Lebanon Turf introduces three new perennial ryegrass varieties

Lebanon Turf's new perennnial ryegrass varieties scored high in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program.

LEBANON, PA — Lebanon Turf will introduce three all new gray leaf spot-resistant ryegrass varieties at the STMA show in Orlando, FL, in January.

Gray leaf spot is a devastating disease caused by Pyricularia grisea that quickly attacks athletic fields that contain older, susceptible ryegrass varieties. The disease was originally identified on perennial ryegrass in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states in the early 90s and its incidence has been spreading quickly across the country.

These three new perennial ryegrass varieties — Secretariat II GLSR, Exacta II GLSR, and Charismatic II GLSR — were developed in conjunction with Rutgers University. They all scored very high in the new NTEP data that was published by Rutgers this summer. Exacta II GLSR was the top ranked variety for gray leaf spot resistance.

Plant material exhibiting resistance to the disease was found during collection trips in central and Eastern Europe over the last several years. This material was then crossed through conventional breeding techniques with the most cutting edge parental germplasm available. A severe epidemic of Gray Leaf Spot occurred in New Jersey in fall 2004, after the NTEP trial was planted, helped differentiate these varieties from many of the present commercial varieties.

These three varieties are among a very small group of new resistant varieties coming to market in 2006. They will be available in limited quantities after new crop harvest in fall 2006, and will also be available in the ultimate disease resistant three-way ryegrass blend called Trifecta II GLSR.

Contact your Lebanon Turf Distributor early for best availability. For more on these ryegrasses and other Lebanon Turf products, visit STMA Booth 627 or the Web site www.lebturf.com or call 800/233-0628.