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Warm-season turf producers have long known the benefits of vegetatively propagated turfgrass - independence from seed companies; quality control over the planting "seed" stock; and the ability to build long-term brand equity in patented cultivars. Now, cool-season turf producers can enjoy these same benefits by growing Bella Bluegrass, a joint release by the University of Nebraska, Todd Valley Farms and Sod Solutions.

 

Bella Bluegrass, the only dwarf, vegetative bluegrass in the turf industry, is sure to revolutionize the bluegrass market. Originally developed by the University of Nebraska over a decade ago, Bella does not produce signficant viable seeds, but because of its ability to re-grow from rhizomes and its rapid horizontal growth, it was a perfect candidate for vegetative propagation.

 

"Bella has a dense turf canopy that helps prevent weed growth," said Wayne Thorson, owner of Todd Valley Farms, the licensed owner of Bella. "Since Bella only grows three to four inches tall, the end user can reduce mowing by 50 to 80 percent."

 

"The most striking features of Bella are its dark blue green color, slow and low growth habit, and its ability to spread laterally," said Warren Bell, president and owner of BioGrass Sod Farms in Utah. "Bella provides a low input lawn without sacrificing any quality characteristics. It is truly a revolutionary grass."

The preliminary research data has been very consistent for Bella. Compared to other bluegrass standards, Bella has a very good rhizome system and better tolerates heat and drought. Ongoing comparative research is taking place in many different states including: Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado, Utah and California. Bella is also undergoing production-oriented testing in locations south of the transition zone to establish how far south Bella can be propagated.

 

Bella debuted at the TPI Summer Conference last month in Wisconsin, where cool-season producers had the opportunity to see first hand how Bella can be propagated vegetatively using a sprigging machine. Also explained was the relationship of the three-party joint release: the University of Nebraska is the developer of Bella, Todd Valley Farms is the licensed owner and Sod Solutions is the licensing and marketing agent.

 

Limited licensing opportunities are currently available; for details please contact Sod Solutions at info@sodsolutions.com or 843-849-1288.