[go: up one dir, main page]

USPP22254P2 - Ornamental grass ‘Tift-8’ - Google Patents

Ornamental grass ‘Tift-8’ Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USPP22254P2
USPP22254P2 US12/802,937 US80293710V USPP22254P2 US PP22254 P2 USPP22254 P2 US PP22254P2 US 80293710 V US80293710 V US 80293710V US PP22254 P2 USPP22254 P2 US PP22254P2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tift
test
leaf
planted
pennisetum
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
US12/802,937
Inventor
Wayne William Hanna
S. Kristine Braman
Brian Matthew Schwartz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc UGARF
Original Assignee
University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc UGARF
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc UGARF filed Critical University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc UGARF
Priority to US12/802,937 priority Critical patent/USPP22254P2/en
Assigned to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION reassignment UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BRAMAN, S. KRISTINE, HANNA, WAYNE WILLIAM, SCHWARTZ, BRIAN MATTHEW
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USPP22254P2 publication Critical patent/USPP22254P2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01H—NEW PLANTS OR NON-TRANSGENIC PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES
    • A01H5/00—Angiosperms, i.e. flowering plants, characterised by their plant parts; Angiosperms characterised otherwise than by their botanic taxonomy
    • A01H5/12—Leaves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01H—NEW PLANTS OR NON-TRANSGENIC PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES
    • A01H6/00—Angiosperms, i.e. flowering plants, characterised by their botanic taxonomy
    • A01H6/46—Gramineae or Poaceae, e.g. ryegrass, rice, wheat or maize
    • A01H6/4654—Pennisetum [pearl millet]

