Team UGA launches new website dedicated to seashore paspalum turfgrass

Photo: Team UGA

Team UGA at the University of Georgia launched GAPaspalum.com, a new website dedicated to seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) turfgrass.

“We are pleased to launch the website at a new domain for two reasons,” said Paul Raymer, Ph.D., 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. “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 was developed by Team UGA, utilizing the expertise of turfgrass researchers at the University of Georgia, led by Raymer. It was originally created in 2016 to serve as a resource on the proper use, maintenance and research of this family of grasses. The website now serves as a comprehensive, one-stop shop for information on planting, growing and maintaining seashore paspalum turfgrass. It 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. It features a history of the Team UGA turfgrass breeding program and a blog managed by Raymer.

Team UGA consists of experts in warm season turfgrass breeding, pest resistance, management, licensing, certification and foundation plant material production, according to the organization.

Seashore paspalum turfgrass is widely used on golf courses, sports fields and lawns around the world. The warm-season family of grasses is highly desired for its salt tolerance, ability to withstand varying levels of water quality, its environmentally friendly low fertilization requirements and its beauty and playability, said Team UGA. 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.