b'Kentucky 31 has such a strong legacy. Its almost synonymous with Kentucky itself.But its toxic endophyte presents real challenges, especially for farmers with livestock.Tim Phillipstolerant than Kentucky bluegrass, but it doesnt have that dark green color that people love. So, were working to find a middle groundgrasses that look great but are also environmentally friendly.Phillips also notes the global variations in consumer prefer-ences. In North America, consumers often prefer darker green grasses, while in Europe, lighter, lemon-lime shades of green are more popular.Its amazing how much color plays a role in grass breeding, Phillips says. We could have a variety that performs incredibly well, but if its not the right shade of green, it might not sell. In Europe, theyre not as concerned about having a deep emerald lawn, but here, thats often the ideal.The demands of the seed production industry also weigh heavily on breeding decisions. In addition to producing grasses that look good and are resilient, they must also yield a sufficient number of seeds to be commercially viable. This requires testing new varieties in regions like Oregons Willamette Valley, where Tim Phillips kneels in a stand of Lacefield MaxQ II, a tall fescueseed production is concentrated.variety he developed that is nontoxic to grazing animals.PHOTO: KATIE PRATT Seed yield is a huge factor in whether or not a variety suc-ceeds, Phillips says. You can have the best-looking grass in the world, but if it doesnt produce enough seed, its not going to make it to market. Thats why we spend so much time testing our grasses in different environments.A Commitment to ResiliencePhillips work is deeply tied to the challenges of a changing climate. As weather patterns become more unpredictable, grass breeders are tasked with creating varieties that can withstand both drought and flooding, extreme heat and cold snaps. Phillips is optimistic that the grasses of the future will not only survive these conditions but will thrive.The climate is changing, and that means we have to change the way we breed grasses, Phillips says. Were not just breeding for average conditions anymorewere breeding for extremes.Phillips vision for the future of grass breeding is one that blends innovation with tradition. While grasses like Kentucky 31 will always have a place in the market, Phillips believes that new, more resilient varieties will ultimately become the standard.For me, its about leaving behind a legacy of innovation and resilience, Phillips says.SWOrnamental grasses on the UK Spindletop Research Farm.PHOTO: MATT BARTON, UK MARTIN-GATTON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT22/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2024'