Definitions

  • Tiset 8 is a tri-specific ornamental Pennisetum hybrid of the genus and species Pennisetum purpureum ⁇ [Pennisetum glaucum ⁇ ( Pennisetum purpureum ⁇ Pennisetum squamulatum )].
  • the present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Pennisetum and herein referred to as ‘Tift 8’.
  • the new Pennisetum is a product of a planned breeding program conducted in Tifton, Ga.
  • the objective of the Pennisetum breeding program is to create new plant cultivars with improved commercial qualities. This cultivar is commercially important for its superior ornamental value. These and other qualities are enumerated herein.
  • the following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent the characteristics of a new variety of Pennisetum , ‘Tift 8’.
  • the new variety ‘Tift 8’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions.
  • the phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in, for example, temperature, day-length, light intensity, soil types, and water and fertility levels without, however, any variance in genotype.
  • the new variety Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ can be compared to its parents, ‘Princess’ and ‘04-26-01’, and its sister hybrid ‘Tift 17’, described in co-pending U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 12/378,547, filed on Feb. 17, 2009.
  • Plants of the new Pennisetum differ from its parent ‘Princess’ in the following characteristics:
  • Plants of the new Pennisetum differ from its male parent ‘04-26-1’ in the following characteristics:
  • Plants of the new Pennisetum differ from its sister hybrid ‘Tift 17’ in the following characteristics:
  • the new variety ‘Tift 8’ was significantly taller than ‘Tift 17’ in three of four tests at Tifton, Ga. and in one test at Griffin, Ga. (Table 1).
  • the canopy diameter and base diameter at ground level were observed to be similar between ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ (Tables 2 and 3).
  • Leaf width differences between ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were significant in two of four tests (Table 4). No significant differences were measured between these two cultivars for leaf length (Table 5).
  • Culm-leaf angle was significantly smaller for ‘Tift 8’ compared to ‘Tift 17’ (Table 6).
  • ‘Tift 8’ had significantly more leaves per culm than ‘Tift 17’ (Table 6).
  • Plant canopy measurements represent the average of the diameters measured at the estimated widest and narrowest portions of a single plant canopy. Measurements are in cm.
  • Teest 1 The plants originally planted in 2006 survived the 2006/2007 winter in the field.
  • Test 2 represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007.
  • Teift 8’ was planted on Jun. 2, 2006 and May 27, 2007, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006 and Sep. 27, 2007, respectively.
  • At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
  • Base diameter is the diameter of the base of a single plant. Measurements are in cm. At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006, Sep. 17, 2007 (“Test 1”). The plants originally planted in 2006 survived the 2006/2007 winter in the field. “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 27, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 27, 2007.
  • the leaf width was measured in the center of the latest fully extended leaf.
  • ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006 (“Test 1”).
  • “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007.
  • ‘Tift 8’ was planted on Jun. 2, 2006, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006.
  • ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
  • the leaf angle and the number of fully extended leaves per culm were measured on plants planted on May 12, 2008, with the measurements occurring on Oct. 10, 2008.
  • the measured leaf angle was the angle observed between the adaxial leaf surface and the culm at the leaf collar on the last fully extended leaf.
  • the reported inflorescence exsertion data represents the translation of the percentages of culms with fully exserted inflorescences into a numerical score. That is, a score of 1 is assigned to a completely vegetative plant, 2 represents 1-10% of culms with fully exserted inflorescences, 3 (11-20% of culms with fully exserted inflorescences), 4 (31-40%), 5 (41-50%), 6 (51-60%), 7 (61-70%), 8 (71-80%), and 9 (>80%).
  • Test 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 11, 2006 (“Test 1”). These plants survived the winters of 2006/2007, 2007/2008, and 2008/2009, at Tifton, Ga. The plants of “Test 2” were planted on May 9, 2009, while the plants termed “Nursery” 2009 were planted on May 9, 2009. All the ratings were made on Dec. 21, 2009.
  • Test 1 At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006, Sep. 17, 2007, and Oct. 6, 2009 (“Test 1”). The plants originally planted in 2006 survived the winters of 2006/2007, 2007/2008, and 2008/2009, in the field. “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on June 2, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
  • Test 1 At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006 and Oct. 6, 2009 (“Test 1”). “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. Color in Test 2 was rated on young propagules in the greenhouse on Jan. 28, 2007 before the plants were transplanted to the field. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 27, 2007 and Apr. 28, 2009, with measurements taken on Sep. 18 and 27, 2009. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 14, 2009, with measurements taken on Oct. 2, 2009.
  • ‘Tift 8’ is similar to ‘Tift 17’ in canopy diameter, plant base diameter, leaf length and width, total number of culms per plant, and disease resistance. ‘Tift 8’ is taller, has a smaller culm-leaf angle at the collar, produces more leaves per culm, and produces exserted inflorescence at daylength of approximately 10.5 h or less. ‘Tift 8’ has more attractive color than ‘Tift 17’.
  • FIG. 1 is a photograph of the new variety Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’.
  • the new variety ‘Tift 8’ is a perennial at Tifton, Ga. (USDA Zone 8a).
  • the new variety ‘Tift 8’ survived at approximately ⁇ 7° C. for one night and 13 nights below 0° C. in the field during the 2008/2009 winter at Tifton, and 45 days below 0° C. and a low temperature of ⁇ 10° C. during the 200/2009 winter at Griffin (USDA Zone 7b). It has not survived the winter temperatures (lows of ⁇ 13° C. and ⁇ 15° C. in the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008, respectively) in the mountains of Blairsville, Ga. (USDA Zone 6b). Because of its vigor, it can effectively be used as an annual where it will not survive freezing temperatures in the winter.
  • Test 1 data are from plants that over-wintered at Tifton. Plants were spaced at 2 meter centers.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Botany (AREA)
  • Developmental Biology & Embryology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Natural Medicines & Medicinal Plants (AREA)
  • Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)

Abstract

The new variety Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ is provided. The new and distinct variety has high ornamental value; cold tolerance for short periods of time; and relatively long trichomes on the sheath and at the leaf blade edge at the collar. The asexually reproduced variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.

