Reprinted by NORDAN'S GRASS FARM from the original paper #78 
Mimeograph . May 1952 
Paper No. 78 
GEORGIA COASTAL FLAIN EXPERIMENT STATION [Sp _ 
Tifton, Georgia ppt are Ce 
Information based on results of practical; er Re y 
experiments in arriculture for press reldase J). A eer 
and distribution to farners. fio t 1554 
TIFFINZ (TIFTON 127) TURF BERMUDA GRASS —SAaicutirs | 
B.P. Robinson and“Gténn W. Burton*. te 
Golf course superintendents have continually searched for a good fine 
textured Bermuda grass. fhe establishment of experimental turf plots 
at the Georgia Coastal Plain Experimental Station in 1947 marked the 
sudan milestone for the selection, breeding, and testing of Beruuda 
rass types for turr purposes. During this time over 136 types of Ber- 
ct grasses have been tested under both golf green fairway management. 
4y 1949 and 1950 it was evident that a hvhrid Bermuda, Tiflawn (Tifton 
57 Bermuda grass) produced at the experiment station, was superior to 
common seeded Bermuda grass and several selections from golf courses 
in the Southeast. Tiflawn, however, still fell short of the exacting 
requirements of the golfers for a very fine textured Bermuda. In an 
effort, therefore, to produce a finer textured Bermuda while still 
retaining desirable qualities, Tiflawn, Cynodon dactylon, and several 
other selections of cotiuon Bermuda were hybridized with a very fine- 
leafed disease susceptible Berinuda from South Africa, Cynodon transvaal- 
ensis. 
BRighty-nine hybrid plants, obtained from the crosses, were planted in 
the field for observation. in 1949. Several of the plants appeared to 
be inferior turf types and were discarded. fhe most promising hybrids, 
however, were planted in the experimental turf plots. Such comparative 
ratings as disease resistance, sod density, fineness, playing quality, 
weed resistance, aggresiveness, etc., over the past two years have indi- 
cated that the hybrid plant carrying the number 127 is a superior turf 
trpe. This Bermuda produced by crossing Tiftlawn with South African 
3ermuda grass has become known as Tifton 127 Bermuda--Tiffine. Since 
it does not produce viable seed, it must be propagated vegetatively. 
Tiffine has a distinctive nedium green color, is aggressive, disease 
resistant, not injured vy oversceding with ryegrass, and is much finer 
in texture than Tiftlawn, cormon seeded Bermuda, or most other types of 
Bermuda grass used on putting greens. Commercial sources are available. 
Observations to date indicate that Tiffine 1s well adapted throughout 
the Southeast. Tt is being grown satisfactorily on new greens in the 
coastal area and as far north as the Ohto River Valley. 
Although fiffine is.a great improverent over common Bermuda for putting 
greens, the Bermuda grass breeding work is being continued in the hope 
that even better Yeriuda may be found. 
: Geneticist, Gcorgia Coastal Plain Exper- 
iment Station and U.5;. Department of Agriculture, Georgia Coastal Plain 
Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia 
