Sowing the seeds of survival in a changing climate
Specialist grass seed breeder Barenbrug’s research and development manager, Jayne Leyland, explains why cultivars bred and selected to suit environmental extremes are essential in our changing climate.
The turf industry has always been at the mercy of Mother Nature, but as our Great British weather becomes ever more unpredictable and adverse turf professionals must employ all their expertise in preparing and maintaining grounds that not only survive but flourish in less than ideal conditions. Though in the face of torrential downpours, prolonged periods of drought and unseasonably high or low temperatures it may feel like we're fighting a losing battle, it is possible to steel ourselves for whatever climate change has in store for us for 2008 by selecting grass species and cultivars especially developed to weather the storm, as it were.
Germination temperature response Specialist breeding programmes are essential in identifying and developing grasses that can survive extremes of condition, enabling us to capitalise on desirable characteristics.
Germination temperature, for instance, is coming under increased scrutiny in light of the temperature highs and lows out of sync with the seasons and typical regional averages.
These inconsistencies in temperature are one of the most influential factors of climate change and hence the opportunity to have access to information on germination temperature response cannot be underestimated. Trials have demonstrated that there are significant differences in temperature germination response not only between species but also between specific cultivars within a species.
Cool soil temperature germination cultivars, therefore, are of benefit for new construction and early spring or late autumn renovations. Cultivars that can germinate in warmer temperatures, meanwhile, can help with reinstatement following combined heat and drought damage or damage caused by insects and disease, ensuring fast germination and establishment provided irrigation is available.
Bred for specific environmental extremes Given that the UK was plagued by drought in summer 2006 and then flooding in summer 2007, for this year, conditions are anyone's guess. However, species bred for these specific environmental extremes are again the answer. Barenbrugs Rhizomatous Tall Fescue (RTF) is an all weather introduction, with its aggressively rhizomatous growth habit with a deep rooting capability of up to 1.5m offering high tensile strength, fast establishment and rapid recovery. Able to grow where other grasses can't thanks to these extra long rhizomes, RTF can withstand waterlogging as well as seek moisture from deep underground during drought. It is also frost and shade tolerant and holds its own against a host of other environmental stresses, such as disease and heavy wear.
Practical solutions to the challenges ahead Looking deeper into individual cultivars, therefore, provides information of real Jane Leyland practical value in finding solutions to the current challenges and those that lie ahead. For example, Barenbrug cultivars of all species have been tested for minimum, maximum and optimum temperature germination range and this information is detailed in handy FACT files, which empower turf professionals to select and sow seed according to specific climate and environmental pressures.
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