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DURATURF SEED BLENDS

Contents

GOLF COURSE AND FINE TURF BLENDSPremium Tees 2Out of Bounds® 3In The Rough® 4Colonial Blend 5

SPORTSFIELD AND CRICKET BLENDSSports Oval 6Stadia 7Howzat® 8Matrix 9

RACECOURSE BLENDSFurlong 10Bolta 11Pharlap® 12

LANDSCAPING AND AMENITY TURF BLENDSTraditional 13Estate 14Parklands 15Droughtmaster 16Backyard Rye 17Backyard Fescue 18

OTHER SEED BLENDSKerbside + Kerbside Persist 19Repair 20

WINTER OVERSOWING – TEN POINT PLAN 21

PRINCESS 77 SEED ESTABLISHMENT – TEN POINT PLAN 23

TECH SHEETS 26Includes New Zealand golf courses and bentgrass breeding article 49

ENDOPHYTES 58

AVANEX, Colosseum, Duraturf, Out of Bounds, In The Rough, Howzat and Pharlap are registered trademarks of PGG Wrightson Seeds Limited.

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DURATURF SEED BLENDS

IntroductionGiven our love for outdoor pursuits it is imperative that our natural turf surfaces are able to perform week in week out all year long. This has been the focus of our breeding and research programme; to be able to supply turf seed cultivars and blends that will last the distance.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTThe Duraturf® range of seed blends gives the right result all the time every time. Cultivars used in the Duraturf® seed blends undergo rigorous testing procedures. With breeding, evaluation and screening sites located throughout Australasia, we are able to source the most suitable genetic material to include in our Duraturf® seed blend range.

Close links to research groups such as STRI, ANTEP Australia, University of Sydney turfgrass programme and NZSTI New Zealand as well as our in-house agronomic programme, ensures an excellent product to the end-user.

TECHNICAL SUPPORTAgronomic support from our research centres and technical representatives ensure the right selection for your specific requirements.

Contact a PGG Wrightson Turf Territory Manager for:

• On-site consultancy• Blend options• Project assistance• Agronomic data/trial results

QUALITY CONTROLDuraturf® seed blends undergo rigorous testing to ensure only the best quality seed is made available to you. All seed lots are tested to ensure they meet industry standards of purity and germination. Seed analysis certificates are available on request.

Note: Cultivars and the percentage of components in the Duraturf® seed blends may change subject to availability. Blends that are country specific will be marked accordingly.

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GOLF COURSE & FINE TURF BLENDS

Premium TeesDuraturf® Premium Tees seed blend (a blend of ryegrass, fescues and browntop) is ideal for use in golf course tees and fairways. It is also a great option for elite landscaping situations and any amenity turf areas where a dark green premium turf cover is required.

FEATURES

• Dense uniform sward• Dark green appearance• Rapid recovery from wear• Exceptionally tolerant to low mowing

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Centurion Perennial ryegrass

Arena II Perennial ryegrass

Soprano Perennial ryegrass

Merlot Creeping red fescue

Survivor Chewing fescue

Egmont Browntop

APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 30-50 g/m² (3-5kg/100m2)Oversowing: 25-35 g/m² (2.5-3.5kg/100m2)

MOWING HEIGHTDown to 7 mm



Out of Bounds®Duraturf® Out of Bounds® seed blend is ideal for use in golf course roughs and contains sheep’s, creeping and hard fescue.

Duraturf® Out of Bounds® is an ideal turf seed blend bred to ensure a pure fescue stand suited to all soil conditions.

FEATURES

• Exceptional drought tolerance• Low maintenance• Low fertility requirement• Aesthetic flowering seed head

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Azay Sheeps fescue (or alternative as available)

Governors Creeping red fescue

Predator Hard fescue

APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 20-30 g/m² (2-3kg/100m2)Oversowing: 10-20 g/m² (1-2kg/100m2)




In The Rough®Duraturf® In the Rough® seed blend is ideal for use in golf course roughs and contains creeping red fescue and chewings fescue.

This blend is ideally suited for loamy to heavy soils where a pure fescue stand is required.

FEATURES

• Exceptional drought tolerance• Low maintenance• Low fertility requirement• Aesthetic flowering seed head• Provides the ability to chemically remove

other grass species

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Merlot Creeping red fescue

Survivor Chewings fescue

APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 25-40 g/m² (2.5-4kg/100m2)Oversowing: 10-25 g/m² (1-2.5kg/100m2)




Colonial BlendDuraturf® Colonial Blend is widely regarded as the ultimate selection for a low maintenance, low input grass for an outstanding fine putting surface.

Duraturf® Colonial Blend contains the cultivars Troy, Manor, Egmont and Sefton which provide genetic diversification to maximise a year-round appearance. These cultivars are all certified browntops. Duraturf® Colonial Blend should be used any time the soil surface is ‘opened up’ such as after drought/winter or for renovations in areas such as fairways, tees or greens.

FEATURES

• Contains industry leading cultivars • Genetic diversification for year-round appearance • Good persistence in adverse conditions • Low maintenance

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Sefton Browntop

Manor Browntop

Egmont Browntop

Troy Browntop

APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 5 - 7 g/m2 (0.5 – 0.7 kg/100m2)Oversowing: 3 - 5 g/m2 (0.3 – 0.5 kg/100m2)


NEW ZEALAND ONLY


SPORTSFIELD AND CRICKET BLENDS

Sports OvalDuraturf® Sports Oval seed blend contains three elite winter-active, hard wearing, turf-type perennial ryegrasses. Duraturf® Sports Oval establishes rapidly from sowing, enabling this blend to be brought into play sooner without compromising turfgrass performance. Its true winter activity and speed of establishment makes this an ideal blend for winter overseeding in warm season grasses.

FEATURES

• Dense uniform sward• Rapid establishment• Winter activity from Mediterranean Germplasm

(ability to germinate and establish at low temperatures)

• Rapid recovery from wear• Tolerant to low mowing• Drought tolerance

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Arena I Perennial ryegrass

Colosseum Perennial ryegrass

Tambour Perennial ryegrass





StadiaDuraturf® Stadia seed blend consists of three elite perennial ryegrass cultivars, ideal for use in a wide variety of elite sports turf situations.

Duraturf® Stadia can be used in golf courses, sportsfields, cricket blocks and outfields or any fine turf ryegrass situation where an elite appearance is required.

FEATURES

• Vigorous establishment• Produces a dense uniform sward• Very dark green appearance• Genetic diversity• Tolerant to low mowing

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Spartacus Perennial ryegrass







Howzat®Duraturf® Howzat® seed blend consists of two elite fine leaved dark green cultivars ideally suited to the rigours associated with pitch preparation such as constant rolling and low mowing. Duraturf® Howzat® has the unique ability to recover well after play.

FEATURES

• Dark green appearance• Rapid recovery from wear• Exceptionally tolerant to low mowing• Fine leaved producing a friction free slick surface

CULTIVAR SPECIES



APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 35-70 g/m² (3.5-7kg/100m2)Oversowing: 25-35 g/m² (2.5-3.5kg/100m2)

MOWING HEIGHTDown to 3 mm for match play



AUSTRALIA ONLY

MatrixDuraturf® Matrix has been specially designed to stabilise sandy or sandy loam sportsfields that receive extensive use. The tall fescue component with its extensive root system creates a chicken wire effect, locking the soil particles together, so where turf cover is lost the soil remains stable. This will ensure safe playing conditions, even under worn situations.

FEATURES

• Binding strength• Rhizomatous growth habit (Tall fescue)• Rapid establishment• Increased wear tolerance and recovery

CULTIVAR SPECIES



Regenerate Tall fescue

APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 30 - 50 g/m2 (3 - 5kg/100m2)Oversowing: 25 - 35 g/m2 (2.5 - 3.5kg/100m2)



RACECOURSE SEED BLENDS

AUSTRALIA ONLY

FurlongDuraturf® Furlong is a blend of high quality Mediterranean perennial ryegrasses especially suited to racetrack surfaces in southern Australia. 60% of the blend consists of a very vigorous tetraploid cultivar with high productivity, especially over the winter months, attractive dark green foliage and excellent persistence. The other 40% of the blend is a diploid cultivar with finer leaf texture and higher density, but also with excellent winter growth. The combination of these two cultivars creates a blend with rapid germination and establishment, even in colder weather, high year-round vigour and an attractive, dense surface when mown at racetrack heights.

FEATURES

• Very rapid establishment• Excellent persistence• Attractive dark green foliage• Winter growth• Highly suited to southern Australia• Economically suited to broadacre use

SPECIES BLENDTetraploid perennial ryegrassDiploid perennial ryegrass

APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 30 - 50 g/m2 (3 - 5 kg/100m2)Oversowing: 15 - 35 g/m2 (1.5 - 3.5 kg/100m2)

MAINTENANCEMowing: Typically 75-150mm, can be mown as low as 50mm.Fertiliser: Strategic applications of fertiliser (especially

slow release fertiliser) throughout the growing season will greatly enhance the persistence, wear and aesthetic look of the racecourse sward.


