A Strong Start in Portland
When ICONIC® Perennial Ryegrass was seeded at the Portland Timbers training facility on September 3rd, it kicked off two weeks of impressive progress. Sports fields need to establish quickly, and a blend that fills in fast helps get a surface ready for play sooner. As the field filled in, we got a close look at how the ICONIC was establishing.
On September 16th, Thomas Schuh pulled a plug from the field to see what was happening beneath the surface. A plug like this lets you check root development, tiller growth, and density from top to bottom, and not just how the turf looks from above. It’s a great way to evaluate how the grass is developing as the field continues to fill in.
The Genetics Behind the Growth
So what’s behind a start like this? ICONIC is a blend of four elite perennial ryegrass varieties: Stellar 4GL, Slugger 3GL, Home Run LS, and Torsion. Each one brings something to the mix. In NTEP trials, Stellar 4GL posted the strongest turf quality under traffic and excellent crown rust resistance, while Slugger 3GL led its comparisons for gray leaf spot resistance and wear tolerance.¹ Home Run LS showed 92.6% divot recovery,¹ and in STRI trials, Torsion delivered top marks for regrowth, shoot density, and summer color.² Together, they give ICONIC its Lateral Spread Technology, which allows the grass to spread through tillers and fill in bare spots.³ That is why a plug is such a useful check for a field like the Timbers’ training facility: it shows the tiller and root development that drive a field’s ability to stand up to heavy use and repair itself.
Performance Beyond the Playing Field
That performance is also why ICONIC is a strong fit anywhere turf takes a beating. In a divot trial, ICONIC regrowth filled in almost completely within 35 days,³ and it’s A-LIST® approved, meaning it maintains excellent turf quality while requiring less water, fertilizer, and chemicals.⁴ Whether you manage a professional sports field, a golf course, a sod farm, or a home lawn, ICONIC is a versatile choice for high-traffic, high-quality turf. To learn more about our Platinum Brands, or find the right seed for your project, send us a message or give us a call at 503.588.7333.
References
- National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), 2017 Perennial Ryegrass Trial, mean of all locations.
- STRI, 2019 Trial.
- Mountain View Seeds, ICONIC® Perennial Ryegrass Marketing Packet.
- Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST®) approved variety program.
- Photos courtesy of Thomas Schuh – Head Groundskeeper – Portland Timbers Football Club
