The Turfgrass Producers of Texas (TPT) are releasing a new Bermudagrass in Texas through a joint agreement with a private turfgrass development company. The joint release agreement is the first of its kind for the TPT.

 

The agreement between the TPT and Sod Solutions, Inc. is designed to support TPT’s organizational goals, and provides for the release of Celebration^TM Bermudagrass to licensed sod producers throughout the state. The agreement ensures that TPT will participate in marketing and oversight of quality control. TPT membership will be afforded exclusive opportunity to produce this improved warm-season grass in Texas.

 

According to Tobey Wagner, President of the Sod Solutions, Celebration was selected for release in Texas because it is well suited to the local climate, and will appeal to homeowners, municipalities, and recreation entities.

 

“Celebration is drought tolerant and cold tolerant, and requires significantly less mowing than other Bermudagrasses,” says Wagner. “This turfgrass creates a beautiful, fine-textured, dark blue-green landscape. We recommend Celebration for lawn, recreation and sports applications.”

 

Celebration was originally developed by Rod Riley, a world renowned Australian turfgrass breeder. Celebration is known as Riley’s Super Sport in Australia, where it has been commercially successful for more than six years. Sod Solutions, Inc., an international turfgrass development company based in the United States, is the exclusive U.S. patent holder and licensor for Celebration. Although the grass will be available in other states, only TPT members will be eligible for licensing in Texas. Licensing will be open through September 15, 2002; and will be closed at a future date to avoid oversaturation of the market. Celebration will be available for purchase as sod or plug trays by early summer.

 

According to Wagner, the release agreement is structured to benefit TPT constituents and the state’s turfgrass industry. It will provide them with a viable new turfgrass selection, and expand the practicable choices available to anyone who wants a finer, softer textured grass that requires less maintenance.

 

Wagner also says Celebration offers advantages to local landscapes. “This is an environmentally friendly turfgrass. It requires less water, less chemicals, and less maintenance than many other Bermudagrasses. It can be mowed with a standard rotary mower; and it recovers well from damage or wear.”

 

Wagner says that the quality control practices followed during US testing and production of Celebration ensure a high quality, genetically pure product. Certification through the Texas Blue Tag Certification system will be required of all producers.

 

The TPT, chartered in 1972 by turf producers in Texas, promotes the well-being of sod producers. Its purpose is to maintain a trade association of individuals and firms engaged in the business of producing and marketing sod in Texas. TPT currently has approximately 70 members.