AUSTRALIA ONLY


BoltaDuraturf® Bolta blend is designed for oversowing kikuyu or couch racetracks to provide winter colour and growth and to protect the dormant C4 grass underneath. It combines two elite tetraploid annual ryegrasses with Mediterranean genetics to provide rapid establishment from oversowing in autumn and into winter and vigorous productivity through the cooler months. Their productivity and density through springtime into early summer is also excellent, due to their late heading date.

FEATURES

• A blend of two elite, tetraploid annual ryegrasses• Rapid establishment when oversown • Very high winter growth rate• Late heading date, allowing excellent growth

and density through spring


MAINTENANCEMowing height should be higher than 80mm. Duraturf® Bolta responds rapidly to nitrogen applications through the winter if extra growth and recovery is required. We recommend Duraturf® Bolta be removed by herbicide in springtime or early summer, to fit in with the racing programme. Refer to our Ryegrass for Racetracks Guide for more details.

AUSTRALIA ONLY



Pharlap®Duraturf® Pharlap® is an extraordinary racetrack seed blend, following in the great thoroughbred’s namesake. This blend has the winning formula for all racetrack situations. Consisting of rapid establishing high wearing, clean cutting specialist ryegrasses. DURATURF® Pharlap® incorporates the best cultivars available to produce a superior racetrack surface.

FEATURES

• Rapid establishment• Improved sheer strength• Rapid recovery from wear• Clean cutting• Contains endophytes for improved persistence

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Expo Perennial ryegrass

Extreme Perennial ryegrass

ONE50 Perennial ryegrass



NEW ZEALAND ONLY


NEW ZEALAND ONLY

LANDSCAPING AND AMENITY TURF BLENDS

TraditionalDuraturf® Traditional seed blend is a mix of fescue and browntop suited to areas where a fine turf appearance is required. Can be used in golf courses, landscaping and passive amenity areas.

FEATURES

• Low fertility situations• Tolerant to low mowing• High shoot density

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Egmont Colonial browntop

Merlot Creeping Red fescue


APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 30 - 50 g/m2 (3 - 5 kg/100m2)Oversowing: 20 - 30 g/m2 (2 - 3 kg/100m2)

MOWING HEIGHTDown to 3 mm for golf greens or 10 mm for landscaping situations



EstateDuraturf® Estate seed blend produces the ultimate in turfgrass quality. Duraturf® Estate is a dark green, dense, clean cutting turfgrass suited to landscape and ornamental lawn environments. Duraturf® Estate seed blend incorporates two new generation tall fescue cultivars.

FEATURES

• Dense uniform sward• High shoot density• Very dark green appearance• Low maintenance• Aesthetically attractive• Good drought tolerance

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Currawong II Tall fescue

Rebel Xtreme Tall fescue





ParklandsDuraturf® Parklands is ideal for those areas where cool and warm season grasses both exist in the turf environment. Duraturf® Parklands contains a blend of perennial ryegrass and seeded couch. Duraturf® Parklands will produce a quality turf cover in areas where there is limited water supply but turf cover is required to ensure safe playing surfaces.

FEATURES

• Exceptional drought tolerance (once established)• Rapid establishment• Mid-green appearance• Recovery from wear

CULTIVAR SPECIES



Sahara Bermudagrass (couch)



AUSTRALIA ONLY



DroughtmasterDuraturf® Droughtmaster is the ideal mix for any area with limited water supply and low fertility, but still requires a premium turf performance. Duraturf® Droughtmaster is a blend consisting of tall fescue, ryegrass and fine fescue. Duraturf® Droughtmaster can be used in areas such as golf course roughs, horticulture inter-row, landscaping environments or any situation where drought conditions prevail.

FEATURES

• Drought tolerant• Deep green appearance• Low fertility situations• Low water requirement (once established)

CULTIVAR SPECIES

Jackal Tall fescue

Rebel Xtreme Tall fescue





AUSTRALIA ONLY


AUSTRALIA ONLY


Backyard RyeDuraturf® Backyard Rye is a blend of both winter active mid green and continental dark green fine leaf ryegrass cultivars, blended with chewings and creeping red fine fescues. The higher ryegrass component allows for rapid establishment and excellent wear tolerance. The fine fescues provide excellent shade and drought tolerance. Duraturf® Backyard Rye is a great all round amenity turf mix which contains no browntop.

FEATURES

• Quick establishment• Fine turf appearance• Good recovery from wear• Good tolerance of low mowing

CULTIVAR SPECIES

70%





30%Merlot Creeping red fescue


APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 30-50 g/m² (3 - 5 kg/100m2)Oversowing: 25-35 g/m² (2.5 - 3.5 kg/100m2)


NEW ZEALAND ONLY


Backyard FescueDuraturf® Backyard Fescue is a mix of chewings and creeping red fine fescues blended with both winter active (mid green) and continental (dark green) fine leaf ryegrass cultivars. This mix is ideally suited for shady and dry soils, where the fine fescues will dominate. Duraturf® Backyard Rye is a great all round amenity turf mix which contains no browntop.

FEATURES

• Very fine turf appearance• Excellent shade and drought tolerance• Excellent tolerance of low mowing

CULTIVAR SPECIES

70%Merlot Creeping red fescue


30%





APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 30-50 g/m² (3 - 5 kg/100m2)Oversowing: 25-35 g/m² (2.5 - 3.5 kg/100m2)



NEW ZEALAND ONLY


NEW ZEALAND ONLY

OTHER SEED BLENDS

KerbsideKerbside contains a blend of fast establishing hardy cultivars ideal for sowing into nature strips and sites under development. Often these sites have limited to no water supply and are devoid of nutrients. Kerbside will ensure turf grass quality is produced for an economical price.

Kerbside PersistKerbside Persist seed blend is a similar blend to Kerbside however with the addition of a turf tall fescue to provide extra drought resistence in dry regions.

FEATURES

• Diverse species mix• Rapid establishment, even in difficult sowing

conditions• Suppression of undesirable weeds• High turf quality even under minimal

management inputs

CULTIVAR SPECIES

VNS Perennial ryegrass



VNS Chewings fescue

VNS Browntop

APPLICATION RATESSowing rate: 30 - 50 g/m2 (3 - 5 kg/100m2)


NEW ZEALAND ONLY


OTHER SEED BLENDS

RepairRepair is a blend of fast establishing cultivars to ensure ground cover is established under the most trying of conditions. Repair is suitable for areas such as council roadside repairs or any area where fast establishing perennial ryegrass is required to reinstate ground cover into an existing turf grass sward.

FEATURES• Fast establishment• High growth rate• Drought tolerant• Low fertility requirement• Superbly adapted

CULTIVAR SPECIES


VNS Annual ryegrass




Winter Oversowing – Ten Point PlanCouch (Cynodon dactylon and hybrids) provides a high quality, drought resistant sportsground surface. However, it goes dormant in winter, losing its green colour and lacking any growth or recovery. On high-use areas the grass surface will be lost, creating denuded areas that detract from the playing quality, aesthetics and safety of the field (see photo).

Oversowing a couch surface for the winter season with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) has many advantages. It provides green colour, increased wear tolerance and recovery and it protects the underlying couch. In addition, the active ryegrass growth extracts water from the soil, creating a drier, firmer winter surface. For extra winter growth we recommend a NZ-bred Mediterranean type such as Colosseum, Arena, or the Sports Oval blend. The darker, American-bred Continental cultivars such as Soprano or the Stadia blend also do a good job, but their winter growth is not as high. Another alternative is to use a blend of a Mediterranean type with a Continental type, to get a dark green colour but retain good winter activity.


To get good results the oversowing program has to be managed properly. To this end, PGG Wrightson Turf have developed a 10 point guide for successful oversowing. Over the last three winters we have found that Turf Managers who follow all 10 points have had great results – excellent, hard-wearing winter surfaces without compromising the underlying couch recovery in the spring. On the other hand, those who haven’t followed all ten points have often had a poor result. So, based on our research and on recent experiences in the field, we strongly recommend you follow all steps of our guide:

THE PGG WRIGHTSON TURF WINTER OVERSOWING PROGRAMME:AUTUMN:1. Consider the playing schedule for the field for the upcoming season and lock in all

necessary dates.

2. The couchgrass sward should be fully covered and in good condition before oversowing.

3. One week before oversowing, apply trinexepac at label rates to the couchgrass. This will retard couchgrass activity and ensure a faster and more complete ryegrass strike.

