Seed Research of Oregon is proud to announce
that Grande Tall Fescue has been granted a
Plant Variety Protection Certificate (PVP)
by the United States Department of Agriculture
(PVP Certificate Number 9500126). Grande,
developed by Dr. Leah Brilman, Seed Research's
Plant Breeder and Director of Research, was
granted the PVP based, among other things,
on its unique ability to produce rhizomes.
A rhizome is a specialized stem that acts
as an energy storage organ and means of propagation.
In space plantings Grande has been shown to
produce rhizomes on up to 67% of the plants.
In addition to rhizomes, Grande has very high
levels of Endophyte.
Sod growers using Grande in their mixtures
report harvesting much faster as the rhizomes
help to knit the turf together, earlier for
stronger sod. The high Endophyte levels also
gives Grande the ability to produce more disease
resistant plants and ward off many surface-feeding
insects.
Unlike Tall Fescue varieties that do not have
rhizomes, Grande will fill in bare spots quicker
making it an ideal choice for low maintenance
sports fields and golf course roughs.
Limited amounts of sod quality and certified
Grande are currently available, so please
call to request your Grande now.
