© 2001 Wendy Dager
When the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program
(NTEP) was conducted recently, we here at S&S Seeds knew
our new blends would pass with flying colors.
Thats because, as an independent seed
distributor, were not beholden to suppliers, so were free
to be able to identify our clients needs before
suggesting a particular seed, product or technique. And, with our
fescue blends, as with all of our products, were able to take
advantage of our numerous resources, including more than 30 turf seed
suppliers in Oregon who offer hundreds of National Turf Evaluation
Program quality-rated cultivars.
Rigid Standards
NTEP tests are initiated, established, maintained
and evaluated using standardized testing protocols. Data is collected
across the USA and Canada by university researchers using standard
procedures and formats. The data is then submitted to NTEP, where it
is computer formatted and statistically analyzed. Annual reports are
produced for each species tested and at the end of the testing period,
a final summary report is produced. This year, the grasses used in two
of our blends, Fusion and Pacific Vista, were among
the highest rated in the NTEP trialsno
surprise to anyone familiar with S&S products.
Plant breeders, turfgrass researchers and extension
personnel use NTEP data to identify improved environmentally-sound
turfgrasses. Local and state government entities, such as parks and
highway departments, use NTEP for locating resource-efficient
varieties. Most important, growers and consumers use NTEP extensively
to purchase drought tolerant, pest resistant, attractive and durable
seed or sod. NTEP is the standard for turfgrass evaluation.
Test Criteria
NTEP tests identify turfgrasses with the following
characteristics:
- Improved disease and insect resistance
- Improved tolerance of drought, heat, traffic and cold
- Increased density, darker green color, slower growing
- Faster establishment, better recovery from damage by various
pests, stresses
- Better performance with reduced fertilizer, water and pesticide
use
- Improved performance under lower cutting heights.
To see how well Fusion and Pacific
Vista dwarf tall fescue blends did on the NTEP tests, take a look
at the following chart. A
complete test table is available by calling S&S Seeds (805) 684-0436.
Albright
Seed is a Division of S&S Seeds.
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