A majority of these homes and acres utilize St. Augustinegrass turf. There is a need to develop new cultivars of St. Augustinegrass to fit the current and future needs for a sustainable Florida. Some of these needs are to reduce negative impacts of turfgrass on the environment through the reduction of fertilizer, water and pesticides use, and a reduction in the mowing frequency. Better adapted cultivars can improve quality appearance and reduce the amount of inputs required to maintain the turf. Also, with the development of new cultivars that are better adapted to specific niches such as heavy shade, extreme temperature fluctuations and variable moisture conditions, the cost of maintaining turfgrass under these conditions will be reduced.
Air pollution is of major concern to many citizens of Florida.
The breeding program has focused on research that will help to reduce air pollution through the development of slower or lower growing grasses that require less mowing. Whether we develop new cultivars of St. Augustinegrass, the development will continue and more turfgrass will be planted. With the development of new cultivars of St. Augustinegrass turf that is better adapted to a sustainable Florida environment, we preserve what we like about Florida while providing for a dream. University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department, Ft. Lauderdale REC, West Florida REC, Florida Turfgrass Association and King Ranch.