BSPB Turfgrass Seed Booklet 2025 - PDF Download

What is the BSPB Turfgrass Seed Booklet?

The BSPB Turfgrass Seed Booklet is an annual publication that provides comprehensive, independent data on the performance of turfgrass cultivars tested in the UK. Compiled from trials conducted by the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) on behalf of the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB), it evaluates grass varieties for sports, landscaping, and amenity uses based on criteria such as wear tolerance, visual quality, and disease resistance. The booklet serves as a vital resource for turf professionals, aiding in the selection of high-quality grass species for specific applications. Click on the link below to view or download your own copy;

BSPB Turfgrass Seed Booklet 2025[/caption]

What are the BSPB Turfgrass Seed trials?

The British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) collaborates with the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) to conduct Turfgrass Seed trials aimed at evaluating grass varieties for amenity uses. These trials are held at STRI's facilities in Bingley, West Yorkshire. The primary objectives of these trials are to assess the suitability of various grass cultivars for specific applications, including:

Sports Uses Trials: Evaluating grasses for winter sports pitches, such as football and rugby fields, as well as municipal recreation areas.
Lawns, Landscaping, Summer Sports, and Turf Trials: Assessing varieties for use in lawns, summer sports pitches, tennis courts, and general landscaping.
Greens, Close Mown Trials: Testing grasses under the intensive management conditions typical of golf and bowling greens.

The outcomes of these trials are compiled in the annual "Turfgrass Seed" guide, which provides comprehensive results and interpretations to assist professionals in selecting high-quality amenity grass cultivars. The BSPB Amenity Committee oversees these trials, ensuring the integrity and impartiality of the information provided to users of amenity grass seed. The committee comprises representatives from major breeders developing new cultivars for the UK market. The latest edition of the Turfgrass Seed guide is available both as a printed booklet and online through the BSPB website. This resource aids professionals in making informed decisions regarding the selection of turfgrass varieties for various applications.

What grass species are tested in the BSPB Turfgrass Seed trials?

The BSPB Turfgrass Seed trials, conducted at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) in Bingley, West Yorkshire, evaluate a variety of grass species for their suitability in different amenity applications. The primary species tested include:

Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne): Known for its rapid establishment and durability, making it ideal for sports pitches and recreational areas.
Smooth-Stalked Meadow-Grass (Poa pratensis): Valued for its rhizomatous growth habit, providing good recovery and wear tolerance.
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea): Noted for its deep root system, offering drought resistance and suitability for low-maintenance areas.
Tufted Hair-Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa): Appreciated for its fine texture and shade tolerance, often used in ornamental lawns.
Strong Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra): Commonly used in lawns and sports fields for its fine leaves and creeping growth habit.
Slender Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. litoralis): Similar to strong creeping red fescue but with a finer leaf texture, suitable for golf fairways and lawns.
Chewings Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. commutata): Features a dense sward and fine leaves, ideal for ornamental lawns and golf greens.
Hard Fescue (Festuca trachyphylla): Known for its low maintenance requirements and drought tolerance, suitable for dry and infertile soils.
Browntop Bent (Agrostis capillaris): Preferred for its fine texture and ability to form a dense sward, commonly used on golf greens and bowling greens.

These species are assessed for various characteristics, including wear tolerance, visual merit, disease resistance, and suitability for specific uses such as sports pitches, lawns, and golf courses. The results are published annually in the "Turfgrass Seed" guide, providing valuable information for professionals selecting grass cultivars for amenity purposes.

Who are the STRI?

The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) is a world-leading organisation specialising in the research, development, and consultancy of sports turf and amenity grass. Established in 1929 and headquartered in Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK, the STRI supports the management of turfgrass surfaces for various sports and recreational activities globally.

Key Functions of STRI:

Research & Development: STRI conducts extensive research into turfgrass science, focusing on areas like sustainability, disease resistance, and performance under different environmental conditions.
Consultancy Services: The institute provides expert advice to sports clubs, governing bodies, and organisations on maintaining high-quality turf for sports like golf, football, rugby, and cricket.
Trials & Testing: STRI runs trials for new grass cultivars, fertilisers, pesticides, and turf management techniques to ensure their efficacy and environmental impact.
Sustainability Initiatives: STRI supports eco-friendly practices, helping clients minimize water use, reduce carbon footprints, and adopt sustainable turf management strategies.
Turfgrass Seed Trials: STRI is the primary testing site for the BSPB Turfgrass Seed trials, assessing grass cultivars for amenity uses, including sports pitches, golf courses, and landscaping.

Areas of Expertise:

Turfgrass agronomy
Drainage and irrigation systems
Pest and disease management
Soil analysis and improvement
Sustainable landscaping

Global Reach:

While based in the UK, STRI operates internationally, working with sports facilities, municipalities, and private estates. They have regional offices and partnerships worldwide, supporting major events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. For more information, visit their website: strigroup.com.