The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf has approved a number of new varieties for 2016. To protect the integrity and independence of the program, testing is conducted by nationally recognized cooperators selected on a regional basis to include environmental adaptability. These cooperators also participate on an Advisory Committee to further influence protocols. Participation in the independent and geographically diverse National Turfgrass Evaluation Program is also a requirement for the approval process.
Current cooperators include:
Dr. James Baird: University of California, Riverside
Dr. William Meyer: Rutgers University
Dr. Grady Miller: North Carolina State University
Dr. Cale Bigelow: Purdue University
Varieties were tested for a number of low-input factors including drought tolerance, reduced chemical usage and turf quality under adverse conditions. To become an “A-LIST Approved Variety,” a variety must have demonstrated superior performance in A-LIST trials as defined by:
-- The top LSD group for drought tolerance as measured by percent green cover for each of two years in at least two locations.
-- Acceptable or better turf quality for each of the two years in at least two locations.
-- Have been entered into an NTEP trial for the species. For new cultivars that have met the approval standards for performance in A-LIST trials, final approval will be withheld until the cultivar(s) have been entered into an NTEP trial
While all species are being evaluated on a continual basis only tall fescue and kentucky bluegrass varieties were approved this year to coincide with NTEP results. The following is a list of the approved varieties:
Tall fescue
Avenger II
Commander
DaVinci
Fayette
Firecracker SLS
Grande 3
Leonardo
Michelangelo
Mustang 4
Nightcrawler
Rhizing Moon
Rockwell
Titanium 2 LS
Kentucky bluegrass
Blue Note
Legend
Mercury
Shiraz
SR 2284
Zinfandel
Only a select few varieties make the approved variety list. As newer varieties replace older ones, they will be removed from the A-LIST. Once a variety has been removed from the list, members will have a 12-month transition period to help customers move from the older variety to the new improved one. The A-LIST strives to ensure that only the best performing varieties are part of the program.