Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf Approves Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue Varieties

SALEM, Ore., July 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) has made approval of a number of new varieties for 2017. To ensure the integrity and independence of the program, testing is conducted by nationally recognized cooperators, selected on a regional basis to include environmental adaptability. These cooperators also participate on an Advisory Committee to further influence protocols. Participation in the independent and geographically diverse National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is also a requirement for the approval process.

Varieties were tested for a number of low-input factors including drought tolerance, reduced chemical usage and turf quality under adverse conditions. To become an "A-LIST Approved Variety", a variety must have demonstrated superior performance in A-LIST trials as defined by:

• The top LSD group for drought tolerance as measured by percent green cover for each of two years in at least two locations. 
• Acceptable or better turf quality for each of the two years in at least two locations. 
• Have been entered into an NTEP trial for the species. For new cultivars that have met the approval standards for performance in A-LIST trials, final approval will be withheld until the cultivar(s) have been entered into an NTEP trial

Of the varieties that are evaluated, only a select few receive approval. The A-LIST strives to ensure that only the best performing varieties are part of the program. The newly approved varieties are listed below.

Perennial ryegrass

• PR 301Clarinet
• Fastball RGL Jetty
• Stellar 3GLR 3150
• Apple SGLR 5250
• Seabiscuit
• PR 193
• Banfield
• Wicked
• Sideways
• Thrive
• Grandslam GLD
• Man o' War (Promising)

Hard fescue

• Clarinet
• Jetty
• SR 3150

Strong creeping fescue

• SR 5250
• Chorus
• Navigator II

Chewings fescue

• Radar
• Conductor
• Compass II
• SR 5130

For more information on the A-LIST contact Jeremy Husen, A-LIST Executive Director ([email protected] or 541-760-3494)

The A-LIST is an independent, non-profit, industry initiative, fostering the development of sustainable turfgrass varieties and related products that perform their function with fewer maintenance inputs, thus benefiting the environment. A-LIST monitors a voluntary evaluation program including metrics like water conservation, reduced fertility and traffic, heat, and drought stress tolerances, all with no fungicide or insecticide applications.  Products that meet the acceptance criteria can utilize the A-LIST Approved symbol in their marketing and receive the A-LIST Approved tag for use in packaging.

SOURCE The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf