How grass varieties support sustainable turf management

Sustainability within turfgrass means providing high-quality turf with the lowest possible inputs, explains Simon Taylor, ICL’s Turf Seeds Product & Business Development Manager.

Simon is dedicated to selecting grass seed varieties and creating turf seed blends that require minimal water, reduced fertiliser inputs, and fewer plant protection products.

“This approach not only protects the environment but also offers cost savings to turf managers,” he adds.

Building Resilient Turf Through Strategic Breeding

ICL’s ProSelect grass seed portfolio is the result of long-term collaborations with leading breeders in the US and Europe. The goal: to develop grass varieties that are highly resilient, disease-tolerant, and require minimal inputs such as water and fertilisers.

As regulations tighten across Europe and water becomes an increasingly scarce and expensive resource, the selection and development of low-input turfgrass has never been more critical.

“ProSelect is defined by our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and adaptability,” says Simon.

ProSelect in Action: High-Performance Turf in Extreme Conditions

ICL’s ProSelect grass seeds are proving their value in some of the world’s most challenging climates—from subarctic conditions to extreme desert heat.

• Cold Climates: In Iceland, where turf conditions are exceptionally tough, Piranha creeping bentgrass has been successfully established on golf greens, while Traction Poa pratensis has demonstrated excellent performance on sports fields.
• Hot, Arid Conditions: In Qatar, where irrigation water quality is poor, ProSelect Renovator 3GLSD—a blend of Stellar 4GL, Fastball 3GL, and Slugger 3GL perennial ryegrasses—has been used in stadiums and training grounds. This mix was chosen for its disease resistance, particularly against gray leaf spot, which is becoming more prevalent with climate change.

“These examples showcase our ability to provide tailored turf solutions for a variety of extreme environments,” Simon notes.

Collaboration Drives Innovation in Turfgrass Breeding

The success of the ProSelect range is built on ICL’s collaborations with leading breeding partners across the US and Europe.

“Our breeding partners bring decades of expertise, allowing us to develop turfgrass varieties tailored to the demands of different environments,” explains Simon.

For example, ICL’s partnership with Mountain View Seed in the US has led to the development of grasses with exceptional gray leaf spot resistance, addressing a growing concern in Europe.

Beyond Grass Seed: A Holistic Approach to Turf Management

Unlike companies that focus solely on turfgrass breeding, ICL integrates seed selection with complete turf management solutions, including:

• Advanced turf nutrition
• Water management strategies
• Research-backed agronomic support

“We don’t just sell grass seed—we provide a complete turf management package, backed by research and field trials,” says Simon.

By combining innovative seed genetics with ICL’s expertise in turf management, ProSelect offers a comprehensive approach to high-quality, sustainable turf.

Preparing for the Future of Turf Management

As the industry faces increasing climate challenges and stricter regulations, ICL is committed to leading innovation in turfgrass breeding.

“We are focusing on the next generation of grass seed, enhancing traits such as drought resistance, disease tolerance, and lower-input requirements,” says Simon.

By continuously refining the ProSelect portfolio, ICL is ensuring that turf managers have the tools to meet both today’s challenges and future regulatory demands.