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!