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ProSelect:

Shade Tolerance

shade tolerance programme Many turfgrass species naturally grow well in shady areas, but growing dense, consistent, disease-free grasses in shade has always been challenging. To solve this problem, researchers at Pure-Seed Testing, Inc. developed turf trials under intense shade conditions, to determine which varieties tolerate low-light conditions the best. Varieties with a turf quality rating 5.0 or higher for at least one or more years, which have survived multiple years in intense deciduous shade, qualify for the shade-tolerant icon.

The Pure-Seed Testing, Inc., research facility in Oregon dedicates a large area to ongoing shade trials. Varieties are established under a dense canopy of trees, allowing researchers to identify those varieties that can perform well in low light. Since 2001, Pure-Seed Testing, Inc. researchers have rated tall fescue and fine fescue trials seeded and maintained under low-light conditions. The trials were maintained at a 5cm mowing height and evaluations were made on a 1-9 scale, with 9 being ideal. Varieties at the top of the rating charts are used to breed new varieties with improved shade tolerance.

Varieties awarded the Shade Tolerance icon help you maintain a strong, healthy stand of turf in hard to maintain shaded areas!