S&S Products
In Step with NTEP

© 2001 Wendy Dager

When the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) was conducted recently, we here at S&S Seeds knew our new blends would pass with flying colors.

That’s because, as an independent seed distributor, we’re not beholden to suppliers, so we’re free to be able to identify our clients’ needs before suggesting a particular seed, product or technique. And, with our fescue blends, as with all of our products, we’re able to take advantage of our numerous resources, including more than 30 turf seed suppliers in Oregon who offer hundreds of National Turf Evaluation Program quality-rated cultivars.

Rigid Standards

NTEP tests are initiated, established, maintained and evaluated using standardized testing protocols. Data is collected across the USA and Canada by university researchers using standard procedures and formats. The data is then submitted to NTEP, where it is computer formatted and statistically analyzed. Annual reports are produced for each species tested and at the end of the testing period, a final summary report is produced. This year, the grasses used in two of our blends, Fusion and Pacific Vista, were among the highest rated in the NTEP trials—no surprise to anyone familiar with S&S products.

Plant breeders, turfgrass researchers and extension personnel use NTEP data to identify improved environmentally-sound turfgrasses. Local and state government entities, such as parks and highway departments, use NTEP for locating resource-efficient varieties. Most important, growers and consumers use NTEP extensively to purchase drought tolerant, pest resistant, attractive and durable seed or sod. NTEP is the standard for turfgrass evaluation.

Test Criteria

NTEP tests identify turfgrasses with the following characteristics:

• Improved disease and insect resistance
• Improved tolerance of drought, heat, traffic and cold
• Increased density, darker green color, slower growing
• Faster establishment, better recovery from damage by various pests, stresses
• Better performance with reduced fertilizer, water and pesticide use
• Improved performance under lower cutting heights.

To see how well Fusion and Pacific Vista dwarf tall fescue blends did on the NTEP tests, take a look at the following chart. A complete test table is available by calling S&S Seeds (805) 684-0436.

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