4. Sow the PGG Wrightson Turf perennial ryegrass that has been decided on (either Avanex® Colosseum, Sports Oval, Soprano or Stadia) using a turf dimple seeder or disc drill. It can be beneficial to do a light coring before sowing, especially if the ground can’t be spelled for the two weeks suggested under point 6. However, it is not necessary, and probably counter-productive to scarify the couchgrass before or during overseeding.

5. Oversow at a rate of 370kg/ha. It is possible to use a higher sowing rate, but don’t go lower.

6. The ground should be out of play for at least two weeks. Irrigation should be applied if necessary to maintain a moist seedbed.

7. Apply a balanced fertiliser at a nitrogen (N) rate of at least 15kg N/ha per month through winter.

SPRING:8. In September or October, transition the perennial ryegrass out using a suitable

herbicide. Several sulfonylurea herbicides do an excellent job, although the soil temperature needs to be over 17°C or so for them to work properly. Some of the older, non-sulfonylurea herbicides work well in cold soils, so they should be used if an early removal of ryegrass is required.

9. Two or three weeks after herbicide application, as the perennial ryegrass is dying, the sward should be mown lower (approx. 12 mm) and an application of N.P.K fertiliser with iron should be applied to encourage couchgrass growth and recovery. An application of gibberellic acid can also enhance spring recovery.

10. At this time of year couchgrass will be experiencing spring root decline, where the old root system dies off and is replaced. It is best to avoid disruptive practices such as renovation at this time (defer this until after December).


Princess-77 Seed Establishment – Ten Point PlanPrincess-77 is a high quality, short dormancy couch that has a great track record in cooler climates like southern Australia. Establishing the seeded couch Princess-77 has many potential advantages over turfing, sprigging or line-planting:

1. Princess-77 establishment is faster than vegetative planting. When done well, the new surface should be ready for regular mowing in 6-7 weeks.

2. Weed problems at establishment are reduced because the coverage is so quick.

3. Princess-77 establishment is not labour intensive and is quite simple, using either a conventional seed drill or by hydromulching.

4. Princess-77 establishment is cheap, using a sowing rate of only 40kg/ha

5. Princess-77 seed won’t bring in weeds, fungi, mites, nematodes or other pathogens

6. Princess-77 seed is certified, meaning the cultivar is actually what the label says

7. Seed can be stored until ready for use

8. For offshore projects, Princess-77 seed can process through quarantine easily, unlike sprigs

A potential benefit of Princess-77 is the ability to apply it with hydromulch. Modern hydromulch products, based on thermally-refined wood fibres amended with tackifiers, are a dramatic improvement over the old paper or straw mulches. They hold much more water and bond firmly to the soil surface to trap moisture in the rootzone, providing an excellent matrix for germination. They protect against water or wind erosion, and last for many weeks before decomposing. Hydromulch is especially suitable for Princess-77, as it has a very small seed and mustn’t be buried too deep.

In recent trials in Melbourne and Auckland, Princess-77 was sown in the wood-fibre mulch product Conwed2000, with excellent results (see photos). Those fields, sown in December 2015, were both oversown with perennial ryegrass and used for football through the winter of 2016, and have both transition back to pure couch for the summer of 2016/17. In short, the program works exactly as we hoped it would, offering Turf Managers an alternative to the normal process of line-planting or turfing new couch fields.

Princess-77 hydromulched (left) compared to line-planted Santa Ana (right) at 11 weeks.


Princess-77 rhizome forming at 14 weeks after sowing

Princess-77 sown with Conwed2000 hydromulch, Auckland


Princess-77 on the Auckland field at 14 weeks

Following our trial work successes, we have put together a ten point plan for those embarking on the Princess-77 hydromulching process:

1. For fields designed for winter sport, our program consists of a Princess-77 base, oversown each winter with perennial ryegrass, adhering to our 10 point oversowing guide

2. Princess-77 sowing can commence any time spring soil temperatures get over 20oC, through until late December. By mid-autumn the field would be ready for oversowing with perennial ryegrass, and a full schedule of winter play.

Note: Late sowing of Princess-77 is possible if a project is delayed, through until late February if necessary, probably until late April in Queensland. Even with such a late sowing, Princess-77 establishment should reach full cover by the time growth stops in late autumn into winter. However, such a field would not be ready for play until after the next summer.

3. Sow Princess-77 at a rate of 40kg/ha pure live seed. Obtain a recent (within 12 months) Purity and Germination statement to calculate the correct rate.

4. Apply the seed with 2 t/ha Conwed2000 hydromulch (which contains tackifier), or Conwed1000 hydromulch mixed with 20kg/ha Tack3 tackifier

5. Only use a hydromulcher who has the experience and equipment to handle Conwed2000

6. Apply Princess-77 and hydromulch to a firm, smooth, laser-levelled seedbed. No wheeled traffic is allowed on the ground during the hydromulching operation, and through until 6-7 weeks later, when regular mowing and other cultural practices should commence.

7. After hydromulching, ensure the seed/mulch layer is kept continually moist for at least 2 weeks. This will involve frequent, light irrigations on hot, windy days

8. Initial mowing should be done with low-compaction equipment, potentially straight in with a ride-on cylinder mower.

9. Ensure adequate nutrition, especially nitrogen, through the grow-in phase.

10. Ensure adequate pest and disease management, following best turf practice.

We are confident you’ll have an excellent establishment result with Princess-77 sown by hydromulching, provided the design, construction and later agronomic management of the field are of a high standard.

Feel free to contact PGG Wrightson Turf agronomists if further input is required.


TECH SHEETS

Tech Sheets

Quality. Service. Expertise.

Arena I turf ryegrass

Contact us

NEW ZEALAND 03 372 8719 or 09 570 2570 [email protected] pggwrightsonturf.co.nz

AUSTRALIA 1800 DURATURF [email protected]

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Characteristics and areas of useArena 1 perennial ryegrass is an all-purpose, highly winter active, “Mediterranean-type” turf grass that is ideally suited to winter sports fields, or areas subject to high wear. Arena 1 also has the unique ability to germinate quickly under low temperatures down to 5°C. It establishes rapidly and reliably, especially in cooler conditions.

Arena 1 has a mid-green colour which helps to mask a Poa annua invasion and it has a proven history of excellent performance in sports fields.

Breeding historyArena 1 was bred by utilising Mediterranean germplasm crossed with climatically adapted American material. The high winter activity of the Mediterranean germplasm means Arena 1 is able to continue growing in the colder months when other grasses have stopped. It has a high endophyte level, giving it resistance to many insects and pests. The inclusion of American genetics also gives the cultivar excellent summer performance.

Sowing rate and maintenanceArena 1 turf ryegrass can be sown in lawns at 30 - 50 g/m2 (300 - 500kg/ha). Use the higher seeding rate for faster establishment.

In new sports fields and winter over-seeded couchgrass, it should be sown at 400 - 500 kg/ha.

Features• Increased wear recovery

• Winter active

• Low temperature germination

• Rapid establishment


TECH SHEETS


Colosseum turf ryegrass

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Characteristics and areas of useColosseum is a medium-fine, mid-green, perennial ryegrass that is a cross between Mediterranean and American genetics. The Mediterranean genetics gives the turf active winter growth in cooler weather and rapid germination, especially in cold temperatures down to 5°C. It also provides naturally vigorous growth year round and delayed onset of browning in summer.

Colosseum is ideally suited to winter sports grounds, golf tees, golf fairways and lawns receiving heavy wear, especially in the winter. Its attractive glossy mid-green colour coupled with active year round growth makes it visually appealing (its mid-green colour helps to mask the invasion of Poa annua and other grassy weeds).

Breeding historyColosseum was bred from the few surviving plants out of a test cricket pitch. The surviving plants were crossed and resulted in a cultivar capable of withstanding extreme adverse conditions. Colosseum has a high endophyte level which helps it to resist insect attack. The inclusion of American genetics also gives the cultivar excellent summer performance.

Sowing rate and maintenanceColosseum turf ryegrass can be sown in lawns at 30-50g/m2 (300-500kg/ha). Use the higher seeding rate for faster establishment. In new sports fields and winter over-seeded couchgrass it should be sown at 400-500kg/ha.

Features• Fast germination

• Winter active with

• Mediterranean genetics

• Wear resistance and recovery

• Attractive glossy mid-green colour


TECH SHEETS


Arena II turf ryegrass

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Characteristics and areas of useArena II is a medium-fine, mid-dark green turf perennial ryegrass that has good summer growth characteristics for a mid-dark type. The good summer growth makes it an ideal choice for hard wearing situations such as golf tees, fairways, sports fields, tennis courts, home lawns or anywhere that a hard wearing dark coloured turfgrass is required.

Breeding historyArena II was bred in New Zealand for the Australasian market from elite germplasm that was screened for year-round growth, disease resistance and hard wearing turf characteristics. Arena II contains a high level of standard endophyte that helps to protect against insect feeding.

