Since its introduction into the United States in 1892, zoysiagrass (Zoysiaspp. Willd.) has made a tremendous impact on the US turfgrass industry. Three species of zoysiagrass [Z. japonicaSteud.,Z. matrella(L.) Merr., andZ. pacifica(Goudswaard) M. Hotta & S. Kuroki] collected from East Asia and the Pacific Islands were introduced into the United States and are used directly as turf or by turfgrass breeders in the development of advanced lines. Golf courses, lawns, grounds, sod farms, athletic fields, roadsides, and airports are some of the many locations where zoysiagrass is used. While almost 50 improved cultivars of zoysiagrass have been developed to date, active efforts to improve zoysiagrass further and expand its utilization are ongoing. These continued improvements in stress and pest tolerance allow for expanded use of this low‐input turf species. This review summarizes the history of zoysiagrass in the United States; summarizes species introduction and utilization; addresses and discusses strengths and shortcomings of the species; evaluates breeding history, methodology, and challenges; and suggests future prospects and potential for zoysiagrass.
Fine fescues (FestucaL. spp.) comprise a group of five cool‐season grasses used in turfgrass systems under many conditions: strong creeping red fescue (F.rubraL. ssp.rubraGaudin), slender creeping red fescue [F.rubraL. ssp.littoralis(G. Mey.) Auquier], Chewings fescue [F.rubraL. ssp.commutataGaudin; syn.F.rubraL. ssp.fallax(Thuill.) Nyman], hard fescue (F.brevipilaTracey), and sheep fescue [F.ovinaL.; syn.F.ovinaL. ssp.hirtula(Hack.exTravis) M.J. Wilk.]. Their extensive geographic distribution is a result of adaptation to many different environmental and management conditions especially low‐input sites. This review summarizes the history, production, establishment, management, use, and availability of fine fescues; discusses strengths and shortcomings of fine fescue; identifies knowledge gaps; and provides an outlook toward further research on this group of grasses. Improved cultivars have been developed in recent years that expand the geographic distribution and uses of species but additional efforts to increase seed yield and improve abiotic and biotic stress tolerances are still needed. Expanded use of fine fescue could be achieved through increased sod production of fine fescue, though current research‐based information is limited. Research on fine fescue allelopathy and the contributions of fungal endophytes, both of which could lead to reduced pesticide requirements is important for improved pest management. Future research on fine fescues should focus on implementation and management of new cultivars that possess enhanced abiotic and biotic stress tolerance that will result in fewer inputs and improve the appeal and adoption of these low‐input grasses.