Latitude 36 and NorthBridge Sales Sheet






FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY RELEASES TWO NEW BERMUDAGRASSES

 

STILLWATER, OK, (June 21, 2011) - Oklahoma State University has developed and released two new bermudagrass varieties called NorthBridgeTM and Latitude 36TM.   The two new varieties are OSU's first vegetative turfgrass releases since Patriot Bermudagrass in 2002.  Both grasses are sterile hybrids with exceptional cold tolerance and winter damage is seldom seen in either.  NorthBridge and Latitude 36 were selected for use in home lawns, parks and golf/sports applications from the southern United States to areas north of the transition zone.

 

"Latitude 36 and NorthBridge offer the finer blades of Tifway with a cold hardiness equivalent to Patriot," said Dr. Dennis Martin, OSU professor and extension turf specialist.  "Latitude 36 and NorthBridge offer rapid sod production cycles and excellent handling characteristics for the sod producer.  For the golf course superintendent, sports field manager and homeowner, these two new grasses offer outstanding beauty and performance; combining excellent cold hardiness, early green-up, fine texture, excellent density, excellent wear tolerance and rapid recovery from traffic."

 

Both grasses recently received high performance reviews in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials.  Latitude 36 (OKC 1119) and NorthBridge (OKC 1134) were among the best of 31 bermudagrass varieties tested in overall turf quality and wear tolerance.  This is a significant assessment as both plan to be used heavily in the golf and sports industries.

 

While they share many common traits, there are some differences in the two varieties.  Latitude 36 has blades that are finer textured while NorthBridge is faster to establish.  

 

Turfgrass research, development and marketing company, Sod Solutions, Inc., based in Charleston, South Carolina, will be the licensing and marketing agent for NorthBridge and Latitude 36.  The company plans to license an initial seven farms based on original seed stock from the university.  More producers will be added in 2012.     

 

"These grasses have a unique combination of traits; cold hardiness and a fine texture.  That's what makes these two so special," said Tobey Wagner, president of Sod Solutions.  "Oklahoma State University's turfgrass program has an outstanding reputation in the industry and we are delighted to be working with them on this release."                       

 

Sod Solutions has teamed with other universities to release to market turfgrasses in the past.  The release of Bella® Bluegrass was done in partnership with the University of Nebraska and the release of Captiva® St. Augustine was done in cooperation with the University of Florida.  Northbridge and Latitude 36 should be commercially available in 2012.

2011 Licensed Producers:

Carolina Turf Farms

P. O. Box 850

Raeford, NC 28376

910.875.6141

Easton Sod Farms

15805 South Mingo

Bixby, OK 74008

800.722.3561

Greenfield Turf

PO Box 138

Gordonville, MO 63752

573.243.7844

Lavery's Sod Farm

P O Box 387

Shawsville, VA 24162-0387

540.268.1220

Meadowspring Turf

17820 The Glebe Lane

Charles City, VA 23030

804.829.2696

Oakwood Sod Farm

29307 Waller Road

Delmar, MD 21875

410.896.4009

 

About Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant system that cuts across disciplines to better prepare students for success. Oklahoma's only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research and outreach. OSU has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 23,000 on its Stillwater campus, with students from all 50 states and 118 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 200,000 students who have made a lasting impact on Oklahoma and the world.

 

About Sod Solutions

Sod Solutions, Inc. is an international turfgrass research, development and marketing company incorporated in the early ‘90s.  The company's primary research facility and headquarters is located near Charleston, S.C.  Along with Northbridge and Latitude 36 Bermudagrass, Sod Solutions has released Palmetto® St. Augustine, EMPIRE Turf ® Zoysia, Celebration® Bermudagrass, Sapphire® St. Augustine, Captiva® St. Augustine, Bella® Bluegrass, DiscoveryTM Bermudagrass, SanteeTM Centipede, CovingtonTM Centipede, Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass® and GeoTM Zoysia.  For more information, visit www.sodsolutions.com or call 843.849.1288.