The recently released 2005 results from the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) studies of tall fescues feature LESCO’s Padre Tall Fescue.
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Padre is an advanced-generation synthetic cultivar selected in cooperation with Rutgers University. This cultivar was selected for tolerance to close mowing, turf quality, uniformity and environmental stress tolerance. Padre traditionally shows strong brown patch resistance, and its high endophyte content enhances disease resistance as well.
Padre is used on athletic fields, golf course roughs, home lawns, parks and other turf where an attractive, wear-tolerant turf is desired.
“These NTEP trials factor in tests at 16 different locations, so Padre’s leading scores not only reinforce the caliber of this turf seed but they also speak to Padre’s widespread suitability for different areas across the country,” says Evelyn Dennis, LESCO’s merchant for turf seed, mulch and bulbs.
In addition, the testing for creeping bentgrasses reinforced the strong 2004 results for LESCO’s new creeping bentgrass called Authority.
Highlights from the independent, third-party testing conducted last year include:
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Leaf texture – Authority scored No. 1 overall out of 20 tested varieties
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Soil green turfgrass – Authority tied for No. 1
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Sand green turfgrass – Authority tied for No. 2
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Fairway or tee grass (Northeast region) – Authority tied for No. 1
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Quality of fairway mowing – Authority tied for No. 1
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Quality at 1/8-inch height – Authority scored No. 2
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Fairway density – Authority tied for No. 1
“The NTEP trials have long been respected as a source of unbiased, comparative data on turfgrass cultivars and how well they will stand up to the challenges experienced on a golf course,” Dennis says. “These results from the second year of testing reinforce Authority’s quality while also speaking to the variety’s endurance and ability to perform over time, which is critical for golf course superintendents.”
LESCO introduced Authority in early 2006 with the first full crop due to reach market in the coming months.
Mike Feeney, superintendent at Top of the World Golf Course, Lake George, NY, used Authority to seed nine new greens that his course built last spring, and the results have impressed him.
“During construction, we kept flipping between sodding and seeding, and we ultimately decided to go with seed because Authority’s test results were so strong,” Feeney says. “Today, we are definitely glad we went with seed.”
The new greens are on a 50/50 sand and topsoil base, and Feeney said his customers appreciate the new greens playability.
“The color is fantastic, and the putting quality has been very good as well,” he explained. “Authority has done everything we had hoped for and more.”
Authority continues the company’s line of leading creeping bentgrasses, joining names such as Princeville, Penn G2 and Grand Prix.
