CERTIFIED “BLUE TAG” TURFGRASS PRODUCTION MANUAL · CERTIFIED “BLUE TAG” TURFGRASS...

CERTIFIED “BLUE TAG” TURFGRASS

PRODUCTION MANUAL

Georgia Crop Improvement Association, Inc. 2425 South Milledge Avenue

Athens, Georgia 30605 Phone: 706-542-2351

FAX: 706-542-9397 www.georgiacrop.com

This publication copyrighted by Georgia Crop Improvement Association, Inc. (Revised October 2015)

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OFFICIAL MANUAL FOR PRODUCING CERTIFIED “BLUE TAG” TURFGRASS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

______________________________________________________________________________ Page Table of Contents .................................................................................................1 Officers, Employees & Directors ..........................................................................2 Letter of Introduction ..........................................................................................3 GCIA Turf Certificate vs. Live Plant Certificate .....................................................4 Turfgrass Standards .............................................................................................5

Centipede Seed Certification Standards ..................................................5 Vegetatively Propagated Seed Production Fields ....................................9 Vegetatively Propagated or Seeded Turfgrass ........................................13 Vegetatively Propagated Paspalum Turfgrass .........................................19 Tall Fescue Turfgrass Sod .........................................................................25

Responsibilities of GCIA Authorized Representative ...........................................29

Sample Certified Turf Certificate .............................................................30 E-Certificates ............................................................................................31 Bulk Sales of Turfgrass .............................................................................32 Sample Grower Certificate .......................................................................33 Sample Seller Certificate ..........................................................................34 Bulk Sales Flow Charts .............................................................................35

Application Instructions .......................................................................................37 Sample Application .............................................................................................40 Sample Fee Schedule ...........................................................................................41 Sample Map .........................................................................................................42 Resources .............................................................................................................43

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GEORGIA CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION 2425 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30605

2015 OFFICERS & EMPLOYEES President ....................................................................................................................... Ernie Purcell Past President ................................................................................................................ Jaimie Allen 1st Vice President .......................................................................................................... Lane Morrell 2nd Vice President .......................................................................................................... Ken Morrow Executive Director ..................................................................................................... .Terry Hollifield Organic Program Manager (mobile: 229-424-2418) .....................................................Johnny Luke Food Safety Program Manager (mobile: 229-881-1503) ................................................ Terry Crane Seed Certification Program Manager (mobile: 770-519-7124) ...................................... Billy Skaggs GCIA Field & Plant Inspector (mobile: 912-657-1008)............................................. Thomas Kessler GCIA Field & Plant Inspector (mobile: 229-349-4013)............................................. Chase Crawford Director of Operations ................................................................................................ Marie Sidwell Organic Administrative Assistant ............................................................................Jeanne Gonzales Seed Certification Administrative Assistant ............................................................. Joy McCracken Turfgrass Administrative Assistant ..................................................................................Becki Hicks

2015 DIRECTORS

TERM TERM NAME & ADDRESS PHONE # EXPIRES #

Jaimie Allen, 427 Pike Creek Turf Circle, Adel, 31620 229-896-7581 2016 2

John Bowen, P. O. Box 72, Enigma, GA 31749 229-533-1097 2018 1

Kevin Calhoun, 198 N Bay St., Blakely, 39823 229-723-3641 2018 1

Ben Copeland, Jr., 158 Sod Farm Rd., Ft. Valley, 31030 800-535-1320 2016 1

Larry Cunningham, P. O. Box 68, Quitman, GA 31643 229-263-4791 2018 1

Blake Fleeman, 2420 S. Milledge Ave., Athens 30605 706-552-4525 2016 1

Scott Grimsley, PO Box 565, Colquitt, 39837 229-758-3520 2017 1

Ricky Hartley, 42 N. