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Copy link Transition: Annual ryegrass cultivar profile
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Transition (Breakout II) is a turf-type annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) developed for rapid establishment, improved turf density and fine leaf texture. Particularly suited to overseeding dormant warm-season grasses, Transition provides high-quality temporary turf cover during cooler months, while its annual growth cycle supports the return to warm-season turf as temperatures rise.
Unlike conventional annual ryegrasses, which are primarily associated with rapid establishment rather than fine turf quality, Transition has been selected for improved mowing performance, colour and shoot density. These characteristics make it suitable for golf fairways, sports fields and other managed turf areas requiring quick establishment and seasonal coverage.
Traction at a glance
| Species | Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) |
| Alternative species name | Smooth-stalked meadow-grass |
| A-LIST cultivar | No |
| Breeding | European genetics |
| Growth habit | Rhizomatous |
| Leaf texture | Fine |
| Color | Medium green |
| Key strengths | Wear tolerance and recovery |
| Additional characteristic | High shoot density, summer drought tolerance and surface stability |
| Typical uses | Sports pitches, stadiums, training grounds and sod production |
| Sowing rate | 20 g/m² |
| Recommended mowing height | 15 – 25 mm |
What makes Transition different?
Transition combines the rapid germination associated with annual ryegrass with improved characteristics for managed turf.
Its finer leaf texture, increased shoot density and compact growth habit produce a more uniform playing surface than many conventional annual ryegrass cultivars.
The cultivar was selected for improved mowing quality and darker colour, helping it deliver an attractive surface during periods when warm-season grasses are dormant.
Transition can also be used alongside perennial and intermediate ryegrasses, offering flexibility in renovation and overseeding programmes.
Winter overseeding of warm-season turf
One of Transition’s principal applications is overseeding dormant Bermudagrass and other warm-season turf species.
As temperatures fall and warm-season grasses enter dormancy, Transition establishes rapidly to provide temporary green cover and maintain playing quality through cooler months.
Its annual growth cycle is particularly relevant to seasonal overseeding. As temperatures increase, Transition becomes less competitive, allowing the underlying warm-season turf to resume growth.
This can reduce the need for chemical removal of overseeded ryegrass during spring transition, although the outcome depends on climate and management conditions.
Research into spring transition
Independent Australian research evaluated Breakout II against Grandslam GLD perennial ryegrass and a turf pigment treatment on Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass.
The replicated trial found that Breakout II provided a favourable non-chemical transition back to Bermudagrass.
However, Breakout II also produced significantly lower turf colour quality than the untreated control during the evaluation.
The findings highlight an important distinction: Transition’s value lies in its combination of rapid establishment, temporary turf coverage and seasonal transition characteristics, rather than consistently outperforming perennial ryegrass in every measure of turf quality.
Read the Australian overseeding research.
Rapid establishment and renovation
Transition is also suitable for the rapid renovation of worn or damaged cool-season sports turf.
Its quick germination helps establish temporary coverage on areas affected by heavy use, particularly where immediate surface recovery is more important than long-term persistence.
Breakout II has been reported to germinate at soil temperatures around 7°C. However, germination at low temperatures should not be confused with rapid establishment, which depends on suitable moisture, temperature and seedbed conditions.
This makes Transition an option for late-season renovation where conditions remain suitable for germination and subsequent growth.
How does rhizomatous growth support turf recovery?
One of the defining characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass is its ability to produce rhizomes.
Rhizomes are underground stems that allow the grass to spread laterally, producing new shoots and helping turf recover from wear and damage.
This differs from the predominantly bunch-type growth habit of conventional perennial ryegrass.
For sports turf managers, rhizomatous growth offers several advantages:
- Helps maintain ground cover following wear
- Supports lateral recovery into damaged areas
- Contributes to dense, stable playing surfaces
- Helps maintain turf continuity during the growing season
Traction combines this growth habit with strong wear tolerance and recovery characteristics.
When used in mixtures with perennial ryegrass, Traction contributes density and recovery potential, complementing the generally faster establishment of perennial ryegrass.
Rapid establishment and renovation
Transition is also suitable for the rapid renovation of worn or damaged cool-season sports turf.
Its quick germination helps establish temporary coverage on areas affected by heavy use, particularly where immediate surface recovery is more important than long-term persistence.
Breakout II has been reported to germinate at soil temperatures around 7°C. However, germination at low temperatures should not be confused with rapid establishment, which depends on suitable moisture, temperature and seedbed conditions.
This makes Transition an option for late-season renovation where conditions remain suitable for germination and subsequent growth.
Sowing and establishment
Transition can be established on prepared bare soil or overseeded into existing turf following verticutting to improve seed-to-soil contact.
Recommended sowing rates depend on the application:
For successful establishment, ensure good seed-to-soil contact and maintain adequate moisture during germination and early growth.
When overseeding dormant warm-season turf, timing should reflect local soil temperatures, the onset of dormancy and the intended playing requirements.
Mowing and maintenance
Transition produces a compact, densely tillered turf that can be maintained across a range of professional turf applications.
The recommended mowing height is 25 mm and above.
Its improved shoot density and growth characteristics support use at golf fairway cutting heights, provided adequate nutrition and an appropriate maintenance programme are maintained.
Transition performs across a range of soil types and tolerates conditions from full sun to moderate shade.
As an annual ryegrass, it is intended primarily for temporary and seasonal turf coverage rather than permanent establishment.
Performance and evaluation
Transition has been evaluated at the University of California, Riverside, alongside other annual ryegrass cultivars.
In the reported evaluation, Transition achieved:
Where does Transition fit in a turf management programme?
Transition is particularly suited to situations where rapid establishment and temporary cover are more important than long-term persistence.
For warm-season golf fairways, it provides winter coverage while allowing the underlying Bermudagrass to return as growing conditions improve.
For cool-season sports turf, it offers an option for rapid temporary renovation, especially when late-season establishment is required.
Where permanent turf coverage is the objective, perennial ryegrass cultivars may be more appropriate.
Understanding this distinction is important when selecting grasses for renovation and overseeding programmes.
Transition in the ProSelect range
Transition is used in selected ProSelect range. Product availability and blend compositions vary by country, so please check your local ProSelect range for details.
