Genetic Diversity in Sod Blends
By Dan Biddick

The issue of genetic diversity within sod blends has been neglected by most of the seed industry. Any time we plant a field, we need to do everything we canto prepare ourselves for what Mother Nature has in store. Spreading our risk with genetic diversity is an old concept packed with common sense.

Selecting Kentucky bluegrass varieties for our sod blends has become complicated and technical. There are color ratings, quality ratings, emergence ratings, type designations, DNA studies, significant price differences and more. All this well-intended data can be downright confusing at times.

Furthermore, the distribution of Kentucky bluegrass varieties to sod growers has narrowed into marketers who are aligned with one supplier through agreements, contracts or outright purchase of the distributor. This arrangement limits the sod grower’s access to varieties and genetics.

The good news is, with today’s availability of so many good Kentucky bluegrass varieties from so many different sources, responsible seed companies can broaden the genetic base of their sod blends while maintaining quality and excellent color. This one simple concept can significantly reduce our risk with respect to the many variables of Mother Nature.

By choosing not to be tied to a single breeder, Deer Creek Seed is able to support and offer greater varietal diversity to the grower’s advantage. Examples:

Skye Kentucky Bluegrass

• Superior sod strength
• Excellent color
• High resistance to Necrotic Ring Spot
• Consistent top performer across NTEP trial locations and categories

Award Kentucky Bluegrass

• 60% Blend of three improved Kentucky Bluegrass varieties
• Jacklin Seed’s #1 all-time, top-selling Kentucky bluegrass
• Planted on over 100,000 acres of turf in over 20 countries
• Density fights encroachment of Poa annua
• 7.5 color rating in 2000 NTEP