Grass named ‘Tift PA18’

Abstract

A new variety of Pennisetum alopecuroides plant named Tift PA18 produces a reduced number of seeds, making it less invasive.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Pennisetum alopecuroides plant named Tift PA18, as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The accompanying colored photographs illustrate the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new cultivar of Pennisetum Tift PA18. The colors in the photographs are as close as possible with the photographic and printing technology utilized.

(2) Certain characteristics of this variety, such as growth and color, may change with changing environmental conditions (e.g., light, temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, or other factors). Color descriptions and other terminology are used in accordance with their ordinary dictionary descriptions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Color designations are made with reference to The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart (5.sup.th edition, 2007).

(3) FIG. 1. Tift PA18 (year of establishment) in landscape in Union County, Ga.

(4) FIG. 2. Tift PA18 in research plots (two year old plants) in Union County, Ga.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) The new cultivar Tift PA18 is a vigorous perennial at Blairsville, Ga. (USDA Zone 7a). The new cultivar Tift PA18 survived 90, 95, and 101 days below 0 C. and low temperatures of 9, 29, and 17 C. for the winters of 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015, respectively at Blairsville, Ga.

(6) All data are from plants established as single stem propagules in mid-April to mid-May and rated in September through October, except 2015 data from Blairsville, Ga. was collected from 2014 plants. Plant: Mature inflorescence height.46-125 cm. Mature leaf height.33-97 cm. Diameter of plant canopy.69-159 cm. Inflorescence length.9-15 cm. Number of inflorescences per plant.73-258. Number of culms per plant.Typically about the same as the number of inflorescences per plant (Table 4) because most of the major culms produce an inflorescence. Leaf: Leaf width.5.5-10.2 mm. Leaf length.22.6-50 cm. Adaxial leaf surface trichomes.Glabrous. Abaxial leaf surface trichomes.Glabrous. Leaf blade margin trichome length.Less than 0.5 mm long. Leaf collar trichomes.Dense, 3 mm long. Sheath trichomes.Margin moderate, less than 0.5 mm long. Ligule.Yes. Ligule trichomes.Less than 1 mm long. Sheath trichomes.Moderate, 0.5 mm long. Adaxial leaf color.Green 143A. Abaxial leaf color.Green 139C. Inflorescence color.Greyed Purple 183A.

(7) Although rust (Puccinia substriata), leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea), and Helminthosporium sp. leaf spot are common diseases for Pennisetum in Tifton, Ga. due to its humid and warm climate; to date, Tift PA18 has not presented any disease symptoms.

(8) No pest susceptibility has been observed for Tift PA18.

(9) Hardiness: Tift PA18 has vigorously survived 64, 97 and 96 days below 0 C. and lowest temperatures of 12 C., 18 C. and 17 C., in 2012, 2014, and 1015, respectively in Blairsville, Ga.