Warm grass study targets disease and market growth

By Blake Jackson

A three-year research project funded by the USDA is underway to evaluate promising warm season grass varieties for disease resistance, establishment speed, and yield potential. This study could revolutionize industry by providing farmers with more productive and resilient options.

Six varieties of switchgrass and big bluestem are being tested on three plots at the Bruce Trumbower farm in Pennsylvania. The study aims to address two key challenges currently hindering the growth of the warm season grass market: slow establishment and susceptibility to diseases like rust.

The project leader, Will Brandau, believes the findings could incentivize more farmers to adopt warm season grasses, particularly for applications like poultry bedding and cattle bedding. These varieties offer advantages like high absorbency and longer lasting compared to traditional bedding materials like straw.

One of the key areas of focus is disease resistance. Rust has been a major problem for some switchgrass varieties, causing significant yield losses. The new varieties included in the study show promising signs of resistance, which could be a game changer for the industry.

Another important aspect of the study is evaluating the varieties' performance under different soil conditions and moisture levels. The varying elevations of the test plots will offer valuable insights into how the grasses handle diverse environments.

The study also aims to address the issue of market saturation. While the decline in the use of filter socks has impacted the industry, new opportunities are emerging in poultry bedding and cattle bedding markets. The project's findings could help switchgrass compete effectively with other bedding materials.

The association plans to release annual reports summarizing the study's findings, culminating in a comprehensive final report at the end of the three years. This information will be invaluable for farmers seeking to optimize their warm season grass production and make informed planting decisions.

This research project holds significant promise for revitalizing the warm season grass industry by offering farmers high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties with diverse market potential. With further research and market development, warm season grasses can contribute significantly to sustainable land management and agricultural production.

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