With one of the highest numbers of golfers per capita in the United States, a growing seed and sod industry, and athletic fields sprouting up in every neighborhood, Minnesota's turfgrass industry is important. 'True Putt' (TM) is the University's newest contribution to the trade, the result of 20 years of breeding that benefits golfers and groundskeepers alike. This creeping bluegrass is ideally suited to northern and coastal climates, and is well adapted to shady conditions. Compared with bentgrass, 'True Putt' (TM) has a higher plant density that results in a more upright leaf position, ideal for putting. It's already widely used at elite golf courses in the United States and Europe.

U of M turf breeders are also working on improving the winter hardiness of other turfgrass species. Species such as perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are popular turfgrasses in other parts of the United States; however, they lack the winter hardiness to survive a harsh Minnesota winter. Plant collections from old turf areas in Minnesota, along with cooperative efforts with other research institutions, will provide the germplasm from which to develop winter hardy turfgrass varieties. Methods are currently being developed that will assist Minnesota turfgrass researchers in identifying the best cold-tolerant turfgrass germplasm for Minnesota in the most efficient way possible.

Ornamental Grasses

One of the largest in the United States, the University's Minnesota Landscape Arboretum grass collection contains more than 200 different ornamental and native species. Plants are evaluated for winter survival, flowering time, self-seeding, and winter interest. Since the initial planting in 1987, about half of the original grasses, sedges, and rushes have proven hardy at the Arboretum. Results are published in Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates and Ornamental Grasses for Minnesota.

Ornamental Grasses, Only at the U

Watch for the University's first release of an ornamental grass in 2006 or 2007. 'Blue Heaven' (TM) is a unique form of little bluestem, a native prairie grass. Several characteristics make this carefully selected variety ideal as a four-season addition to your landscape. It has a taller, more upright form (40-48" height and 25-30" width) than is typical of little bluestem. And, the colors of 'Blue Heaven' (TM)--dark blue to burgundy foliage during the summer turning red to purple and violet in the fall--are unique on a tall columnar plant. It flowers in September, and fall color extends into winter. The selection process began in 1995, with seed from Benton County and 30 other locations statewide. Three years later, superior individual plants were planted for further evaluation, and by 2004 there was a clear selection, now being propagated for sale.

Turfgrasses, Only at the U

Sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to intensive, high-maintenance turf will be in high demand. U of M researchers are focusing on breeding varieties suitable for the upper Midwest as turf, that can also benefit Minnesota's grass seed industry near the Canadian border. Breeders are initiating programs in several species including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and a few native grass species. In addition to winter hardiness, researchers are breeding for multiple pest resistance, efficient water and nutrient use, and high levels of drought tolerance.