Description

Latin name of the genus of the plant claimed: ‘Tift 8’ is a tri-specific ornamental Pennisetum hybrid of the genus and species Pennisetum purpureum×[Pennisetum glaucum×(Pennisetum purpureum×Pennisetum squamulatum)].
Variety denomination: The new Pennisetum claimed is of the variety denominated ‘Tift 8’.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Pennisetum and herein referred to as ‘Tift 8’.
The new Pennisetum is a product of a planned breeding program conducted in Tifton, Ga. The objective of the Pennisetum breeding program is to create new plant cultivars with improved commercial qualities. This cultivar is commercially important for its superior ornamental value. These and other qualities are enumerated herein.
Pedigree and history: In 2003, red tetraploid (2n=4x=28) pearl millet (unpatented Pennisetum glaucum; designated ‘04-94’) was crossed with SC 1125-2[a Merkeron napiergrass (unpatented Pennisetum purpureum; 2n=4x=28) that had been crossed with PS 262 (unpatented Pennisetum squamulatum; 2n=8x=56)]. One vigorous plant from the SC 1125-2/PS 262 cross, designated ‘04-26-1’, was selected in 2004. In 2004, ‘Princess’ napiergrass (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,728; 2n=4x=28, female parent) was pollinated with ‘04-26-1’ (unpatented; male parent). The new variety ‘Tift 8’ was the eighth plant selected in 2005 from the 2004 cross. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ has been tested since 2005.
Asexual reproduction of the new variety Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ by vegetative propagation (single stem propagules) in a controlled environment in Tifton, Blairsville and Griffin, Ga. since 2006, has shown that the unique features of this new Pennisetum hybrid are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent the characteristics of a new variety of Pennisetum, ‘Tift 8’. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in, for example, temperature, day-length, light intensity, soil types, and water and fertility levels without, however, any variance in genotype.
Throughout this specification, color names beginning with a small letter signify that the name of that color, as used in common speech, is aptly descriptive. Color names beginning with a capital letter designate values based upon The R.H.S. Colour Chart 5th edition published by The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed in Tifton and Griffin, Ga., and are determined to be the unique characteristics of the new variety ‘Tift 8’:
    • 1. ‘Tift 8’ reaches a height of about 1.8 meters, and a spread of about 1.6 meters.
    • 2. ‘Tift 8’ exhibits a vigorous growth habit.
    • 3. ‘Tift 8’ is pollen and seed sterile.
    • 4. ‘Tift 8’ is a tender perennial in climates colder than USDA Zone 8a.
The new variety Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ can be compared to its parents, ‘Princess’ and ‘04-26-01’, and its sister hybrid ‘Tift 17’, described in co-pending U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 12/378,547, filed on Feb. 17, 2009.
Plants of the new Pennisetum differ from its parent ‘Princess’ in the following characteristics:
    • 1. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ is taller than ‘Princess’.
    • 2. The canopy diameter of the new variety ‘Tift 8’ is wider compared to the canopy diameter of ‘Princess’.
Plants of the new Pennisetum differ from its male parent ‘04-26-1’ in the following characteristics:
    • 1. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ is slightly different from ‘04-26-1’ in adaxial leaf color. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ is about Greyed-purple RHS 187A, whereas ‘04-26-1’ is about mottled Greyed-purple RHS 183B.
    • 2. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ has a different midrib color. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ is about Greyed-purple RHS 187A, while ‘04-26-1’ is about Red-purple RHS 61C:
Plants of the new Pennisetum differ from its sister hybrid ‘Tift 17’ in the following characteristics:
    • 1. The new variety ‘Tift 8’ is significantly taller than ‘Tift 17.’
    • 2. Culm-leaf angle is significantly smaller for ‘Tift 8’ compared to ‘Tift 17.’
