Grass named ‘Tift PA17’

Abstract

A new variety of Pennisetum alopecuroides plant named Tift PA17 produces a reduced number of seeds, making it less invasive.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Pennisetum alopecuroides plant named Tift PA17, 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 PA17. 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 is a photograph of a Tift PA17 plant in landscape (year of establishment) in Union County, Ga.

(4) FIG. 2 is a photograph of Tift PA17 plants growing in research plots (two year old plants) in Union County, Ga.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) The new cultivar Tift PA17 is a vigorous perennial at Blairsville, Ga. (USDA Zone 7a). The new cultivar Tift PA17 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 plants planted in 2014. Plant: Mature inflorescence height.57-110 cm. Mature leaf height.41-81 cm. Diameter of plant canopy.76-153 cm. Inflorescence length.11.1-19 cm. Number of inflorescences per plant.65-195. 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.5.7-8.8 mm. Leaf length.27.6-47 cm. Adaxial leaf surface trichomes.Glabrous. Abaxial leaf surface trichomes.Glabrous. Leaf blade margin trichome length.Less than 1 mm long. Leaf collar trichomes.Medium density, 2 mm long. Sheath trichomes.Margin sparse, less than 1 mm long. Ligule.Yes. Ligule trichomes.Glabrous. Sheath trichomes.Sparse on margins, less than 1 mm long. Adaxial leaf color.Green 141B. Abaxial leaf color.Green 139D. Inflorescence color.Greyed Orange 165B.

(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 PA17 has not presented any disease symptoms.

(8) No pest susceptibility has been observed for Tift PA17.

(9) Hardiness: Tift PA17 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 2015, respectively in Blairsville, Ga.