ICL Introduces ProSelect Greenwave to the European Turf Market

ICL has introduced ProSelect Greenwave, a tetraploid sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina), to the European market following its EU registration.

Developed by ICL’s breeding partner Mountain View Seeds in the US, where it was previously known as Blue Hornet, Greenwave joins the ProSelect grass seed range as an option for golf courses, landscape areas and other turf environments where lower maintenance requirements are a priority.

ProSelect Greenwave sheep’s fescue turf.

A true tetraploid sheep’s fescue

Greenwave is a true tetraploid sheep’s fescue, containing four sets of chromosomes rather than the two found in conventional diploid cultivars.

This genetic distinction is an important characteristic of Greenwave. Its tetraploid genetics contribute to seedling vigor during establishment, while its broad genetic background supports adaptability across different growing conditions.

As a fine fescue, Greenwave also offers the characteristics associated with sheep’s fescue, including fine leaf texture and suitability for turf areas managed with relatively low nutritional and maintenance inputs.

Learn more about the differences between diploid and tetraploid perennial ryegrasses.

Developed for lower-input turf management

Greenwave is particularly suited to golf course roughs, naturalised areas and landscape environments where maintaining consistent grass cover with fewer inputs is an important consideration.

Its fine leaf texture makes it suitable for creating natural-looking turf, while its establishment characteristics provide an additional consideration when selecting grasses for extensive turf areas.

Greenwave is also A-LIST approved under its original US name, Blue Hornet. The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) independently evaluates turfgrass cultivars for their performance under reduced inputs, including water, fertiliser and pesticides.

Greenwave expands the ProSelect range of fine fescues, giving turf managers another option when selecting grasses for sites where appearance, adaptability and maintenance requirements need to be balanced.

Simon Taylor, ICL Turf Seeds Product & Business Development Manager, commented:

“Greenwave is an interesting addition to our ProSelect range because it brings true tetraploid genetics to sheep’s fescue. Its A-LIST approval also provides independent recognition of its suitability for lower-input turf management, particularly in golf course roughs and landscaping.”