The following observations, measurements and values describe plants grown in Tifton, Blairsville, or Griffin, Ga., or both. In Tables 1-9, the least significant difference (LSD) is set at P≦0.05 probability level. Growth days were included in ratings. Plants were spaced at 2 meter centers. All data are from plants established as single stem propagules in mid-May, and rated in September through October, except the data labeled “Test 1,” from 2007 and 2009, in which the plants had been over-wintered at Tifton, Ga.
The new variety ‘Tift 8’ was significantly taller than ‘Tift 17’ in three of four tests at Tifton, Ga. and in one test at Griffin, Ga. (Table 1). The canopy diameter and base diameter at ground level were observed to be similar between ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ (Tables 2 and 3). Leaf width differences between ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were significant in two of four tests (Table 4). No significant differences were measured between these two cultivars for leaf length (Table 5). Culm-leaf angle was significantly smaller for ‘Tift 8’ compared to ‘Tift 17’ (Table 6). ‘Tift 8’ had significantly more leaves per culm than ‘Tift 17’ (Table 6). On Dec. 21, 2009, inflorescences were exserted on ‘Tift 8’, but not on ‘Tift 17’ (completely vegetative) in three different tests (Table 6). ‘Tift 17’ produced significantly more culms per plant than ‘Tift 8’ in only one of five tests (Table 7).
TABLE 1
Plant heights of two ornamental Pennisetum grasses planted
at three locations for three years in Georgia.
Tifton Blairsville Griffin
2006 2007 2009 2007 2006 2007 2006
Growth days
158 d 188 d 189 d 151 d
Test 1 Test 1 Test 1 Test 2 138 d 123 d 165 d
‘Tift 8’ 132 154 184 107 73 132 156
‘Tift 17’ 115 126 148 99 72 140 117
LSD 19 18 25 4 31 41 19
In Table 1, plant heights were measured from ground level to the top of the canopy. All height measurements are in cm. Plant height measured from ground level to top of plant canopy. At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006, Sep. 17, 2007, and Oct. 6, 2009 (“Test 1”). The plants originally planted in 2006 survived the winters of 2006/2007, 2007/2008, and 2008/2009, in the field. “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on Jun. 2, 2006 and May 27, 2007, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006 and Sep. 27, 2007, respectively. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
TABLE 2
Canopy diameter of individual plants of two ornamental
Pennisetum grasses planted at three locations for two
years in Georgia. Plants were spaced on two meter centers.
Tifton Blairsville Griffin
2006 2007 2007 2006 2007 2006
Growth days
158 d 188 d 151 d
Test 1 Test 1 Test 2 138 d 123 d 165 d
‘Tift 8’ 143 166 129 133 147 162
‘Tift 17’ 143 160 133 141 135 154
LSD 17 23 4 24 40 18
Plant canopy measurements, as shown in Table 2, represent the average of the diameters measured at the estimated widest and narrowest portions of a single plant canopy. Measurements are in cm. At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006, Sep. 17, 2007 (“Test 1”). The plants originally planted in 2006 survived the 2006/2007 winter in the field. “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on Jun. 2, 2006 and May 27, 2007, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006 and Sep. 27, 2007, respectively. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
TABLE 3
Base diameter at ground level of individual plants of two ornamental
Pennisetum grasses planted at three locations for two years in Georgia.
Tifton Blairsville
2006 2007 2007 2007
Growth days
158 d 188 d 151 d
Test 1 Test 1 Test 2 123 d
‘Tift 8’ 48 44 22 37
‘Tift 17’ 49 47 23 32
LSD  3 10  3  9
Base diameter is the diameter of the base of a single plant. Measurements are in cm. At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006, Sep. 17, 2007 (“Test 1”). The plants originally planted in 2006 survived the 2006/2007 winter in the field. “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 27, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 27, 2007.
TABLE 4
Leaf width of individual plants of two ornamental Pennisetum
grasses planted at three locations for two years in Georgia.
Tifton Blairsville Griffin
2006 2007 2006 2006
Growth days
158 d 151 d
Test 1 Test 2 138 d 165 d
‘Tift 8’  3 30 30 33
‘Tift 17’ 29 30 27 38
LSD  4  2 11  5
The leaf width was measured in the center of the latest fully extended leaf. At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006 (“Test 1”). “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on Jun. 2, 2006, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
TABLE 5
