GLYPHOSATE TOLERANT CREEPING BENTGRASS RESOURCES
For more than 100 years, The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company has been at the forefront of turf seed innovation. To complement our efforts in traditional grass breeding, we are using advanced technology with a goal of creating the most sustainable grasses in the world, grasses that require fewer chemical inputs to remain healthy, less mowing, and tolerance to herbicides with the best environmental and safety profile.
About Glyphosate-Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass (GTCB)
Glyphosate tolerant creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) was developed to simplify and enhance the way golf courses managed weeds. ScottsMiracle-Gro believes GTCB could significantly improve sustainable turfgrass management. However, changes in the economics of the golf course industry in recent years, as well as other business considerations, have prompted us to decide not to commercialize GTCB.
Creeping bentgrass is used on golf courses because it is a low-growing, soft, and very dense grass, which gives it a carpet-like uniformity, and it tolerates close mowing. However, it requires intense management, including the use of numerous fungicides, plant growth regulators, and herbicides to control weeds. GTCB is tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate which would allow golf course managers to greatly reduce the overall volumes of herbicides and other chemicals used to control weeds. Importantly, the only difference between GTCB and conventional creeping bentgrass is its tolerance to glyphosate. GTCB is not stronger, hardier, or faster growing than conventional creeping bentgrass.
Current Status of Glyphosate-Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass
As part of the process of gaining approval to potentially commercialize GTCB, ScottsMiracle-Gro conducted authorized field trials at selected universities and golf courses and seed production sites were located in Oregon and Idaho. Although all field trials and production sites have been devitalized since 2006, GTCB volunteers have been found in Jefferson County, OR; Malheur County, OR, and Canyon County, ID. The discovery of these is consistently decreasing. When they are found, it is generally confined to areas where a consistent source of water is present, e.g., irrigation ditches, and can be effectively managed with a number of available herbicides.
ScottsMiracle-Gro would appreciate your assistance in reporting any creeping bentgrass plants that survive after treatment with glyphosate (such as Roundup®) as it may be GTCB . If you believe that you have discovered any of these glyphosate tolerant plants, please call our Hotline at 877-375-5139 between 9am-5pm EST or email [email protected]. A representative will respond to your inquiry within 72 hours.
