C. Reed Funk

Use of Natural and Transformed Endophytes for Turf Improvement

Plants and other organisms have developed many diverse and wondrous mechanisms to survive, adapt, and thrive in ever changing and often stressful environments. Our ability to understand, appreciate, and utilize these natural mechanisms of adaptation enhances our ability to develop, preserve and improve sustainable ecosystems and create a better environment.

Registration of ‘Livingston’ Kentucky Bluegrass

three cycles of phenotypic assertive mating directed toward the development of low-growing plants. The NJFD and NJED populations were planted into isolated nurseries near Hubbard during 1987. Two plants from the NJED population and 16 plants from the NJFD population exhibited stem rust tolerance, low growth profile, dark green color, and late maturity. These plants were transplanted prior to anthesis into an isolated crossing block near Hubbard during the spring of 1988 and allowed to interpollinate. Seed harvested from these plants was used to establish an isolated 2304-plant nursery near Hubbard during the fall of 1988. Offtype plants were removed from this population prior to anthesis to increase uniformity. Selection criteria included stem rust tolerance, low growth profile, dark green color, and medium-late maturity. In the summer of 1989,265 plants were harvested as breeder seed of Tomahawk. Tomahawk is a low-growing, dark green cultivar that has exhibited excellent turf performance. It has shown tolerance to stem rust, crown rust (caused by P. coronata Corda), and net blotch [caused by Drechslera dictyoides (Drechs.) Shoemaker], Tomahawk was developed for turf uses, including golf course roughs, lawns, and sports fields. In areas where tall fescue is adapted, Tomahawk should perform well as a monostand, in blends with other turf-type tall fescue cultivars, or in mixtures containing up to 5% Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Seed production of Tomahawk is limited to two generations of increase from breeder seed: one each of foundation and certified. Pure Seed Testing, Inc., maintains breeder seed of Tomahawk in Oregon. U.S. plant variety protection (PVP Certificate no. 9100179) has been granted for Tomahawk tall fescue. Small quantities of seed for research purposes will be available from the corresponding author.