Sowing rate and maintenanceArena II perennial ryegrass can be sown in lawns at 30-50g/m2

(300-500kg/ha). Use the higher seeding rate for faster establishment.

In new sports fields and winter overseeded warm season grass it should be sown at 400-500kg/ha.

Features• Dark green colour

• Good summer growth characteristics

• Very good wear recovery

• Good seedling vigour for fast establishment

• High endophyte level


TECH SHEETS


Centurion turf ryegrass

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Characteristics and areas of useCenturion is a mid-dark green, fine leaved perennial ryegrass with good year-round growth that forms an attractive turf at cutting heights down to 12mm. The aesthetic qualities of Centurion make it ideal for any situations requiring a close-cut, high-density turf surface. It is suitable for use in lawns, golf course fairways, tees, and green surrounds, stadiums or anywhere that a high quality dark coloured perennial ryegrass is required. It is particularly suitable for use in cricket pitches.

Breeding historyCenturion perennial ryegrass was selected from surviving plants from a badly diseased trial area. Plants were selected for leaf fineness, density, tolerance to summer melting out and year round growth. Centurion contains a high level of standard endophyte that helps to protect against insect feeding.

Sowing rate and maintenanceCenturion perennial ryegrass can be sown in lawns at 30-50g/m2 (300-500kg/ha). Use the higher seeding rate for faster establishment.

In new sports fields and winter over-seeded warm season grass it should be sown at 400-500kg/ha.

Features• Fine leaf

• Clean cutting

• Forms dense turf

• Mid-dark green colour


TECH SHEETS

Features• Speed of establishment

• Medium Dark green

• Contains endophyte

• Excellent year round colour

• Absence of browning


Spartacus turf perennial ryegrass

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Characteristics and areas of useSpartacus is a medium dark green turf perennial ryegrass with good density and fineness and an outstanding lively green colour retention with absence of browning. Excellent year round colour scoring well in trials for both density and fineness.

Breeding historyDeveloped from crosses of winter active Colosseum types with American material and selected over 4 cycles in Christchurch and Queensland. A very healthy turf type perennial ryegrass bred for fineness, density and colour with levels of winter growth. Some plants in breeding cycle contained the Staygreen trait. Spartacus has high endophyte levels helping to resist insect attack.

Sowing rate and maintenanceSpartacus turf ryegrass can be sown in lawns at 30 - 50 g/m2 (300 - 500 kg/ha). Use the higher seeding rate for faster establishment.

In new sports fields and winter over-seeded couchgrass it should be sown at 400 - 500 kg/ha.


TECH SHEETS


Soprano elite perennial ryegrass

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Characteristics and areas of useSoprano is an attractive, very dark green, perennial ryegrass with outstanding density and fineness making it a great choice for lawns, golf courses, sports fields. Soprano has good resistance to summer diseases allowing it to maintain high quality in humid conditions over summer.

Recommended use for: golf courses, sports fields, parks, home lawns and overseeding warm season grasses.

In common with most dark, fine turfgrasses, winter growth and establishment rate is modest compared to the winter active sports field types with Mediterranean genetics.

Benefits• Forms an attractive, high quality, very dark green lawn

• There is not much deterioration in quality due to disease in warm humid conditions compared to less disease resistant cultivars

• Excellent fineness and density where close up appearance is important

• Good resistance to summer wear due to its density

• Rapid speed of establishment

Sowing ratesFull sowing 40-50g/m2 (400-500kg/ha). Over sowing (into warm season grass) 30-35g/m2 (300-350kgs/ha).

Features• Exceptional very dark green

colour

• Forms a dense, fine turf of high quality

• Retains good quality in humid summer conditions

• Rapid speed of establishment for a dark cultivar


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Currawong II turf type tall fescue

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Characteristics and areas of useCurrawong II produces a low growing dense sward and can be used in any situation where a premium turf-type tall fescue is required. These situations include sports fields, parks, home lawns, sod farms and golf course roughs. Currawong II displays an attractive glossy, medium dark green colour with good density. It is a relatively drought resistant variety that has been bred for Australasian conditions. It can retain an attractive green appearance with less irrigation than most cool season grasses. In a non-irrigated situation it will maintain colour for longer periods than standard tall fescues.

Breeding historyCurrawong II is a cross between elite turf-type tall fescues from the U.S.A and turf-type tall fescues which have been selected from and adapted to Australasian conditions. The original germplasm was selected from surviving plants in Victoria that showed greater drought tolerance and winter activity. Further screening and crossing with other elite material has given Currawong II a deep green colour and uniform appearance as well as disease resistance.

Sowing rate and maintenanceA recommended sowing rate for Currawong II is between 30-50g/m2 (300-500kg/ha) into a cultivated seedbed.

Features• Bred for Australasian conditions

• Year-round performance

• Attractive glossy, medium dark green colour

• Dwarf growth habit


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Rebel Xtreme turf type tall fescue

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CharacteristicsDeveloped to combat the stresses of summer such as diseases and drought pressures. Rebel Xtreme has a deep root system which provides a turfgrass that establishes quickly. The deep roots enhance its drought tolerance and aids in nutrient uptake at lower soil depths. Recommended for use in home lawns, fields and parks, sod farms and golf courses.

Sowing rate30-50g/m2 (300 – 500kg/ha) - Golf courses (fairways & roughs)

30-50g/m2 (300 – 500kg/ha - Home lawns, parks & sod farms

Maintenance and mowingHeight: 40mm – 75mm

Fertiliser: 150 – 250kgs/Nitrogen/ha a year. Apply during periods of active growth (September – November, March – May)

Mowing frequency: 2 times/week during active growth and remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf per mowing.

Features• Drought tolerant

• Dark colour and good density

• Extended root technology

• Rapid establishment

• Tolerant of low cutting height


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Regenerate turf type tall fescue

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DescriptionRegenerate has improved recovery from wear, drought tolerance and exhibits improved tolerance to billbug damage & brown patch disease with outstanding performance across all regions of turf type tall fescue use. Regenerate has the capacity to excel in lower mowing height applications, and mixes well with perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrasses in many golf, sports and lawn turf applications. Selected to perform and persist in extreme conditions of the tall fescue adaptation zone and other areas that limit the summer performance and persistence of cool season turf.

Use SituationsSod production, sports turf, lawn & landscape, golf course roughs, parks, and other areas requiring a resilient turf.

MaintenanceThe first mowing can be expected after 30 days or when the grass blades reach a length of 50mm. Limited use of the area can be expected in six weeks. Ideal mowing height is 50 – 75mm. Regenerate can tolerate a mowing height down to 40mm.

Sowing ratesNew seeding 40 – 50g/m2 (400 – 500kg/ha)

Over seeding 25 – 35g/m2 (250 – 350kg/ha)

Cover seed to a depth not exceeding 5mm and keep seedlings moist until well rooted.

Features• Heat & Drought Tolerant

• Low Input

• Compact Growth - reduces clippings and mowing frequency

• Fine textured - turf quality

• Brown Patch and Gray Leaf Spot tolerance - reduces or eliminates fungicide applications


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Jackal tall fescue

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Characteristics and areas of useJackal is a dark green and dense turf tall fescue with good establishment vigour and tolerance of low maintenance. It forms an attractive dark turf and has a semi-upright growth habit which makes it suitable for higher mowing heights (100-200mm or 2-4 inches) practiced in low maintenance situations. It requires less mowing than forage cultivars. In mild winter climates it retains a green colour longer into winter than more common U.S. turf cultivars.

BreedingJackal was bred from four parent genotypes of tall fescue cultivars. It was selected for dark colour and improved winter performance.

Jackal is available with AR601 endophyte for improved insect feeding deterrence and herbivore grazing deterrence by, for example, Canada geese. These factors have been shown to reduce bird numbers on airport grass and to reduce goose numbers on turf surfaces.

AdaptationJackal tall fescue is adapted to many climates within the Koppen sub tropical climate zones and certain drier zones.

Sowing rateIn a lawn situation Jackal should be sown at 50g/m2 (500kg/ha) for best appearance. On a broad acre sowing, a rate of 30g/m2 (300kg/ha) can be used where seed can be drilled in multiple passes or broadcast and harrowed into a well prepared seedbed.

Features• Dark green, dense turf type tall

fescue.

• Rapid establishment rate.

• Semi-upright for higher mowing situations.

• Lower mowing requirement than forage types.


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Survivor chewings fine fescue

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CharacteristicsThis cultivar exhibits a high level of drought tolerance, resulting in lower water usage. It is shade tolerant and performs well in full sun. A minimal amount of fertiliser is required to keep a healthy turf. Recommended for use in home lawns, parks, reclamation sites and golf courses.

