Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Seed Research of Oregon

Kentucky Bluegrass

Mary Beth Menard

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Strengths

• Long lived turf• Rhizome formation - recuperative • Attractive – fine textured, dark color • Adaptative – wide range of genetic diversity

Ky Bluegrass

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Weaknesses

• Slow to moderate germination• Weed pressure • Slow spring green-up • Possible dormancy and color loss during hot, dry spells

Ky Bluegrass

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Classifications:

Compact, Compact-Midnight, Compact-America, Aggressive, BVMG, Shamrock, Julia, Bellevue, Mid-Atlantic, CELA, Cheri, Other, Common

Ky Bluegrass

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Alpine Ky Bluegrass

• Compact type

• Very dense turf – high sod strength

• Excellent cold tolerance

• Perfect for use with low-growing fine fescue and perennial ryegrass

• Resistant to leafspot, patch, dollar spot, powdery mildew

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Argos Ky Bluegrass

• Compact type

• Aggressive growth habit

• Early spring green-up

• Heat and drought tolerant

• High apomictic – very uniform appearance

• Disease resistant including leaf spot, summer patch, stripe smut, dollar spot, etc.

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Cheetah Ky Bluegrass

• Aggressive – high sod and shear strength

• Extensive lateral growth habit – recuperative

• Extremely fine textured and dense – takes to low cutting heights

• Adaptative – excellent ratings from coast to coast

• Excellent disease resistance to typhula blight, powdery mildew, downy mildew, rust, stripe smut

• Wear tolerant

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Ulysses Ky Bluegrass

• Julia type

• Excellent wear tolerance – perfect for sports application

• Shorter germination period

• High density in all seasons

• Shade tolerant

• Excellent disease resistance, ie, powdery mildew, brown patch, rust.

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

SRO Versatility

We offer a comprehensive program:• Compact – Argos, Alpine

• Compact Midnight – Arcadia, Quantum Leap

• Compact America – Kingfisher, Showcase, SR 2284

• Aggressive – Cheetah, Orfeo

• Shamrock – SR 2100

• Julia – Ulysses, Rampart

Improving Turfgrass Through Research

Ky Bluegrass

A successful mix contains:• Genetic diversity – avoid the beauty queen

approach

• Suitability to the region – consider environment, disease pressures, etc.

• Suitability for specific use – sod vs. homeowner

• The elements to make your customer look good – see above!