Sod Solutions Introduces Sapphire™ St. Augustine

There are many reasons why people consider sapphires to be desirable gems. Sapphires have remarkably beauty and durability; and the highest quality sapphires are very valuable. Now a leading turfgrass developer has identified a turfgrass that reflects the best characteristics of this gem, and has named it accordingly.

Sod Solutions, Inc., a warm season turfgrass developer, is introducing Sapphire™ St. Augustine to the United States this year. According to Sod Solutions, this improved St. Augustinegrass from Australia features improved characteristics: dark green color; purple stems; rapid production rate; and a semi-dwarf texture with rolled leaves. Sapphire offers impressive drought tolerance; and while intensive testing is currently underway, Sod Solutions projects that Sapphire will demonstrate superior toughness, as well as pest and disease resistance.

Sod Solutions has a ten-year record of accomplishment identifying improved, viable warm season turfgrasses from around the world for introduction to the U.S. This private company is responsible for the successful development of several recognized warm season turfgrasses in the U.S., Brazil, Australia, and South America: Palmetto® St. Augustine, EMPIRE® Zoysia, EMPRESS® Zoysia, and Celebration™ Bermudagrass. Sod Solutions also develops innovative turfgrass release programs, to include a unique business partnership created with the TPT in 2002 to jointly release Celebration in Texas.

Also unique are the comparative evaluation trials that Sod Solutions will implement during the 2004-2005 introductory period. The program will include comparative evaluation programs that follow traditional research regimens, while agronomic considerations are tested and proved at turfgrass production farms. 21 trial sites, including at least five university sites, will provide land and a basis for both physical and morphologic comparisons between Sapphire, Palmetto and other standard St. Augustine varieties. Data collected will increase the comparative information available for Sapphire, and will provide test collaborators and test site hosts with “first hand” knowledge of the variety. A university turfgrass specialist will oversee both farm and research facility test sites, as well as evaluation criteria. The program goals are to maximize the collection of specific, relevant data within pertinent parameters, and to ensure independently derived results. Results of the testing program will help confirm Sapphire’s climatic adaptability and further refine its potential for release in Texas. Sod Solutions is currently in discussions with the TPT for potential joint release of Sapphire.

“The combination of traditional research and ‘trial by production’ will foster collaboration between the academic community, the producers, and us, the turfgrass developer,” says Tobey Wagner, Sod Solutions president. “We believe that the data derived from the universities, and the experience gained from the production sites, will allow us to offer TPT members another improved variety, while building on the tremendous success of the current Celebration joint release program.” Another key benefit of the evaluation program is that producers will have the opportunity to grow and observe Sapphire prior to making a long-term decision about licensing.

Sapphire was developed in New South Wales, Australia—where it is known as “B12”—by Todd Layt of Ozbreed Pty. Ltd. Layt is a plant breeder; and he has developed turfgrasses, other plants, and innovative horticultural products that have been released throughout Australia and the United States.

Limited amounts of Sapphire will be in production on licensed turfgrass farms this year. Sod Solutions expects that some Sapphire will be available for purchase during the fall.

For more information about Sod Solutions, improved warm season turfgrasses, or Sapphire St. Augustinegrass, contact Sod Solutions, (843) 849-1288.