Sowing rate20 – 35g/m2 (200 – 350kg/ha)

Maintenance and mowingHeight: 25 – 75mm

Fertiliser: 150 – 250kgs/nitrogen/ha a year. Apply during periods of active growth (September – November, March – May)

Mowing Frequency: 2 times/week during active growth and remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf per mowing.


• Maintains cover, dark colour and top quality

• Dollar Spot resistant

• Shade tolerant

• Low fertility requirement


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Merlot creeping red fescue

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CharacteristicsRequires less water and chemicals to achieve optimum turfgrass performance. This drought tolerant and disease resistant variety is good for you and for our environment. Recommended for use in park settings, golf course roughs and fairways, home lawns and landscape areas.

Sowing rate20 – 35g/m2 (200 – 350kg/ha)

Maintenance and mowingHeight: 25 – 75mm

Fertiliser: 150 – 250kgs/nitrogen/ha a year. Apply during periods of active growth (September – November, March – May)

Mowing Frequency: 2 times/week during active growth and remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf per mowing.


• Dollar Spot resistant

• Shade tolerant

• Low fertility requirement

• Underground stems


TECH SHEETS


Governors creeping red fescue

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Characteristics and areas of useGovernors creeping red fescue is a medium-textured, mid-green fine fescue, bred from New Zealand genetic material. It has the outstanding ability to retain a green colour and grow actively over winter when other fine fescues become dormant and exhibit brown dead material. Governors is ideally used in situations such as golf course roughs, where the mowing height is above 50mm. Its wispier open growth habitat allows golfers to readily find their golf ball and to “swing a club” through more easily than other creeping red fescues.

Governors produces an attractive seedhead for unmown situations. It is also suited to low fertility erosion and landscaping uses.

Governors has shown good persistence and tolerance to drought in trials in both New Zealand and Australia and exhibits a high level of resistance to red thread disease. Governors is well suited in blends with other fine fescue species.

Breeding historyGovernors was selected from naturalised fine fescue on Banks Peninsula, near Christchurch. It was selected for strong winter growth and summer survival under dry conditions. It is well adapted to mild winter conditions and to summer drought.

Sowing rate and maintenanceGovernors fine fescue is sown at 30-40g/m2 (300-400kg/ha). Full establishment can be expected after 12-14 weeks.

Features• Maintains colour under cooler

temperatures

• Ideal for unmown areas

• Companion species in seed blends

• New Zealand bred


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Predator hard fescue

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Characteristics and areas of usePredator hard fescue forms an excellent quality dark, dense and fine turf that is difficult to tell from chewings fescue. It is a slow growing species that is tolerant of low fertility and drought in suitable soils. Drought tolerance and persistence is best on heavy soils and moist loams but is poor on sands without irrigation. Under

low fertility Predator hard fescue exhibits better quality compared to most chewings and creeping red fescues, showing more green and less brown colour. Its good shade tolerance coupled with drought tolerance makes it a good choice for sowing under trees. Its slow growth is a bonus around bunker edges and other areas where hand trimming is required. Due to its slow establishment rate it should not be mixed with other grasses except for fine fescues unless the proportion of rapid establishing species is kept low.

Sowing rate and maintenanceSowing rate for lawns and parks is 30-50 g/m2 (300-500kg/ha). Cover seed to a depth not exceeding 6mm and keep seedlings moist until well rooted. The first mowing should be when the grass blades reach a length of 50mm; mow back to 30mm until turf is established. The establishment rate is slow with full coverage not expected until 14 weeks after sowing or longer.

Features• Slow establishing and growing

but excellent quality once established

• Dark green colour

• Improved resistance to brown patch, dollar spot and leaf spot

• Best performance under low fertility

• Good persistence under drought conditions


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Arrowtown browntop

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Characteristics and areas of useArrowtown is a new generation of browntop, being significantly finer and denser than Egmont, Manor and Troy browntop. Arrowtown recovers rapidly from renovation and is an excellent choice for golf greens. Arrowtown has good year-round quality and is best suited to closer mown, high maintenance situations such as greens, tees and fairways.

Breeding historyArrowtown was bred by PGG Wrightson Turf from exceptionally fine and dense plants collected from greens at Arrowtown Golf Club by Dr Alan Stewart.

Sowing rate and maintenanceSow Arrowtown at 5-10g/m2 (50-100kg/ha) when sown alone. In mixtures with fine fescues or other cool season species rates of about half of this can be used, however the rates should not be reduced when sowing greens. Arrowtown should emerge in 5-10 days after sowing. Full coverage can be expected after 8 weeks. First mowing on greens can take place at 10mm and be gradually lowered to the desired height.

Features• Exceptionally fine and dense

• Good year-round quality

• Recovers rapidly from renovation

• Medium green foliage colour

• Especially suited to short mown turf such as golf greens


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Egmont browntop

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Characteristics and areas of useEgmont is a medium green colour, fine leaved browntop suitable for high quality, closely mown golf greens. It can also be used on golf fairways and tees, as well as longer cut surrounds and roughs. It is also a perfect choice to create a low maintenance quality lawn. Egmont has performed exceptionally well for all these purposes for over 30 years and continues to be an industry standard throughout the world.

Breeding historyEgmont was bred in New Zealand by Bill Rumball of AgResearch from browntop plants selected from golf greens in Australia and New Zealand. Superintendents were invited to send in plugs of the best browntop in their greens and several were selected as the parent lines along with three selections from greens at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Sowing rate and maintenanceIt is recommended to sow Egmont at a rate of 5-10g/m2 (50-100kg/ha) when sowing as a stand alone or in mixtures with fine fescue.

For overseeding of existing turf 2.5-5g/m2 (25-50kg/ha) is recommended.

Features• Provides exceptional quality as

a golf green

• Excellent quality as fairway, tee or lawn grass

• Proven top performance for over 30 years

• Medium green colour and fine leaf texture


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Manor browntop

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Characteristics and areas of useThe fineness and density of Manor browntop produces putting greens of outstanding quality. It displays a light green colour which aids the masking of Poa annua present in a sward. Manor browntop can be used for greens, tees, fairways and roughs and is also a good choice for low or high maintenance lawns where superior quality is desired.

Breeding historyManor was bred in New Zealand by Dr Alan Stewart of PGG Wrightson Turf. It is a selection out of Sefton and has a similar colour and leaf texture to Sefton. Sefton was bred from plugs of the best browntop that superintendents were invited to send in from their greens. The best lighter green coloured plants from New Zealand were selected as parents.

Sowing rate and maintenanceSow Manor at 5-10g/m2 (50-100kg/ha) when sown alone or in mixtures with fine fescue.


Features• Outstanding fineness and

density

• Light green colour which helps mask Poa annua invasion

• Can be used for all parts of a golf course

• Especially suitable for greens

• Suitable for low or high maintenance lawns


TECH SHEETS


Sefton browntop

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Characteristics and areas of useSefton is exceptionally fine and dense with a light green colour. It is especially suitable for golf greens where its fineness and density can be exhibited. Its light green colour helps to mask Poa annua and other grass weed invasion. Sefton can be used in all parts of a golf course - greens, tees, fairways and roughs. It makes a high quality lawn under either high or low maintenance.

Breeding historySefton was bred by Bill Rumball of AgResearch in New Zealand from superior browntop plants collected from golf greens in New Zealand and Australia. The best plants exhibiting a light green colour were selected to be the parents of Sefton.

Sowing rate and maintenanceSow Sefton at 5-10g/m2 (50-100kg/ha) when sown alone or in mixtures with fine fescue.


Features• Exceptionally fine and dense

• Light green colour helps to mask Poa annua and other grass invasion

• Especially suitable for greens

• Can be used for all parts of a golf course

• Suitable for low or high maintenance lawns


TECH SHEETS


Mackenzie creeping bentgrass

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Characteristics and areas of useMacKenzie creeping bentgrass is a high quality turfgrass for greens, tees and fairways and is bred from stress-tolerant germplasm. It has high density through all seasons, winter-active growth, bright medium green colour and a fine leaf texture. In addition, MacKenzie has a reduced fertiliser requirement and high resistance to dollar spot, brown patch and Fusarium patch.

Breeding historyMacKenzie creeping bentgrass was developed in line with the demands faced by the modern superintendent who has to blend the classical aspects of the game with the contemporary surface. MacKenzie’s broad genetic base provides performance insurance regardless of the environment or the maintenance regime. MacKenzie is the result of years of experience in breeding superior bentgrasses that meet the needs of superintendents for a outstanding surface, in balance with standard maintenance practices.

Sowing rate and maintenanceFor new turf, sow at 5-7.5g/m2 (50-75kg/ha). For over-seeding, sow at 2.5-3g/m2 (25-30kg/ha).

In ideal conditions, MacKenzie will emerge 3-5 days (6-10 days in cooler weather) after sowing and full cover is achieved after 8weeks.

