DLF breeder Christophe Galbrun is a pioneer in the turfgrass industry, credited with developing an entirely new category: tetraploid turfgrasses. When he embarked on this journey in the late 1990s, skeptics doubted the market potential for such grasses. His response? “We’ll create one!” And that is precisely what he did.
Pushing Boundaries for Drought-Resistant Turf
For those unfamiliar with turfgrass genetics, most grasses possess two sets of chromosomes per cell, classifying them as diploids. Tetraploid grasses, on the other hand, have four sets of chromosomes, giving them enhanced resilience, greater water efficiency, and higher nutrient content.
Historically, tetraploid grasses were bred exclusively for forage use, with early attempts at turf varieties proving difficult to cultivate and underperforming in key aspects.
However, Christophe saw an untapped opportunity.
“I knew tetraploids had potential and could stand out from the diploid crowd. It seemed like an impossible challenge since tetraploids traditionally lacked the fineness and density desired by the market.
“But their drought resistance convinced me that the risk was worth taking,” he recalls.
Building on a strong foundation of diploid genetics, Christophe achieved early breakthroughs.
His first tetraploid turf varieties, DOUBLE and TETRAGREEN, demonstrated significant potential. Among them, DOUBLE proved to be a game-changer, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Tetraploids: The Professionals’ Choice
Success in plant breeding requires perseverance. “There have been as many failures as successes, but that’s how you learn,” says Christophe.
His relentless drive for innovation has been shaped by conversations with end users.
“I focus on traits that matter most to turf professionals: drought tolerance, disease resistance, and a deep green colour. Groundskeepers and greenkeepers must balance performance with budget constraints, and tetraploid ryegrasses offer a viable solution. Some stadiums now use tetraploids exclusively, while others blend them with diploids for enhanced performance.”
The Future of Tetraploids and 4turf®
Despite significant advancements, Christophe believes there is still room to refine tetraploid performance.
“Our focus is now on enhancing traits where diploid ryegrasses have traditionally excelled. With the next generation of 4turf®, we intend to challenge the status quo.”
For aspiring plant breeders, Christophe offers this advice:
“Innovation is key. Don’t just follow the crowd — dare to take risks and create something new.”
Thanks to his vision and determination, tetraploid turfgrasses have carved out a place in the market, proving that bold ideas and persistence can transform an industry.
