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Copy link GrandSlam GLD: perennial ryegrass cultivar profile
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GrandSlam GLD is a US-bred perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivar selected for managed turf where disease resistance, wear performance and establishment are important.
The GLD name refers to Gray Leaf and Drought tolerant, reflecting two of the characteristics targeted in its breeding. NTEP testing also demonstrated dark genetic color, strong seedling vigor and performance under traffic.
GrandSlam GLD at a glance
| Species | Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) |
| Type | Diploid |
| Breeding | US genetics |
| Leaf color | Dark green |
| Leaf texture | Medium |
| Density | Medium |
| Key strengths | Heat and drought tolerance |
| Disease resistance | Strong Gray Leaf Spot tolerance |
| Additional characteristic | Turf quality, wear performance and spring green-up |
| Wear and recovery | Good summer recovery |
| Typical uses | Sports turf, golf, landscape turf, sod production and warm-season overseeding |
GrandSlam GLD performance
GrandSlam GLD has been evaluated in NTEP perennial ryegrass trials for establishment, Gray Leaf Spot resistance, turf quality, drought performance and traffic response.
GrandSlam GLD recorded 8.3 for Gray Leaf Spot resistance, 6.0 for mean turf quality and 5.2 for turf quality under drought conditions. It also achieved 90% establishment in the establishment assessment.
| Characteristic | GrandSlam rating |
|---|---|
| Establishment | 90% |
| Gray Leaf Spot resistance | 8.3 |
| Mean turf quality | 6.0 |
| Turf quality under drought | 5.2 |
| Seedling vigor | 6.8 |
| Genetic color | 6.6 |
NTEP turfgrass quality and characteristic ratings use a 1–9 scale, with 9 representing the highest rating. Establishment is reported separately as a percentage.
Gray Leaf Spot resistance
Gray Leaf Spot resistance is one of the defining characteristics of GrandSlam GLD.
GrandSlam GLD recorded a Gray Leaf Spot resistance rating of 8.3 out of 9.0 in NTEP testing. This makes disease resistance an important consideration when selecting GrandSlam GLD for perennial ryegrass turf.
Drought performance
Drought performance is another characteristic associated with GrandSlam GLD.
GrandSlam GLD recorded a turf quality rating of 5.2 under drought conditions in NTEP testing. Several of the other cultivars shown in the same dataset recorded ratings between 4.4 and 5.0.
Color and establishment
GrandSlam GLD combines dark genetic color with strong establishment characteristics.
GrandSlam GLD recorded 6.6 for genetic color in 2012 NTEP testing and 6.8 for seedling vigor in the 2011 assessment. It also recorded 90% establishment in the establishment evaluation.
GrandSlam GLD recorded 6.8 for seedling vigor in 2011 NTEP testing and 6.6 for genetic color in 2012 NTEP testing.
These characteristics make GrandSlam GLD relevant for renovation and overseeding where establishment speed and turf appearance are important.
Wear performance
GrandSlam GLD has also been evaluated under traffic.
In NTEP traffic testing at Blacksburg, Virginia, GrandSlam GLD recorded 97.7 before traffic and 90.0 after traffic.
Its wear and recovery characteristics make it suitable for managed turf exposed to regular use.
Where can GrandSlam GLD be used?
GrandSlam GLD can be used for establishment, renovation and overseeding across a range of managed turf applications.
Typical uses include:
- Sports turf
- Golf tees and fairways
- Landscape and amenity turf
- Sod production
- Warm-season turf overseeding
It is particularly relevant for warm-season overseeding where heat and drought tolerance, establishment and turf quality are priorities.
Establishment and overseeding
GrandSlam GLD can be used for new establishment or for renovation and overseeding of existing turf.
For establishment and renovation, sow into prepared bare soil or following verticutting of existing turf to improve seed-to-soil contact.
Good seed-to-soil contact and adequate moisture during establishment will help support successful germination and turf development.
GrandSlam GLD in the ProSelect range
GrandSlam GLD is available within the ProSelect range as a Straight for turf managers who want to use the cultivar on its own.
ProSelect Straight
ProSelect GrandSlam GLD is a perennial ryegrass Straight comprising 100% GrandSlam GLD perennial ryegrass.
