Brazos™ Zoysiagrass Makes a Splash in 2024

Brazos™ Zoysiagrass (FAES 1319) has been introduced as an improved grass variety for the southern half of the United States, extending the reach of warm-season zoysias north. Developed by the University of Florida’s Turfgrass Breeding Program, Brazos is a medium-fine bladed zoysia featuring superior drought resistance, early spring green-up and excellent fall color retention. It offers robust disease resistance and shade tolerance, good cold tolerance and the ability to withstand higher salt content. Brazos provides a dense, high-quality turfgrass ideal for home lawns, parks, golf courses and commercial applications.

Brazos features an origin story that is as unique as its exceptional qualities. Discovered in 2006 during a family outing in the Florida Everglades, this distinctive plant was the only one among a sea of zoysiagrass that displayed the leaf texture typical of Zoysia japonica. Initially labeled Glades #4 and later UFZ11, it entered the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) as FAES1319 in 2013 and 2019.

Dr. Kevin Kenworthy, Professor, UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, highlighted Brazos’ journey through extensive trials at multiple universities, including Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, the University of Georgia and North Carolina State. Brazos demonstrated remarkable persistence under drought conditions, retaining quality during dry periods and recovering quickly with rain or irrigation. This resilience, combined with its performance in various environments, positioned Brazos as a top performer in two NTEP trials, consistently ranking high for turf quality, drought and disease resistance, winter color retention and overall consistency.

According to Dr. Kenworthy, “Brazos was one of the best-performing lines trialed throughout Florida, excelling in establishment, drought tolerance, winter color retention and consistent performance.” This grass has proven adaptable from Florida’s warm climates to colder regions, reinforcing its versatility and robustness.

As a turfgrass with superior qualities, Brazos also offers excellent turfgrass quality, density and disease resistance. It also provides enhanced drought and shade tolerance, making it an ideal choice for both sod producers and end-users. Its ability to maintain color in spring and fall, combined with improved salt tolerance, further distinguishes Brazos as a leading turfgrass variety.

Click here to visit the Brazos Zoysiagrass website and download the Brazos information booklet, packed with insights and detailed research on this zoysiagrass. Brazos Zoysiagrass (FAES 1319) was developed by the University of Florida’s turfgrass breeding program under a sponsored research service agreement with the Turfgrass Producers of Florida, Inc. (TPF). A full list of farms can be found in the booklet linked above.