or dry air or hot sun, cannot be kept moist enough to germinate well since it is too hard to keep exposed seeds from drying out.
Management: For best performance Maya should be fed 4 – 6 times per year. Use a good locally advised fertilizer that feeds and strengthens Souther lawns to help withstand heat and drought and to help bermudagrass turf to maintain its color and beauty during the hot summer months, water regularly and deeply.