Team UGA at the University of Georgia launched GAPaspalum.com, a new website dedicated to seashore paspalum turfgrass. Originally created in 2016 to serve as a resource on the proper use, maintenance, and research of this highly salt-tolerant family of grasses, the new site has a new domain and updated content to better serve the members of the turf industry who want to learn about this salt tolerant turf. Team UGA consists of experts in warm season turfgrass breeding, pest resistance, management, licensing, certification, and foundation plant material production.
The website was developed by Team UGA, utilizing the expertise of turfgrass researchers at the University of Georgia, led by Dr. Paul Raymer, renowned breeder of seashore paspalum turfgrass varieties and director of the turfgrass breeding and genetics research program at the University of Georgia campus in Griffin.
“We are pleased to launch the website at a new domain for
two reasons,” says Raymer. “First, this makes it easier to find Team UGA on the
web, and secondly, it more clearly identifies our research program as the
source of the site’s information.”
The website serves as a comprehensive, one-stop-shop for
turfgrass professionals who are looking for information on planting, growing
and maintaining seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) turfgrass. The website
provides information on the benefits of seashore paspalum turf, as well as
management tips for fertilization, mowing, disease control, insect control, and
weed control, plus links to articles about the grass. The website also features
a history of the Team UGA turfgrass breeding program, and a blog managed by
Raymer.
Seashore paspalum turfgrass is widely used on golf courses,
sports fields and lawns around the world. This warm-season family of grasses is
highly desired for its salt tolerance, ability to withstand varying levels of
water quality, for its environmentally friendly low fertilization requirements,
and for its beauty and playability. The University of Georgia has released four
varieties of seashore paspalum: SeaIsle 1, Sea Isle 2000, SeaIsle Supreme, and
SeaStar seashore paspalum. Links to sod producers growing Team UGA varieties
are also included on the site.
Cooperating entities responsible for the website are:
Innovation Gateway, UGA’s commercialization arm; Georgia Seed Development; and
Georgia Crop Improvement Association.