Features• Excellent year-round

performance

• Uniform putting surface

• Excellent wear tolerance

• Excellent summer performance

• Reduced fungicide requirements

• Reduced ball marks

(Agrostis stolonifera)


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Pure Distinction creeping bentgrass

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OverviewPure Distinction is the latest advanced bentgrass from Pure-Seed Testing. It has a rich heritage that includes legendary Penncross and the groundbreaking Penn A’s and G’s. Uniquely bright green coloured, Pure Distinction takes the attributes of these bents – dense, upright, and aggressive growth, less thatch and easy maintenance – to the next level. It’s the ultimate bentgrass for smooth and true putting greens and ideal for tees and fairways. Pure Distinction also has strong resistance to diseases and outstanding resistance to heat, cold and wear.

MaintenanceThese grasses are different and should not be managed as per other bents, but they are tough useful grasses. Summarising this, it means less fertiliser and less water than the old bents that many superintendents are accustomed to and overall the management is easier.

The end result is a very high quality playing surface that thrives on low mowing and culminates in a top quality surface, with no extraordinary practices.

Fertiliser formulations and rates may need to be adjusted according to soil test results and turfgrass performance. After the turfgrass has grown in, fertiliser applications should be kept light and infrequent.

The first mowing should be done when there is uniform turf coverage with a height from 6mm and definitely not more than a 12mm.

Sowing ratesRecommended seeding rate is 5-7.5g/m2 (50-75kg/ha) for new plantings, and 0.5-1g/m2 (5-10kg/ha) for overseeding.

Features• Excellent resistance to bacterial

wilt, brown patch, fusarium patch, anthracnose and leaf spot

• Great resistance to dollar spot

• Excellent heat, cold, and wear tolerance

• Recovers quickly



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Penn A-4 creeping bentgrass

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Characteristics and areas of usePenn A-4 creeping bentgrass displays a dark green colour along with a fine leaf texture and outstanding heat and cold tolerance. Penn A-4 has high disease resistance and forms a very dense sward due to its aggressive growth habit. It is suited to golf course putting greens as it forms a smooth grainless surface. Penn A-4 is able to compete against weeds and Poa annua with great success. Penn A-4 performs best when maintained under a lean fertiliser regime which in turn reduces maintenance requirements.

Breeding historyPenn State University in North America developed and released the first Penn bentgrass, Penncross, back in the 1950s. Over the years, their continued efforts have produced many successful new bentgrass varieties through careful breeding and seed production.

Sowing rate and maintenanceA sowing rate of 6g/m2 (60kg/ha) is recommended into a cultivated seedbed. For overseeding of existing turf 2.5-5g/m2 (25-50kg/ha) is recommended.

Fertiliser formulations and rates need to be calculated from soil analysis results taken from the site being sown. Fertiliser applications should be kept light and infrequent. This can be achieved either through a fertigation system or use of soluble products. First mowing should take place when the surface has uniform coverage and the sward height is at no more than 12mm. Solid/smooth rollers should be used to minimise surface damage in the establishment phase.


• Aggressive growth habit

• Exceptional heat and cold tolerance

• Fine leaf texture



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Penn A-1 creeping bentgrass

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Characteristics and areas of usePenn A - 1 creeping bentgrass displays a very dark green colour along with a fine leaf texture. It has outstanding heat and cold tolerances, very good winter colour and quick spring green up. Penn A - 1 has good disease resistance and forms a dense sward.

It is suited to golf course putting surfaces but can also be used on tees and fairways. Penn A - 1 is able to compete against weeds and Poa annua with great success. Penn A – 1 performs best when maintained under a lean fertiliser regime which in turn reduces maintenance requirements.

Breeding history Penn State University in North America developed and released the first Penn bentgrass, Penncross, back in the 1950s. Over the years, their continued efforts have produced many successful new bentgrass varieties through careful breeding and seed production.

Sowing rate and maintenance A sowing rate of 6 g/m2 or 60 kg/ha is recommended into a cultivated seedbed. For overseeding of existing turf, 2.5 – 5g/m2 (25 – 50kg/ha) is recommended.

Fertiliser formulations and rates need to be calculated from soil analysis results taken from the site being sown. Fertiliser applications should be kept light and infrequent. This can be achieved ideally either through a fertigation system or use of soluble products.

First mowing should take place when the surface has uniform coverage and the sward height is at no more than 12 mm. Solid/smooth rollers should be used to x 12mm to minimise surface damage in the establishment phase.

Features• Very dark Colour

• Good winter colour

• Outstanding heat, and cold tolerance

• Superior wear tolerance

• Quick spring recovery and green up



TECH SHEETS


Penncross creeping bentgrass

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Characteristics and areas of usePenncross is an aggressive growing bentgrass with wide adaptability, but it is relatively coarse compared to more modern cultivars for closely mowed greens. It has tight, upright growth characteristics and a fine leaf texture. It is best suited for use on golf courses (fairways, tees and greens) and winter overseeding of bermudagrass greens.

Breeding historyPenncross was bred by Dr Joe Duich of Pennsylvania State University and released in 1954. Penncross breeding began with 156 vegetatively propagated bentgrasses, later reduced to 21. These were crossed for turf performance and the components were tested under a wide variety of locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Sowing rate and maintenanceFor new turf applications sow at 5-6g/m2 (50-60kg/ha) and for overseeding of existing turf between 2.5-5g/m2 (25-50kg/ha). Sow the seed to make good seed to soil contact and keep seedlings moist until well rooted. Germination will take place in 7-15 days depending on soil temperatures. Penncross performs best in soils with a pH of 5.5-8. It has a moderate nitrogen requirement, with 0.45kg of actual N/100m2 per year being adequate in most situations. Optimum greens mowing height for Penncross is 4.8- 7.9mm but can be adjusted higher or lower depending upon maintenance practices and intended use. Penncross performs best on sandy soils and tolerates clay soils with adequate drainage. Bentgrasses do not perform well in wet areas; however, Penncross can tolerate saturated soil conditions for short periods of time.

Features• Strong seedling vigour

• Aggressive growth and good wear tolerance

• Medium dark blueish green colour

• Good dollar spot resistance



New Zealand golf courses and bentgrass breedingKeith Saulsbury, Plant Breeder, PGG Wrightson Seeds, NZ

Don’t we all love a great bentgrass green? The beautiful smooth surface is where we use our skills to putt into each of the 18 holes around the course. This wonderful surface doesn’t just happen, it takes the skill, dedication and hard work of the course superintendent to achieve, and I am always in awe of their skill! In most of New Zealand, the bentgrass used is browntop, also known as colonial bentgrass.

As a plant breeder, my part in the creation of a great playing surface is to provide the best start – the right plants. So how do we go about breeding a better grass?

There are different ways to create a better grass, but like a gourmet meal, you need to start with the best ingredients. Then you need a good kitchen and some skillfull chefs! For us the kitchen is Kimihia Research Centre, and our chefs are plant breeders with years of experience in turfgrass breeding.

To get the best ingredients we need plants with a proven potential for creating a great playing surface. One way is to take the best cultivars of the day, cross them and look for the plant variation within this new genetic pool. Another way is to let nature help you! We use both pathways in our browntop programme.

Planting out ‘plugs’ of different browntop plants.


We are fortunate in New Zealand in having a fantastic resource of genetic material in the golf courses up and down the country. On many greens there are patches of browntop that stand out from the crowd. I’m sure we have all seen them and thought how great it would be if the whole green was like that! From Southland to Northland we have enlisted the help of many generous superintendents to help us collect these “patches of perfection”. Every golf course is unique, and the grasses we collect mirror all those differences. The climate, soil type, management and playing pressure will all influence what plants will survive and prosper. It is a wonderful natural experiment going on across the country selecting the plants best suited to a range of environments. It is from one of these collections of superior plants that our new cultivar Arrowtown was created.

Small plugs, 20mm in diameter, were collected from around Arrowtown Golf Club and sent to our research centre in Canterbury. Each plug was potted up and allowed to grow for a couple of months, then divided into 2 and allowed to grow some more. When about 50-70mm in diameter they were planted out.

These plugs were planted out into 2 different environments. The first was an area maintained at close to greens condition, mowed at 4-5mm year round. The second was a seed production area and the plants were allowed to grow as if they were a seed crop (to gauge their seed yield capability).

This way we were able to ascertain how each plant performs in these different environments. A great greens grass that doesn’t produce much seed is of very little use. Similarly a high seed producer with poor turf qualities is not needed. We ran these trials for at least 2 years to get good year round observations on each plant.

Browntop ‘plugs’ after 2 year’s growth


When we had enough information we chose those plants which had both great turf qualities and good seed potential. Usually we create a mixture of plants from different sources, be they golf courses or crosses we have created at Kimihia.

For Arrowtown we selected 3 plants that were then grown together in isolation to allow them to inter-pollinate. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how good an individual plant may look, it is how it combines genetically with the other chosen parents that is crucial. So before we could think of releasing our selection there was extensive testing of this new combination.

