Purpose: To provide assurance that turfgrass sod and sprigs are true to variety name and free from noxious weeds or off-type plants. Agency: Each state has a crop improvement association or division of state government which establishes standards, procedures and labels for Certified turfgrass. The standards and procedures require regular field inspections to identify the variety and undesirable plants, whether they are other turfgrass varieties or weeds. Some agencies also carry out routine sample grow-outs as part of the field inspection program. Only sprigs and sod harvested from fields which meet the strict inspection standards can be officially identified with a blue Certified turfgrass label. Labels:The Certification label is usually a certificate attached to the shipper's bill of lading. It will be blue or have a blue portion listing variety name, quantity, harvest date, field location, etc. The blue Certification label completes the certification process and should be required by the purchaser whenever Georgia Certified sod or sprigs are delivered. Question: Are there other types of turfgrass certification? Most departments of agriculture regulate turfgrass sales by making general farm inspections to identify severe weed, insect and disease infestations. Neither varietal name nor genetic purity is usually questioned by department of agriculture inspectors. However most departments of agriculture also use the term "certification" to give fitness for sale. In contrast, genetic Certification as conducted by each state's official certifying agency, specifically addresses three points:
For more information on TurfGrass Certification, please visit: Georgia Crop Improvement Association, Inc.
|
