Research Updates from UMD

Turfgrass Variety Trial Update

By Geoffrey Rinehart

Did you know that the University of Maryland turfgrass research program conducts ongoing experiments to evaluate varieties from several different turfgrass species? Using data from these trials and in coordination with data collected by turfgrass researchers at Virginia Tech, and the professionals from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Virginia Department of Agriculture Seed Laboratories, the “Maryland-Virginia Recommended Varieties List” is updated on annual basis to summarize the top varieties from several of the major turfgrass species used in the Mid-Atlantic provided the varieties are available as certified seed and has been tested by either or both the MD or VA Seed Labs. Typically, these trials are conducted as part of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program’s (NTEP) research efforts. Previously high-performing varieties which are not included in the most current NTEP trials are planted and evaluated in supplemental trials so that researchers can continue to evaluate these cultivars as one of the criteria for them to remain on the recommended list. NTEP conducts variety trial testing for all major cool- and warm-season turfgrass species in over 35 states throughout the country to identify top-performing varieties both on a national and regional level. The University of Maryland’s NTEP trials, as well as the Annual MD/VA Recommended Varieties List, are an important part of evaluating varieties both locally/regionally and nationally and providing you, the Maryland Turfgrass Professional, with the varieties which will grow well and produce the best turfgrass for your customers. In fact, one of the requirements sod farmers in Maryland must meet is to utilize only varieties found on the MD/VA Recommended Varieties list.

This summary of information can be found in University of Maryland Extension publication TT-77. This and other UMD Extension publications are available to all members and industry professionals on the Maryland Turfgrass Council website. Currently, the UMD turfgrass program has trials evaluating bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, “fine” fescue (includes Red, Chewings, and Sheep Fescues), and Kentucky bluegrass (the newest trial of which was planted in early October 2023).

For more information on the University of Maryland’s turfgrass variety trials, please contact Geoffrey Rinehart (E-mail: rinehart@umd.edu) •