b'INSIDERSTURF AND FORAGEAdjusting Overseeding for Shifting Transition ZonesANNE METTE D. JENSENProduct Development Manager, Turf GrassDLFIn the face of a changing climate, whereOverseeding involves introducingingly, while seed companies must anticipate rising temperatures and frequent droughtscool-season grasses into existing warm-sea- growing demands for overseeding seed spe-are becoming the norm, turf managers areson turf swards, maintaining green cov- cies and varieties with distinct attributes.confronted with the challenge of maintain- erage during the colder months whenWith the mounting pressure on water ing lush green landscapes. The scarcity ofwarm-season grasses go dormant. In Europe,availability for irrigation and the potential irrigation water, often high in salt content,Bermudagrass is the predominant warm-sea- need for saline water, seed companies must has pushed the transition from cool-sea- son grass used in the transition zone due toprovide species and varieties that thrive in son to warm-season grasses, resulting inits high heat, drought, and salt tolerance.winter conditions and possess increased a northward expansion of the EuropeanThe selection of cool-season grass species forsalt tolerance. Tetraploid ryegrasses, such transition zone. overseeding depends on local climate condi- as 4turf from DLF, stand out as the pre-The transition zone, an area wheretions and specific preferences. mier choice for overseeding due to their both warm- and cool-season grasses coex- Perennial ryegrass, prized for its rapidsuperior performance in winter survival and ist, experiences significant temperaturegermination, fine texture, and vibrant greenenhanced salt tolerance when compared to fluctuations throughout the year. Thesecolor, is a popular choice. Annual ryegrass,diploids.fluctuations present difficulties in preserv- offering fast germination and temporaryIn the European market, seed compa-ing consistent turfgrass coverage. green coverage during dormancy, is anothernies must proactively address the changing This expansion of the transition zoneoption. However, it has a shorter persistencedemands of overseeding in response to cli-carries substantial implications for theand may underperform in exceptionallymate change. This involves developing and turfgrass industry and turfgrass manag- cold years. Occasionally, fine fescue andsupplying species and varieties that can ers, particularly concerning overseeding.Kentucky bluegrass may be considered. thrive in evolving conditions. Ultimately, As overseeding becomes a yearly necessityThe expansion of transition zones inev- proactive adaptation and collaboration with to ensure year-round green turf coverage,itably leads to increased costs and mainte- turf professionals will be essential in ensur-the demand for suitable seed varieties withnance, as more seed must be procured. Turfing the continued success of turfgrass man-increased salt tolerance is on the rise. managers must allocate resources accord- agement in these shifting transition zones.SEED APPLIED TECHNOLOGIESFinally, the Scarecrow Can Retire!GONCALO ALMEIDAEMEA Product Marketing Communications LeaderCortevaImagine youre a farmer, and after a hard daySeed Applied Technologies new sustaina-I t is a unique capsule suspension formu-of sowing your crop your return home sat- ble, naturally derived bird repellent. Thislation, based on natural plant chemistry isfied, while looking forward to a bountifulpowerful seed coating works to repel birdsand Edens microencapsulation technol-crop at the end of the season. The nightmarewithout causing them harm, keeping themogy known as Sustainecomes the next day or a week later, whenat bay so that your maize crops can thrive. I t is water based and does not contain any you discover that birds ate most of the newlyIts so effective, you can grant your scare- solvents.sown seeds.crow an early retirement.I t does not contain any candidates for Bird damage to seed can have an enor- Ecovelex can be used with types ofsubstitution.mous impact. The farmer will need to buycorn seeds. Birds are repelled by the bitterIt does not contain any nanomaterials.new seeds (if these are still available),taste or the unappealing odour, thus they I t does not contain any polymers or will likely sow later and all this has anwill avoid consuming the seeds. microplastics.impact on crop profitability. Field trials support the efficacy of And its efficacy is proven in GEP fieldWe know that at present, no adequateEcovelex, showing a significant reductiontrials.visual or acoustic bird-scaring methods,of seed and crop damage versus untreatedEcovelexs registration is still under such as bangers, scarecrows, balloons, orseeds. Nevertheless, in certain circum- development, and we expect for the first kites exist that are capable of effectivelystances, such as very limited food avail- registrations to happen from 2025. So, limiting bird damage. I am happy to shareability, birds may still consume Ecovelexstart getting ready to grant your scare-that Corteva Agriscience has developed anseeds as a last resort. crow some well-deserved rest. Im sure hes excellent alternative: Ecovelex.The benefits of using this product arelooking forward that you get on board with Ecovelex is Corteva Agrisciencesmany: Ecovelex.30ISEED WORLD EUROPEIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'