With the first generation of seed we sowed out a turf trial, and also seed production rows. In that trial what eventually became Arrowtown looked outstanding with an amazing fine dense turf. Not content with just one trial we sowed a second trial to confirm our observations. Again this line looked great. So we began producing another generation of seed from selected plants. After topping both our in-house trials, we sowed out further trials and began the commercialisation process for Arrowtown.

The UK & Europe are important markets to us and before sales can begin, new cultivars must be listed in the EU Common Catalogue. To do this we put our varieties through the “UK National Listing” process. The level of scrutiny required before UK listing is intense and this process takes at least 4+ years. Not only does it have to perform under turf trial conditions, it must also pass tests of uniformity, distinctness and stability before it can be listed. So from the time we receive the plants from a golf course or our crossing programme, to releasing a commercial product takes at least 12 years. Just as well browntop breeders are a patient group of individuals!

8th Green at Waimairi Beach Golf Club, New Zealand, sown in PGG Wrightson Turf Arrowtown bent–in play after 20 weeks


So the browntop cultivar you specify for your golf course has had a long history.

• Probably several decades of natural selection across different golf courses

• The observations of many dedicated superintendents

• In excess of another decade of work from the plant breeders

It’s not just seed! It is the result of years of selection by passionate individuals, whose aim is to create the best possible playing surface, wherever you are!

PGG Wrightson Turf’s Arrowtown is a new benchmark in browntop. Arrowtown browntop represents a marked improvement on other browntop cultivars, having greater density, fineness and overall quality. It is ideally suited to closely mowed greens, as well as tees and fairways.

Customer ServiceSouth Island (03) 372 8719North Island (09) 570 2570

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TECH SHEETS


Princess 77 hybrid bermudagrass

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Characteristics and areas of usePrincess 77 is one of PGG Wrightson Turf’s elite bermudagrass varieties. Princess 77 bermudagrass is the first dense, fine textured hybrid bermudagrass variety to be available in seeded form. It has outstanding drought tolerance, great divot recovery and an attractive dark green colour. Its medium fine leaf texture makes it a great choice for sports fields, golf courses and amenity situations.

Breeding historyPrincess 77 was bred Dr. Arden Baltensperger from Seeds West Inc. and became the first commercially available seeded hybrid bermudagrass variety in 1995.

Princess 77 seed is produced much like hybrid corn seed, but instead of two inbred parent lines, two self-incompatible but cross- fertile parent clones are planted in alternating rows. The specific combining ability of these two elite parent clones is what makes Princess 77, an F1 hybrid, the first seeded bermudagrass that is competitive with the vegetative hybrid bermudagrasses for turfgrass quality, leaf texture, colour, and density.

Sowing rate and maintenanceSow Princess 77 at 5-10g/m2 (50-100kg/ha) when sown alone, or at 2.5-5g/m2 (25-50kg/ha) for existing turf repairs. Seed should be planted in a minimum soil temperature of 18°C at a depth of about 3-5mm (no more than 5 mm depth is recommended). Maintain soil moisture around the seed until germination. Full coverage can be expected in 8 weeks and begin mowing when Princess 77 is about 1/3rd above the expected maintenance height.

Features• Elite bermudagrass

• Outstanding drought tolerance, divot recovery and wear tolerance

• Higher overall turf quality than all commercial seeded varieties in US and international tests

• Excellent autumn colour retention

• Very low weed pressure after initial establishment


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Sahara bermudagrass

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Characteristics and areas of useCompared to common bermudagrass, Sahara is more uniform, has increased density and improved summer green colour. Sahara is superior in drought tolerance compared to common and many other bermudagrass varieties. It is a good choice where a low thatching improved common type is required. It is recommended for use on golf courses (fairways & roughs), home lawns, sports fields, parks, playgrounds and for erosion control.

Breeding historySahara was bred by Dr Arden Baltensperger of Seeds West, Inc. Sahara was the first seeded bermudagrass to be developed exclusively for turf and was released in 1988 after over 20 years of research.

Sowing rate and maintenanceFor new turf applications sow 10-15g/m2 (100-150kg/ha). For repairing existing turf sow at 2.5-5g/m2 (25-50kg/ha). Sahara should be sown when soil temperatures are consistently above 18ºC. For best results, sow in full sun in well-drained soils and soil moisture must be maintained for at least 1-2 weeks after sowing through irrigation or natural rainfall. Under ideal conditions, germination may begin within 7-10 days. Allow 10-21 days for full germination and full coverage may be attained in 4-6 weeks. More time may be needed for establishment if sowing early or late in the season. Mowing may begin when grass is 1/3rd taller than the desired mowing height. Sahara performs best at mowing heights of 13- 38mm. For optimum performance fertilise with 2.5-5kg/m2 (25-50kg/ha) actual N per month during the growing season.

Features• Improved overall turf

performance compared to common bermudagrass

• Increased durability and wear tolerance

• Reduced plant height

• Increased density

• Tolerant to saline conditions

• Low in thatch

• Lower mowing heights with less scalping

• Medium texture with medium green colour


TECH SHEETS


Transcontinental bermudagrass

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Characteristics and areas of useTranscontinental is a medium quality seeded bermudagrass that establishes rapidly and grows vigorously giving good wear resistance and recovery. It can be used in a wide variety of situations including sports fields, parks, schools, home, commercial turf, roadsides and erosion control. It has a highly aggressive, prostrate, spreading growth habit which forms a dense but uniform quality sward. Transcontinental displays a dark green colour with a fine leaf-blade texture and is an excellent performer in hot and humid conditions. It is a deep rooted variety with aggressive rhizome activity and is moderately salt tolerant.

Breeding HistoryDeveloped by Pure-Seed Testing, Inc. in North Carolina.

Sowing rate and maintenanceSowing rates for Transcontinental are 10-15g/m2 (100-150kg/ha) for new sowings. Autumn sowings are not recommended, therefore spring through mid-summer plantings will achieve best results. A cultivated seed bed should be kept moist throughout the germination and establishment

phase. Germination should be expected within 10 - 14 days of sowing given optimal temperatures of between 18°C and 27°C.Sowings below 15°C are not recommended. Transcontinental’s first mowing should take place when the turf reaches a height of 2.5 mm and care must be taken not to remove more than one third of the total leaf blade. Full cover should be achieved in approximately 8 weeks given optimal growing conditions. Deep and infrequent irrigation applications are recommended throughout the growing season. For improved turf quality; renovation, aeration and topdressing applications are recommended to take place during the active growing season. In climates with cold winters, summer renovations are best to allow for full recovery before the onset of cooler temperatures.

Features• Rapid establishment

• Excellent drought tolerance

• Very good traffic tolerance and recovery

• Improved winter survival over most seeded bermudagrass varieties

• Quick spring green-up


TECH SHEETS

REGALSTAYGREENTURF TYPE KIKUYU GRASS

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Regal StayGreen® kikuyu

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Regal StayGreen® Kikuyu Establishment GuideRegal StayGreen® is a turf type kikuyu that has a darker green colour and finer leaf texture than vegetative kikuyu.

Regal StayGreen® is more cold tolerant than other warm season grasses and retains its green colour better. It also withstands heat and drought well and

is not susceptible to many of the common turf pests or diseases. It has good tolerance of wear and quickly recovers from injury. Its fine dense habit means it provides an excellent lie for golf course fairways and a tight, dense turf for sportsfields.

AdaptationRegal StayGreen® is adapted to areas that are frost free or experience occasional frosts. Regal StayGreen® is a subtropical (warm season) grass that grows best over summer when temperatures are in the range of 16 - 21°C. Regal StayGreen® has better winter colour retention than most tropical grasses and does not readily discolour with a single frost. It will yellow with multiple frosts but will not tolerate sustained frosting. The minimum temperature for growth is about 8°C, well below that of most tropical grasses, such as bermuda grass or couch grass Cynodon dactylon.

Regal StayGreen® does best with regular rainfall throughout the year but has excellent tolerance for sustained periods of drought, even on sandy soils.It tolerates moderate soil salinity and salt spray. It has good tolerance to waterlogging.

Regal StayGreen® can be established on a wide range of soils. While it does best on well structured soils of high fertility, it can thrive on silty soils and sandy soils with moderate fertility. It can establish on very acidic soils (topH 4.5) and soils with low phosphorous and potassium. Regal StayGreen® responds to phosphorous and nitrogen at establishment.

Regal StayGreen® requires minimal nitrogen to maintain a turf cover. In fact, too much nitrogen fertiliser produces too much growth, resulting in a puffy surface.


