A spreading perennial ryegrass exclusive to Germinal Seeds in the UK has been hailed for its divot recovery qualities in research trials.
Galleon plants bound together by stolons
The regenerative growth qualities of Galleon were demonstrated when it bettered two other competitor brands in a trial at Oregon State University.
Galleon was developed as a hardwearing variety of perennial ryegrass with exceptional recovery due to its spreading growth habit. This fine leaved variety also exhibits high resistance to insects and nematode attack due to high endophyte Ievels.
The highly rated variety, which was used in football’s 2010 World Cup, was evaluated in the trial against two recent ryegrass blends marketed heavily for their spreading characteristics – RPR and Natural Knit. It was found to repair the divots faster and maintained active growth late into the autumn.
The variety is the result of years of co-operative research between Rutgers University and Seed Research of Oregon and is particularly suitable for golf course fairways and tees and sports grounds.
Richard Brown, Amenity Sales Manager of Germinal Seeds (GB), said: “We have great faith in Galleon’s qualities and are delighted but not surprised at how well it has done in this research study. We have exclusive rights to Galleon in the UK and Ireland which is a fine addition to our quality range of varieties within the Grade ‘A’ range of grass seed mixtures.
“Although it is new to our range we have already seen keen interest in it and have made sales to top sports facilities at independent schools and Premiership football grounds and rugby clubs.
“We are confident Galleon will prove its qualities in the home sports turf sector as it has done in the US trials. We are keen for the industry to realise they have a choice when it comes to regenerative or spreading perennial ryegrass as we want them to get the best results.”
Galleon traces its origins back to 33 clones selected at Rutgers University for improved Grey Leaf Spot resistance, very high turf quality, improved colour, summer stress tolerance and a spreading growth habit.
Progeny of those clones were sent to Seed Research of Oregon’s research facility where further screening was completed for higher seed yield, colour and improved stress and disease resistance in the production environment.
But it is its spreading growth habit which sets Galleon apart for its excellent wear tolerance and recovery. It makes it an adaptable and attractive proposition to greenkeepers and groundsmen to help them manage the demands made of their courses and sports facilities.
Galleon’s dark green colour and high stress tolerances makes it ideal for a variety of professional turf applications. It blends well with other perennial ryegrasses for golf course fairways, sports fields and turf production.
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