Leaf length on individual plants of two ornamental Pennisetum
grasses at three locations for two years in Georgia.
Tifton Blairsville Griffin
2006 2007 2006 2006
Growth days
158 d 151 d
Test 1 Test 2 138 d 165 d
‘Tift 8’ 63 56 84 78
‘Tift 17’ 68 61 83 70
LSD 11  5 12 11
The leaf length was measured from the leaf collar to the leaf tip of the latest fully extended leaf. At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ was planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006 (“Test 1”). “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on Jun. 2, 2006, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
TABLE 6
Leaf angle, leaf number, and heading characteristics of individual plants
(spaced on 2 meter centers) of two ornamental Pennisetum grasses planted
at Tifton, Georgia.
Culm-Leaf Number Inflorescence Exsertion
Angle Leaves/Culm 2006 2009 2009
Entry 2008 2008 Test 1 Test 2 Nursery
‘Tift 8’ 19 11.3 4.3 2.6 3.9 ± 0.3
‘Tift 17’ 27 9.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 ± 0.0
LSD 4.5 1.3 0.2 0.5 —
The leaf angle and the number of fully extended leaves per culm were measured on plants planted on May 12, 2008, with the measurements occurring on Oct. 10, 2008. The measured leaf angle was the angle observed between the adaxial leaf surface and the culm at the leaf collar on the last fully extended leaf.
The reported inflorescence exsertion data represents the translation of the percentages of culms with fully exserted inflorescences into a numerical score. That is, a score of 1 is assigned to a completely vegetative plant, 2 represents 1-10% of culms with fully exserted inflorescences, 3 (11-20% of culms with fully exserted inflorescences), 4 (31-40%), 5 (41-50%), 6 (51-60%), 7 (61-70%), 8 (71-80%), and 9 (>80%).
‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 11, 2006 (“Test 1”). These plants survived the winters of 2006/2007, 2007/2008, and 2008/2009, at Tifton, Ga. The plants of “Test 2” were planted on May 9, 2009, while the plants termed “Nursery” 2009 were planted on May 9, 2009. All the ratings were made on Dec. 21, 2009.
TABLE 7
Total number of culms on individual plants (spaced on two meter
centers) of two ornamental Pennisetum grasses planted at three
locations for two years in Georgia.
Tifton Blairsville Griffin
2006 2007 2007 2006 2006
Growth days
158 d 188 d 151 d
Test 1 Test 1 Test 2 138 d 165 d
‘Tift 8’ 38 58 25 47 43
‘Tift 17’ 52 61 27 65 38
LSD 21 28  3 16 15
At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006, Sep. 17, 2007, and Oct. 6, 2009 (“Test 1”). The plants originally planted in 2006 survived the winters of 2006/2007, 2007/2008, and 2008/2009, in the field. “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on June 2, with measurements made on Oct. 18, 2006. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
TABLE 8
Color ratings on individual plants (spaced on two meter
centers) of two ornamental Pennisetum grasses planted at three
locations for up to three years in Georgia.
Tifton Blairsville Griffin
2006 2009 2007 2007 2009 2006
Growth days
158 d 181 d 151 d
Test 1 Test 1 Test 2 123 d 163 d 141 d
‘Tift 8’ 8.3 8.6 7.1 7.5 8.3 9.0
‘Tift 17’ 7.8 7.6 7.0 7.0 7.3 8.0
LSD 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.8 0.7 0.5
At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 11, 2006, with measurements taken on Sep. 20, 2006 and Oct. 6, 2009 (“Test 1”). “Test 2” represents a planting of ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ that occurred on Apr. 19, 2007, with measurements made on Sep. 17, 2007. Color in Test 2 was rated on young propagules in the greenhouse on Jan. 28, 2007 before the plants were transplanted to the field. At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 27, 2007 and Apr. 28, 2009, with measurements taken on Sep. 18 and 27, 2009. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 14, 2009, with measurements taken on Oct. 2, 2009.
TABLE 9
Helminthosporium leaf spot ratings on two ornamental Pennisetum
grasses planted at three locations for up to two years.
Tifton Griffin Blairsville
2008 2006 2006 2007
153 d 165 d 138 d 123 d
Oct. 27 Oct. 18 Oct. 18 Sep. 27
‘Tift 8’ 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
‘Tift 17’ 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
LSD 0.2 1.0 0.6 0.5
