rating scale, from 1 to 5, to match up to data from the tensile strength machine leading to a rapid field testing procedure. He says, “Tree is the bare minimum that is commercially acceptable, and we’re looking for a five, for a marketable introduction. Many graduate students have been taught the technique over the years.”

One of the last steps prior to releasing a new cultivar is field-testing in “real world” conditions, such as a sod field, golf course or home lawn. Martin reports those participating in the testing must sign “material transfer agreements” with the OSU Technology Development Office stating they will not barter, sell, trade, share or transfer the material and that they recognize that OSU owns all rights concerning that material.

“In a few isolated cases, some trait that is revealed during the interval while a cultivar is going through this ‘real world’ testing causes us to decide not to release it,” reports Martin. “Wherever that material is being tested, it must be killed out. Tat’s disappointing, but it is the right decision, necessary to ensure that everything possible has been done to offer the best assurance that only suitable and fit material will be released to the industry.”

A kill decision is probably most disappointing for the testing sod producer, especially if the cooperating producer really likes the grass and would be eager to become a licensee for it if it were to be released. Yet, Martin notes, the sod producer involved with field- testing knows this is a risk during the experimental phase of a grass and that it is all part of the development process prior to a successful release/commercialization of a product. Tis is also part of the industry’s contribution in developing the best possible cultivars for the industry itself. By participating, cooperating sod producers know that there are no guarantees; but by participating, they already know if they wish to become licensed if and when the grass is released. He points to the great working

Poor sod tensile strength can be the limiting factor for the success of a grass in the trade. Photo by OSU-Steve Batten

The Big Picture Martin is quick to acknowledge all those who assist the turfgrass team. “Tere is no small role in the process,” he says. “Each aspect is vital to the goal of improving turfgrasses. We so appreciate the USGA and the USDA- NIFA Specialty Crops Initiative; the Oklahoma Ag Experiment Station; the Oklahoma Turfgrass Research Foundation (OTRF); the Oklahoma Sod Producers Association (OSPA) and the citizens of Oklahoma for their long and ongoing support. We’re so thankful for our field-testers; for all of our licensed producers of seeded and vegetative varieties; and for all that Sod Solutions has done and their dedication to the user. I love my career with its opportunities to explore new horizons and to have great interaction with those within the green industry and the public.”

Martin goes on to say, “Over the years, I have come to appreciate a statement the late Dr. Glenn Burton made to Dr. Charles Taliaferro in the early 1990s on one of his visits to our program. ‘About 20 years after you release a grass you will know if it was a good idea or not.’ Tat statement reveals much about turfgrass research and about both Dr. Burton and Dr. Taliaferro, plant breeders/ geneticists of great achievement, yet very humble people.” Great achievement and humble—two descriptors that also fit well for Dr. Dennis Martin.

Dr. Martin and his students developed a simple qualitative rating scale to match up to data from the tensile strength machine leading to a rapid field testing procedure. Photo by OSU-Steve Batten

TPI Turf News September/October 2016 Suz Trusty is co-editor of Turf News. 51

relationship with TPI member Gary Wilbur of Oakwood Sod Farm in Delmar, MD, who has been field-testing grasses for the OSU research team since the mid 1990s. Martin says, “He’s field-tested the lines that would become Patriot, Latitude 36 and NorthBridge and is now working with us on some putting green material.”