Univ. of Ga. licenses new bermudagrass

A turfgrass researcher from the University of Georgia has developed a new bermudagrass called TifGrand that thrives in sun, but also produces healthy turf in areas with less than half the light normally required for healthy Bermuda grass.

The new bermudagrass, licensed by the University of Georgia Research Foundation to New Concept Turf, will soon be available to developers for recreational facilities, sports complexes and golf courses.

TifGrand was developed by Wayne Hanna, professor of plant breeding and genetics in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“Although TifGrand produces a beautiful turf in full sun, its major contribution will be the production of nice turf in areas with reduced light – up to 60% less light than is normally required for healthy bermudagrass growth,” said Hanna.

During Hanna 37-year career, he’s developed winter-hardy, pest-resistant bermudagrasses able to handle high traffic. These grasses now grow on golf courses around the world and in major sports stadiums. Hanna has spearheaded the screening of bermudagrass for hybrids that naturally deter mole crickets, the No. 1 lawn and turf pest in the Southeast. He and his research team have been awarded seven patents.

New Concept Turf, a Georgia-based company specializing in marketing new turfgrasses, has contracted The Turfgrass Group of Ft. Valley, Ga., to exclusively handle licensing of TifGrand for sod production. TifGrand will be licensed to a selected number of growers beginning in summer 2009; it is expected to be available in the general market in 2010.