Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis
Hybrid green couch
TifGrand® and TifGrand Certified Bermuda®; ST-5 (United States Patent)(ST referred to Shade-Tolerant); Tested as 93-92, 94-18, 97-4, 00-07, Tift #4 and ST-5. Application for Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR) in Australia was withdrawn on 30 August 2016.
TifGrand® is not commercially available in Australia. TifGrand is a fine-textured sterile hybrid bermudagrass that reportedly maintains excellent turf density in 60% to 70% shade. TifGrand has brown to purple internodes and dark green foliage. TifGrand was developed by the University of Georgia, USA and was trialled by 3 Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) turf producers in QLD, NSW and VIC. LSA decided to choose TifTuf instead of TifGrand, which is also a University of Georgia turfgrass variety.
TifGrand® is touted as being one of the premier (hybrid) green couch varieties for use within shaded areas. This includes, dappled shade, high levels of shade (60% to 70%) and shade commonly seen within sports stadiums. TifGrand was developed By Dr. Wayne Hanna and Dr. Kris Braman and the University of Georgia's world renowned turfgrass breeding program. TifGrand®produces significantly more seedhead (inflorescence) than 'TifSport' and 'Tifway'. TifGrand® is sterile so there is no (or very limited) chance of the variety producing viable seed (never say never). Seedhead can also be managed by the appropriate use of plant growth regulators (PGRs). TifGrand® has been included in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials (NTEP). Please refer to http://www.ntep.org/bg.htm for further informartion and data.
On the 30 August 2016, The University of Georgia withdrew its Australian Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR) application with IP Australia, effectively removing any plant protection of the variety here in Australia (this does not include potential trade marks).
Pests, disease and weeds
Check to see which Pests, Diseases and or Weeds this turf variety may be susceptible to and how to successfully control them in your home lawn or sports turf.