• Finer leaf texture

• Heat and drought tolerant

• More suited to turf than forage types

• Good wear tolerance


TECH SHEETS

Regal StayGreen® kikuyu

EstablishmentSowing can be carried out from late spring, to late summer. The optimum temperatures for germination are 18 - 29°C. It can however be sown at lower temperatures in spring, provided kikuyu is still growing and the seed will germinate.

The preferred sowing rate for Regal StayGreen® is 5 - 8 grams per square metre, (50 kg - 80 kg per hectare).

Regal StayGreen® seed is relatively large (2 mm long) dark brown and oval in shape. It should not be planted too deeply. A maximum depth of 5 mm is recommended. Regal StayGreen® is best sown in a well prepared seedbed. Rolling after sowing helps retain moisture around the seed. Regal StayGreen® seed should always be sown alone as a companion species will slow establishment.

It is critical to maintain plenty of moisture around the seed until it germinates and new shoots emerge. Once germinated it rapidly forms a full cover within 8 weeks in optimum conditions. After that Regal StayGreen® shouldn’t require any more irrigation.

Regal StayGreen® can frequently be established without any basal fertiliser or liming on soils with moderate fertility. On infertile sites a balanced NPK application or a starter fertiliser with low nitrogen content can speed up establishment. Its natural vigour is enough for it to establish after germination without excessive nitrogen fertiliser.

Emergence of the seedlings is easy to identify after about 10 - 20 days because Regal StayGreen® leaves have fine hairs on both sides of the leaf surface. This is unique to Regal StayGreen®.

Early CareSet the mower at 25 mm and begin mowing 3 - 4 weeks after germination as soon as there is grass to cut.

Mow frequently, preferably twice per week to begin with, when actively growing.

Reel mowing using heavy cutting units gives the best appearance, but rotary mowing can be successful.

Once full cover has been reached the mowing height can be lowered to 12 mm on a golf course fairway.


EndophytesIn the 1980s, New Zealand pasture researchers discovered that the presence of an endophytic fungus conferred resistance to the serious pest, Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis). Since then many other pests have been found to be affected by different endophytes in ryegrass, Black beetle (Heteronychus arator) Ball et al.1994, Root aphid (Aploneura lentisci) Popay et al. 2004, Pasture mealy bug (Balanococcus poae) Pennell & Ball 1999.

It is clear that endophyte provides improved turf density and performance in summer (Stewart, 1986, 1987; Davies et al., 1990; Gibbs and Glasgow, 2000). It also provides a long term advantage to infected plants, as collections from old pasture and turf areas generally exhibit high rates of endophyte infection.

Breeding to incorporate endophyte in turf ryegrass and turf tall fescue has been important for improved turf performance and most cultivars bred in New Zealand contain endophyte.

The endophyte grows up the stem and into the seed head of the reproductive plant

Endophyte is found in the embryo of an infected seed

The endophyte grows into the emerging leaf as

the seed germinates

The endophyte is concentrated in the base of

the plant, not in the roots

ENDOPHYTE LIFE CYCLE


The two important turf species, turf ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and turf tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) are commonly infected with specific endophytic fungi of the genus Neotyphodium. These endophytic fungi live inside the plant and are not visually apparent. They provide the plant with important chemical protection against both insects and herbivores feeding upon the plants.

Large differences exist between endophyte strains. These vary from strains selected for pasture cultivars providing protection from insect pests with little effect on grazing animals to turf endophytes like “Avanex” which provide strong protection to cultivars against certain insects but also have a deterrence effect against birds and grazing animals such as rabbits.

Plants lacking endophyte can be very susceptible to certain insect pests and in many circumstances in New Zealand and Australia seed without endophyte will result in plant death by insect pests within 1 to 2 years of sowing resulting in thin turf in need of oversowing.

PURCHASING SEED WITH ENDOPHYTEAlthough New Zealand cultivars are bred with endophyte whether the seed delivered to the turf user actually contains viable endophyte will depend on how long the seed has been stored and the conditions of storage, as well as on the growing and harvest conditions of the seed crop.

Endophyte is easy to use as it comes inside the seed. However, it is essential that an endophyte test is available to show the amount of live endophyte as a percentage of seed infected. The endophyte does not store well in the seed and will reduce over a 2 year period when stored at ambient temperatures.

Two tests are used; the first is a seed microscope test often, called a “seed squash test”, which shows if the endophyte is present and this is usually adequate for fresh seed younger than 6 months old. For seed older than 6 months it is essential to grow the seed out and measure what % is live. This is usually referred to as called a “growout test”.

In all cases it is recommended that seed be purchased with a current test result showing over 70% live endophyte and seed should be sown within a few weeks of purchase.


Bird and Insect Deterrent GrassesAVANEX® unique endophyte technology has won the 2010/2011 Australasian DuPont Innovation Award for Performance Materials, which recognises the commercialisation of outstanding science and technology in Australasia.

Together with AgResearch, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) and Grasslanz, we have developed a breakthrough in bird deterrent grasses; AVANEX® unique endophyte technology. This exciting innovation combines novel endophytes in turf-type grasses; Jackal tall fescue and Colosseum perennial ryegrass.

The attributes of the novel endophytes serve to dramatically reduce bird and insect populations, thereby potentially reducing bird strikes on aircraft, and can also be used in non-airport situations such as sportsfields and golf courses that experience fouling by ducks and geese as well as damage by insects.

The endophyte, a naturally occurring fungus, causes post-digestion feedback (PDF) malaise in birds, greatly reducing feeding by grass feeding birds and flocking to grassy areas. The alkaloids produced by the endophyte also reduces insect numbers on the grass and as a result the area is less attractive to insect-feeding birds.

This internationally recognised technology is exclusive to PGG Wrightson Turf.

Visit www.avanexgrass.com for more information on this unique product.

MAJOR FINDINGS• Shown to reduce insect populations which can potentially lead to lower numbers of

insect feeding birds• Shown to reduce numbers of grass feeding birds (Canada geese) through confirmed

learning avoidance behaviour or post digestion feedback (PDF) malaise• Anecdotal comments on reduced numbers of grass feeding animals (rabbits, mice etc).

Trials are on-going• Improved plant persistence leading to longer surviving grass areas

HOW AVANEX® UNIQUE ENDOPHYTE TECHNOLOGY WORKS• Novel endophytes produce high levels of the alkaloids ergovaline, loline and peramine• These alkaloids contribute to lower insect populations through insect deterring

properties and are an environmental way to reduce the use of insecticides to control many turf insects

• Ergovaline contributes to post digestion feedback (PDF) malaise of Canada geese

WHERE TO USE AVANEX® UNIQUE ENDOPHYTE TECHNOLOGY• Sportsfields – for cleaner insect free playing surfaces and less excreted waste from

grass feeding birds• Amenity areas – for cleaner playing surfaces• Waterways and reservoirs – less birds with potentially less fouling• Airfields – for less insects and grass feeding birds

AVANEX® UNIQUE ENDOPHYTE TECHNOLOGY

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Intellectual property protectionAR601 endophyte is protected by United States Patent Application No. 8101400. Harvesting / propagating, resowing, and/or onselling of AR601 may infringe this patent and may result in prosecution. Grasslanz is a registered trademark of Grasslanz Technology Limited in New Zealand and Australia. AVANEX is a registered trademark of PGG Wrightson Seeds Limited in New Zealand, Australia and the European Community.The AR601 endophyte has patent pending in: New Zealand No. 579801, Australia No. 2008 244736, United States DIV No. 13/308939, Europe No. 08753855, Argentina No. 8010793 and Uruguay No. 31.054. The AR601 endophyte is protected under the New Zealand Plant Variety Rights Act 1987. Grant number 2874. The AR95 endophyte has PVR pending. New Zealand Application No. FEN016.

WARNING: THIS GRASS VARIETY CONTAINS A NOVEL ENDOPHYTE. INGESTION OF THE SEED OR THE GRASS CAN CAUSE SEVERE ADVERSE ANIMAL HEALTH ISSUES AND IS NOT TO BE USED AS FEED FOR ANIMALS AND BIRDS. IN SEVERE SITUATIONS IT MAY CAUSE DEATH TO GRAZING ANIMALS.

DisclaimerResults will vary depending on all the circumstances. PGG Wrightson Seeds Limited and its officers, employees, contractors, agents, advisers and licensors of intellectual property (together and severally PGW Seeds) provide no assurances, guarantees or warranties in relation to any information provided, or cultivar or endophyte referred to, other than those that must be provided by law. To the extent permitted by law PGW Seeds excludes all liability, and has no liability to anyone, however arising, from or in relation to any information provided, or the use of any information, cultivar or endophyte.

For further information

NEW ZEALANDNorth Island Customer Services (09) 570 2570South Island Customer Services (03) 372 8719

Email [email protected] or visit us at www.pggwrightsonturf.co.nz

AUSTRALIAFreephone 1800 382 8873

Email [email protected] or visit us at www.pggwrightsonturf.com.au

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