Showcase Kentucky
bluegrass is a great advance-ment in the development
of Kentucky bluegrass for golf course superintendents,
sod growers and sports field managers. Showcase
is an elite Kentucky bluegrass with a compact
growth habit. Unlike other bluegrasses, Showcase
Kentucky bluegrass tolerates fairway mow-ing
heights (1/2 inch or 25 mm) with ease and
is a strong performer in the shade. It also
has early spring green-up and excellent fall
color.
BREEDING Showcase Kentucky bluegrass
was bred from a nursery of C-78 Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis L.) that was originally selected
from an old turf nursery in Rhode Island.
The breeding of Showcase concentrated on improving
overall turf quality, compact growth habit,
low mowing height performance, stripe smut
resistance (Ustilago striiformis) and prolific
seed production.
QUALITY Showcase is a stable
and uniform variety. Seed propagation is limited
to three generations of increase from breeder
seed - one each of foundation, registered
and certified. Less than 5 percent off-types
or variants have been observed in the reproduction
or multiplication. Showcase will produce turf
of good quality and uniformity.
CHARACTERISTICS Showcase has an appealing,
dark green, uniform color and forms a compact,
fine textured turf. It is well adapted to
a wide range of climatic conditions and exhibits
remarkable tolerance to droughty conditions.
In addition to its improved stripe smut resistance,
Showcase Kentucky bluegrass also exhibits
excellent resistance to necrotic ring spot
(Leptospaeria korrae), powdery mildew (Erysiphe
graminis) and leaf spot (Dreschlera poae).
* Early spring green-up and excellent fall
color
* Superior performance at lower mowing heights
* High degree of summer patch resistance
* Excellent shade tolerance
* Fine leaf texture and high shoot density
* Moderate winter dormancy
* Very drought tolerant
* Very appealing dark green color
* Exhibits good necrotic ring spot resistance
* Excellent turf quality ratings across the
U.S.
SEEDING RATE * New turf: 2 pounds
per 1,000 square feet or 75-100 pounds per
acre
* Seeds per pound: approximately 1,200,000
