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TifSport
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is TifSport?
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TifSport is the superior certified bermudagrass setting a new standard in turfgrass excellence.
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Who developed TifSport?
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TifSport was developed from the same turfgrass breeding program that produced Tifway, Tifgreen, and Tifdwarf. Dr. Wayne Hanna, USDA/ARS geneticist, and his turf genetics group at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station at Tifton were challenged to develop a superior hybrid bermudagrass that was both cold-hardy and able to thrive in today's demanding sports turf conditions: intense cart and foot traffic, closer and more frequent mowing, and the ever-present threat of pest damage. TifSport is the result of their research and development.
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Where can TifSport be used?
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TifSport can be used anywhere you need top-performing, cold-hardy bermudagrass. Its beautiful color and outstanding characteristics make TifSport ideal for new or reconstructed golf courses, sports fields, home lawns, landscape and recreational areas.
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What characteristics set TifSport apart from other turfgrasses?
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TifSport features the cold-hardiness of MidIron, with the rich color and fine texture of Tifway. In addition, TifSport has improved pest tolerance, remains strong and flexible under pressure, and is grown and sold in a way that protects its genetic purity.
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Why is TifSport better than other cold-hardy types of bermudagrass?
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Most other bermudagrass varieties which have equal or possibly superior cold tolerance are common types, and thus, are prolific seed-head producers with coarser leaf texture and less sod density than TifSport. And, under some conditions, TifSport will remain green longer than Tifway and will green-up earlier in the spring.
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How does TifSport perform under day-to-day pressure and high stress situations like sports activity and frequent, close mowing?
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The high density and tensile strength of TifSport make it an excellent performer under pressure. TifSport remains strong and flexible and retains its color in stressful growing conditions. It delivers superior performance at close mowing heights and offers rapid regeneration from sports activity damage.
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How does TifSport withstand damage from pests like the tawny mole cricket?
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TifSport has improved pest tolerance*. More than a decade of research trials indicate the tawny mole cricket prefers TifSport less than other bermudagrasses, resulting in significantly less turf damage.
*It is important to remember that even though TifSport shows non-preference by the mole cricket, some chemical control may be necessary depending on the level of mole cricket infestations and availability of other food sources.
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Why is it important that TifSport has genetic purity?
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The fact that TifSport has genetic purity is a very important benefit, especially when you consider future reconstruction. A turfgrass manager can purchase TifSport from one of the licensed growers and be assured that the genetics of the grass he purchases today will match the grass he purchases five, ten, or twenty years from now. All TifSport is genetically identical and, under consistent management, will show no variations in color or appearance.
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How can I be sure TifSport is genetically pure?
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TifSport is protected by a USDA patent. It can only be vegetatively propagated, so all offspring plants are identical to the parent plant. TifSport is grown and sold only as genetically certified sod/sprigs to ensure purity and uniformity. And, it can only be purchased through Tift 94 Growers Association, Inc. members/growers.
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Who are the members/growers of the Tift 94 Growers Association, Inc.?
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As a member of the Tift 94 Growers Association, Inc. Pike Creek Turf is a certified producer who has agreed to adhere to stringent rules intended to maintain the genetic purity of TifSport. They follow rules and guidelines developed by the Georgia Seed Development Commission and are regulated by each State Seed Certification Agency.
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