BARENBRUG ANSWERS DISTRESSED TURF’S CALL WITH BAR 50 SOS

Brand new from specialist grass seed breeder Barenbrug is BAR 50 SOS, a unique ryegrass blend that’s ideal for groundsmen and greenkeepers seeking a rapid solution to their turf repair needs.

Central to the blend’s success is the inclusion of 4IR-1 annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), which has been specifically bred by Barenbrug Research for its quick and superior establishment, cool soil temperature germination and amenity turf characteristics. In fact, in trials 4IR-1 germinated in temperatures as low as three degrees centigrade and so provides exciting possibilities for repairing an array of amenity surfaces regardless of playing season patterns or climate conditions.

“SOS’s ability to germinate in very low temperatures means renovation windows can be greatly extended, so groundsmen and greenkeepers need worry no longer about our inconsistent weather interfering with programmes,” enthuses Jayne Leyland, Barenbrug’s research and development manager. “And it out-performs perennial ryegrass blends in warm soil temperatures too, making last-minute summer renovations equally easy.”

Jayne believes that BAR 50 SOS’s speedy establishment and impressive performance in high and low temperatures suit a wide variety of amenity applications: “SOS is perfect for racecourses – especially those looking for a quick transition from the National Hunt to flat season,” she continues. “It’s also ideal for football and rugby pitch mid-season renovation programmes where temperature is the decisive factor, or for end of season renovation if the available establishment window is extremely short.”

Jayne also lists winter divotting of tees and landing zones on golf fairways and overseeding of winter-stressed walkways as well as general landscaping as applications that would benefit from SOS’s strengths.

BAR 50 SOS comprises 50 percent 4IR-1 and 50 percent Barminton perennial ryegrass, with Barminton adding density and persistency to the rapid-establishing sward of 4IR-1 to ensure an extremely attractive, consistent appearance.

Prior to its introduction, 4IR-1 underwent a series of temperature germination trials and Growing Degree Day (GDD) studies, which all confirmed its consistent ability to germinate and establish quickly at low temperatures. In addition, practical overseeding trials with BAR 50 SOS on football pitches in Belgium in November last year consistently achieved a first green leaf appearance 13 to 14 days after sowing during a period of low day and night temperatures.

“In an effort to get maximum use out of amenity surfaces, today’s turf managers are under pressure to perform rapid repairs off-season or in adverse climate conditions while maintaining high standards of quality and appearance,” Jayne adds. “Now they have a grass seed mixture in BAR 50 SOS that can really come to their aid!”

For a copy of the BAR 50 SOS leaflet, which includes full product details and trial results, call 01359 272000 or email info@baruk.co.uk. Alternatively, the leaflet can be downloaded from the company’s website – www.barenbrug.co.uk.