Disease ratings in Table 9 are defined as follows: 1=No disease, 2=1-20%, 3=20-40%, 4=41-60%, 5=>60% leaves infected. Symptoms occur in the field during late August and September. At Tifton, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 12, 2008, with measurements taken on Oct. 10, 2008 (“Test 1”). At Blairesville, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on Jun. 2, 2006 and May 27, 2007, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006 and Sep. 27, 2007, respectively. At Griffin, Ga., ‘Tift 8’ and ‘Tift 17’ were planted on May 6, 2006, with measurements taken on Oct. 18, 2006.
TABLE 10
Summary of morphological characteristics of two Pennisetum grasses.
Trait ‘Tift 17’ ‘Tift 8’
Mature plant height 72-148 cm 73-184 cm
Diameter of plant canopy 133-160 cm 133-162 cm
Diameter of base 22-48 cm 23-49 cm
Leaf width 30-33 mm 27-38 mm
Leaf length 61-83 cm 56-84 cm
Adaxial leaf surface trichomes None Infrequent, less
than 0.1 mm
Abaxial leaf surface trichomes None None
Leaf blade margin trichome <0.1 m Infrequent, less
length than 0.1 mm
Leaf collar trichome length 3 mm Prominent, 2 mm
Leaf blade edge at collar 6 mm long for 6 mm 4 mm long for 11
Trichome from collar mm from collar
Sheath trichomes 2 mm long for 2 cm None
from collar
Number of tillers 38-65, decreasing
with drought
Adaxial leaf color Greyed-purple 187D Greyed-purple 187A
Abaxial leaf color Greyed-purple 187D Greyed-purple 187A
Midrib color Greyed-purple 187D Greyed-purple 187A
Inflorescence on Oct, 20, 2008 None None
Inflorescences on Yes None
Dec. 21, 2009
Number of culms on mature 27-65 25-58
plants
Helminthosporium leaf spot None None
on mature plants
In summary, ‘Tift 8’ is similar to ‘Tift 17’ in canopy diameter, plant base diameter, leaf length and width, total number of culms per plant, and disease resistance. ‘Tift 8’ is taller, has a smaller culm-leaf angle at the collar, produces more leaves per culm, and produces exserted inflorescence at daylength of approximately 10.5 h or less. ‘Tift 8’ has more attractive color than ‘Tift 17’.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The accompanying colored photographs illustrate the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new variety of Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’. The colors in the photographs are as close as possible with the photographic and printing technology utilized.
FIG. 1 is a photograph of the new variety Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’.
 BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
The new variety ‘Tift 8’ is a perennial at Tifton, Ga. (USDA Zone 8a). The new variety ‘Tift 8’ survived at approximately −7° C. for one night and 13 nights below 0° C. in the field during the 2008/2009 winter at Tifton, and 45 days below 0° C. and a low temperature of −10° C. during the 200/2009 winter at Griffin (USDA Zone 7b). It has not survived the winter temperatures (lows of −13° C. and −15° C. in the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008, respectively) in the mountains of Blairsville, Ga. (USDA Zone 6b). Because of its vigor, it can effectively be used as an annual where it will not survive freezing temperatures in the winter.
All data are from plants established as single stem propagules in mid-May, and rated in September through October, except the 2007 and 2009 Test 1 data are from plants that over-wintered at Tifton. Plants were spaced at 2 meter centers.
  • Plant:
      • Mature plant height.—Approximately 73-184 cm.
      • Diameter of plant canopy.—Approximately 133-162 cm.
      • Diameter of base.—Approximately 22-49 cm.
  • Leaf:
      • Leaf width.—Approximately 27-38 mm.
      • Leaf length.—Approximately 56-84 mm.
      • Adaxial leaf surface trichomes.—Infrequent, less than 0.1 mm.
      • Abaxial leaf surface trichomes.—None.
      • Leaf blade margin trichome length.—Infrequent, less than 0.1 mm.
      • Leaf collar trichome length.—Prominent, 2 mm.
      • Leaf blade edge at collar trichome.—Approximately 4 mm long for about 11 mm from collar.
      • Sheath trichomes.—None.
      • Number of tillers.—Approximately 38-65, decreasing with drought.
      • Adaxial leaf color.—About Greyed-purple RHS 187A.
      • Abaxial leaf color.—About Greyed-purple RHS 187A.
      • Midrib color.—About Greyed-purple RHS 187A.
      • Helminthosporium leaf spot on mature plants.—None.
      • Inflorescence.—No pollen or seed has been observed on ‘Tift 8’ plants flowering in the green house during the winter (short days).
  • Culm:
      • Number of culms on mature plants.—Approximately 25-58.

