THE A-LIST PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE, LOW-INPUT TURF SOLUTIONS
By Jeremy Husen
Turfgrass breeders always have focused on developing varieties that were drought resistant and heat tolerant, but those traits often took a back seat to more aesthetic ones. Drought conditions across much of the country refocused their efforts and brought national recognition to the importance of these traits. As interest in sustainable, low-input turf solutions grew, a group of seed companies and university researchers focused on developing an entity for identifying and promoting such varieties. Te group determined an independent resource was needed to help consumers and end users choose varieties and products that would maintain acceptable turf quality with less water and fewer inputs. Te Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) was born. Te mission of the A-LIST was clear: through rigorous, ongoing, transparent testing, develop, maintain and communicate to the public a list of varieties that met the criteria for low-input success.
Te A-LIST was established as a 501(c) non-profit organization that would act independently and provide transparency for the program. As the organization grew, an Executive Director and Director of Research were hired. Te organization is funded through its membership and utilizes those funds for trials and outreach, along with supporting other associations in the turf industry who promote sustainability.
Research/Approved Varieties Te A-LIST founding members (Mountain View Seeds, DLF Pickseed/Seed Research of Oregon and Lebanon Seaboard) worked with Rutgers University, University of California at Riverside, North Carolina State University, and Purdue University to develop standard research protocols that would test varieties under low-input conditions and help determine which varieties would subsequently be approved. To ensure the integrity and independence of the program, testing is conducted by nationally recognized cooperators, selected on a regional basis to include environmental adaptability. Tese cooperators also participate on an Advisory Committee to further influence protocols.
Current university cooperators include the original four along with the University of Connecticut, Utah State, University of Wisconsin and Michigan State. Active participation and support of the cooperators is a cornerstone of the A-LIST.
A-LIST trials are intended to evaluate drought stress and response to low-input management. Tese results are then combined with turf quality ratings from NTEP trials to determine a variety’s final score. A-LIST trials consist of 3-foot by 5-foot or 4-foot by 6-foot plots. Plots are replicated three or four times, depending on the area available, in a randomized complete block design.
No fungicides are used except for Pythium control if necessary at establishment to prevent seedling damping off. No herbicides are used except a single application of mesotrione at establishment if necessary to prevent weeds in the seed bed. Fertilization includes 1.5 pounds of Nitrogen (N) per 1,000 square foot to start and 1 pound of N per 1,000 square foot the following spring unless Best Management Practices (BMP) for low input turf in the state differ (as determined by the university cooperator). Mowing height used is appropriate for the species and region.
Independent university trials are critical for the approval of A-LIST varieties. TPI Turf News July/August 2018
Evaluation of summer stress tolerance begins approximately July 1 (cooperator’s discretion regarding local climatic conditions). Tis timing allows for evaluating the combined effects of both heat and drought.
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