Evaluating new turfgrass varieties      How do turfgrass managers and homeowners in Pennsylvania decide which of the hundreds of turfgrass varieties to plant? Many of them look to Penn State's series of turfgrass extension publications, which rank the best new selections based on tests performed at University Park.      Evaluations of turfgrass cultivars are summarized and distributed to turfgrass managers and seed industry representatives annually. Turfgrass managers look to these reports in deciding which cultivars to use for new establishments and for overseeding programs. Seed industry representatives use the turfgrass evaluation reports to help decide which cultivars should be used in high quality seed mixtures and blends for various uses.      The Penn State turfgrass evaluation program, which is run by Dr. Peter Landschoot, associate professor of turfgrass science, is part of the larger National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). NTEP plots are located in 40 states and six Canadian provinces, mainly at land-grant universities that have turfgrass management degree programs. Data from test locations around the country are collected by NTEP for analysis and synthesis. Annual progress reports are produced for each species tested, and at the end	of the testing period, a final summary report is prepared for each species.      The goal of the program is to develop performance rankings for hundreds of new grass selections each year. Seed companies typically submit experimental selections-those that are just about ready for commercial release-to NTEP so the grass can be evaluated under many different climatic conditions. The tests run for five years at each location in order to test tolerance to climatic extremes and disease and insect incidence.      Selections tested at Penn State's Valentine Turfgrass Research Center are all cool season grasses. Some species recently tested include tall fescue, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. The test selections are evaluated yearly or monthly for parameters such as quality; seedling vigor; tolerance to heat, cold, and drought; disease; spring green-up; percent living ground cover; color; texture; number of seed heads; and density. Evaluation parameters vary depending on the type of grass, its intended use, and its particular weaknesses.      A lot of care goes into the evaluation plots. David Livingston, farm manager, oversees the day-to-day operation of the test plots and supervises student employees. Before any grasses were ever planted, the surface was leveled and a uniform Hagerstown silt	loam topsoil was laid down. Most grasses are mowed every week during the growing season, some every day, and the soil is aerated as needed. The plots have an in-ground irrigation system, which is used as dictated by the kind of grass and environmental conditions. Most cultivars are allowed to go into natural drought stress so that their drought tolerance can be assessed.      Landschoot spends about 75% of his time on turfgrass extension work. Golf course managers, individual homeowners, and other turf managers contact him with questions, most often about which varieties of grass work best under certain situations and how to treat disease or pest infestations. Landschoot has developed a set of extension brochures that provide answers to many common questions. He also communicates with turfgrass managers through a biennial field day, in which managers from around the state come to University Park to look at the selections in the evaluation plots and to learn about the results of previous tests.      For printed information on care of turfgrass, contact the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Publication Distribution Center, 112 Agricultural Administration Bldg., University Park, PA 16802. Phone (814) 865-6713, fax (814) 863-5560. Landschoot can be reached at (814) 863-1017; email pjl1@psu.edu.
Dr. David Huff (l) and an industry representative set up the turfgrass evaluation plots for the biennial field day. Courtesy: P. Landschoot		Focus on Research is published by the Department of Agronomy, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, (814) 865-6541 Editorial comments and opinions expressed in Focus on Research do not necessarily reflect the views of The Pennsylvania State University or the agronomy department. Use of trade names implies no endorsement by Penn State. DEPARTMENT HEAD: Steven L. Fales EDITOR: Joy R. Drohan This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability, or handicap, national origin, race, religous creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801; Tel. (814) 865-4700/V;(814) 863-1150/TTY.