A novel grass strain named ‘Matchless’ provides seed producers with increased yield without the negative effects associated with burning. This option is also more environmentally friendly for consumers.
Researchers from Washington State University have introduced a new strain of Kentucky bluegrass to the market.
Called “Matchless,” this variety has been developed from an existing bluegrass type known as “Kenblue.” It allows seed producers to generate higher yields while avoiding the detrimental impacts of burning. Additionally, it offers consumers the chance to choose a more eco-friendly grass option.
Throughout much of the 1900s, Kentucky bluegrass farmers frequently burned their fields post-harvest to clear leftover stubble, minimize thatch, curb diseases, and for a host of other reasons. However, in 1998, Washington state outlawed this practice due to concerns regarding air quality and safety. Notably, Washington is responsible for about 80% of the global production of Kentucky bluegrass seed.
“The ban significantly affected an essential crop,” stated Michael Neff, a WSU professor and the head of WSU’s turfgrass research program. “While the ban didn’t eliminate the dryland bluegrass seed production industry, it did restrict the varieties that could be cultivated and raised the costs for those that could be grown. Matchless enhances yield and profitability for growers.”
Burning was a common practice across the Pacific Northwest, but is now prohibited in Washington and Oregon, and strictly controlled in Idaho, where it is only permissible under specific conditions. The removal of this practice brings environmental benefits that can also be promoted to consumers.
“Many individuals are quite concerned about the environmental impact of the products they purchase,” explained Neff, who is part of WSU’s Crop and Soil Sciences Department. “Matchless can be presented as a ‘cleaner’ variety. It also presents a more economical option than burning.”
Matchless was developed by Neff’s predecessor, former WSU Professor Bill Johnston, who coined the name as a clever play on words: no matches are required to create fires, and there’s no better yield than this one.
Neff and his team built upon the selection made by Johnston, undergoing the necessary additional years of work to secure the variety’s protection. Developing new Kentucky bluegrass strains is quite complex compared to traditional plant breeding, where pollen from one plant is transferred to the blossoms of another, followed by observing the various results in the next generations.
The process is complicated due to the unique reproduction methods of bluegrass, which mean that among numerous offspring, few will differ significantly; the majority will be clones. Detecting these variations requires patience and expertise.
“As a plant breeder, having a clone of the original plant for production is beneficial because it ensures uniformity,” noted Jonathan Schnore, a PhD student in Neff’s lab. “However, when creating new strains, genetic recombination is essential so that offspring exhibit different characteristics. As a breeder, you’re essentially searching for that one distinct plant amidst a sea of clones: akin to finding a needle in a haystack.”
Neff believes the challenges are worthwhile. Kentucky bluegrass is highly valued for diverse applications such as sports fields, golf courses, and residential lawns.
“It boasts a stunning, consistent color and feels wonderful to walk or lie on,” Neff shared. “Moreover, it’s very durable and can recover quickly from damage.”
Consumers will not notice the ‘Matchless’ name when selecting seed or sod, as its appearance and performance are similar to other Kentucky bluegrass types. Seed bags available at home improvement stores often contain blends of various varieties, meaning most consumers don’t recognize individual grasses in these bags.
Matchless is owned by WSU and is safeguarded in the United States with a Plant Variety Protection Certificate, issued by the USDA.
