How grass varieties support sustainable turf management

A turf managers’ choice in grass seed plays a significant role in sustainable, integrated turf management (ITM). “Sustainability within turfgrass means providing high-quality turf with the lowest possible inputs,” explains Simon Taylor, ICL’s Turf Seeds Product & Business Development Manager. He is dedicated to selecting grass seed varieties and creating turf seed blends that perform with minimal water, reduced fertilizer needs, and fewer plant protection products. “This approach not only protects the environment but also offers cost savings to turf managers”, he adds.

As part of our commitment to environmentally conscious and integrated turf management, ICL offers an extensive ProSelect grass seed portfolio of high-performance turf solutions for sports fields, golf courses, and landscaping. “The ProSelect portfolio is built on long-term collaborations with leading breeders in the US and Europe, resulting in grass varieties that are highly resilient, disease-tolerant, and require minimal inputs such as water and fertilizers”, explains Simon.

The selection and development of resilient, tolerant grass varieties that require less inputs is particularly important as regulations tighten across Europe, and water becomes an increasingly scarce and expensive resource. “ProSelect is defined by our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and adaptability”, says Simon.

These varieties have delivered exceptional results in a climate where few would expect high-quality turf.

High quality turf in challenging environments

ProSelect grass seeds are already making a significant impact in some of the most challenging environments using cool-season and warm-season turf grasses around the world. For instance, in Iceland, where the climate is harsh and unforgiving, Piranha creeping bentgrass has been successfully used on golf greens, while the Traction Poa pratensis has proven its worth on sports grounds. “These varieties have delivered exceptional results in a climate where few would expect high-quality turf,” notes Simon.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, in the scorching heat of Qatar, ICL’s ProSelect Renovator 3GLSD, a blend of perennial ryegrasses, Stellar 4GL, Fastball 3GL and Slugger 3GL has been utilized in sports stadia and training grounds. This blend was chosen for its superior turf quality and tolerance to gray leaf spot—a disease that is becoming more prevalent due to changing climate conditions—and its ability to thrive despite low-quality irrigation water.

“These are just a few of the many examples that demonstrate our ability to provide tailored solutions for diverse climates and challenging conditions,” says Simon.

Our collaboration with US breeder Mountain View Seed has led to the development of grasses that are particularly resistant to gray leaf spot.

Breeding resilient grass through collaboration

The success and quality of the ProSelect range is built on collaborations in both the US and Europe. ICL carefully selects varieties through rigorous trials to ensure they meet the specific needs of different regions, from the cold climates of Scandinavia to the dry, arid landscapes of the Middle East. “Our breeding partners bring a wealth of knowledge and history, which is crucial for developing varieties that can handle the specific demands of different environments,” Simon explains. “For example, our collaboration with US breeder Mountain View Seed has led to the development of grasses that are particularly resistant to gray leaf spot, which is a growing concern in Europe.”

ProSelect: part of an integrated turf management program

Unlike companies that focus solely on grass seeds, ICL integrates its grass seed portfolio with a full range of turf management solutions, including advanced nutrition and water management products. “Our unique offering is that we don’t just provide grass seeds—we offer a complete package for turf management that is backed by research and trials,” says Simon. He explains: “We understand all facets of growing turf and offer the tools and expertise to help turf managers maintain high-quality turf efficiently, whilst minimizing environmental impact. This is our strength and what makes ICL a leader in the industry.”

ProSelect is defined by our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and adaptability.

ICL’s ProSelect grass seeds are designed to work seamlessly with its other products, providing turf managers with the resources they need to tackle even the most challenging conditions. This integrated approach not only enhances the quality of the turf but also ensures that it is sustainable in the long term.

Meeting future challenges now

As the turf industry faces increasing challenges from climate change and regulatory pressures, ICL is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. We are looking ahead to the next generation of grass seeds, further focusing on traits like drought and disease resistance.

Simon concludes: “Our goal is to continue developing grass seeds that meet the evolving needs of turf managers while supporting future (EU) regulations. With ProSelect, we’re not just addressing the challenges of today, but we’re preparing for the future of turf management.”

About Simon Taylor

Simon Taylor brings over three decades of expertise in turf grass seed development to his role at ICL. As the Product & Business Development Manager for Grass Seeds in EMEA, Simon has been responsible for building one of the most diverse and innovative grass seed portfolios in the industry. His understanding of the turf industry’s challenges and his commitment to conscious turf management have driven the success of ICL’s ProSelect grass seed range, making it a reliable choice for turf managers across the globe.