Claims (1)

1. A new and distinct variety of the Pennisetum plant named ‘Tift 8’, substantially as illustrated and described herein.
US12/802,937 2010-06-17 2010-06-17 Ornamental grass ‘Tift-8’ Active USPP22254P2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/802,937 USPP22254P2 (en) 2010-06-17 2010-06-17 Ornamental grass ‘Tift-8’

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/802,937 USPP22254P2 (en) 2010-06-17 2010-06-17 Ornamental grass ‘Tift-8’

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USPP22254P2 true USPP22254P2 (en) 2011-11-15

Family

ID=44907136

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/802,937 Active USPP22254P2 (en) 2010-06-17 2010-06-17 Ornamental grass ‘Tift-8’

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) USPP22254P2 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USPP17728P3 (en) 2005-06-13 2007-05-15 University Of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. Pennisetum purpureum plant named ‘Princess’
US20100212053P1 (en) 2009-02-17 2010-08-19 University Of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. Pennisetum plant named 'tift-17'

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USPP17728P3 (en) 2005-06-13 2007-05-15 University Of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. Pennisetum purpureum plant named ‘Princess’
US20100212053P1 (en) 2009-02-17 2010-08-19 University Of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. Pennisetum plant named 'tift-17'

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USPP21464P3 (en) Pennisetum plant named ‘Tift-17’
USPP22254P2 (en) Ornamental grass ‘Tift-8’
USPP25441P3 (en) Mint plant ‘Boulder Mint’
USPP25515P2 (en) Grass ‘Tift 10’
USPP25514P2 (en) Grass ‘Tift 11’
USPP25517P2 (en) Grass ‘Tift 15’
USPP25518P2 (en) Grass ‘Tift 40’
USPP29619P3 (en) Sansevieria plant named ‘SUPSAN1603’
USPP25516P2 (en) Grass ‘Tift 118’
USPP29601P3 (en) Sansevieria plant named ‘SUPSAN1601’
USPP25513P2 (en) Grass ‘Tift 26’
USPP35677P2 (en) Male pistachio tree named ‘UC Westside’
USPP17409P2 (en) Koelreuteria plant named ‘CORAL SUN’
USPP33621P2 (en) Senecio plant named ‘AMICU1908’
USPP33085P2 (en) Senecio plant named ‘AMICU1907’
USPP32856P2 (en) Holly plant named ‘RutHol3’
USPP30724P2 (en) Grass named ‘Tift H18’
USPP31062P3 (en) Grass named ‘Tift PA17’
USPP33014P3 (en) Sand cherry plant named ‘UCONNPP002’
USPP31176P3 (en) Grass named ‘Tift PA19’
USPP29600P3 (en) Sansevieria plant named ‘SUPSAN1604’
USPP31027P3 (en) Grass named ‘Tift PA5’
USPP31097P3 (en) Grass named ‘Tift PA18’
USPP27536P3 (en) Perennial peanut ‘PP-1’
USPP30161P3 (en) Sansevieria plant named ‘SUPSAN1607’

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, GEORGIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HANNA, WAYNE WILLIAM;BRAMAN, S. KRISTINE;SCHWARTZ, BRIANMATTHEW;REEL/FRAME:025158/0053

Effective date: 20100719