The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) has made approval of a number of new varieties for 2016. To insure the integrity and independence of the program, testing is conducted by nationally recognized cooperators, selected on a regional basis to include environmental adaptability. These cooperators also participate on an Advisory Committee to further influence protocols. Participation in the independent and geographically diverse National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is also a requirement for the approval process.
Current cooperators include:
- James Baird, Ph.D. – University of California, Riverside
- William Meyer, Ph.D. – Rutgers University
- Grady Miller, Ph.D. – North Carolina State University
- Cale Bigelow, Ph. D. – Purdue University
Varieties were tested for a number of low-input factors including drought tolerance, reduced chemical usage and turf quality under adverse conditions. To become an “A-LIST Approved Variety”, a variety must have demonstrated superior performance in A-LIST trials as defined by:
- The top LSD group for drought tolerance as measured by percent green cover for each of two years in at least two locations.
- Acceptable or better turf quality for each of the two years in at least two locations.
- Have been entered into an NTEP trial for the species. For new cultivars that have met the approval standards for performance in A-LIST trials, final approval will be withheld until the cultivar(s) have been entered into an NTEP trial
While all species are being evaluated on a continual basis only tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass varieties were approved this year to coincide with NTEP results. The following is a list of the approved varieties:
Tall fescue: Kentucky bluegrass:
Avenger II Blue Note
Commander Legend
DaVinci Mercury
Fayette Shiraz
Firecracker SLS SR 2284
Grande 3 Zinfandel
Leonardo
Michelangelo
Mustang 4
Nightcrawler
Rhizing Moon
Rockwell
Titanium 2 LS
Only a select few varieties make the approved variety list. As newer varieties replace older ones they will be removed from the A-LIST. Once a variety has been removed from the list, members will have a 12-month transition period to help customers move from the older variety to the new improved one. The A-LIST strives to ensure that only the best performing varieties are part of the program.
For more information on the A-LIST contact Jeremy Husen, A-LIST Executive Director (jeremy@a-listturf.com or 541-760-3494)
The A-LIST is an independent, non-profit, industry initiative, fostering development of sustainable turfgrass varieties and related products that perform their function with less maintenance inputs, thus benefiting the environment. A-LIST monitors a voluntary evaluation program including metrics like water conservation, reduced fertility and traffic, heat, and drought stress tolerances, all with no fungicide or insecticide applications. Products that meet the acceptance criteria can utilize the A-LIST Approved symbol in their marketing and receive the A-LIST Approved tag for use in packaging.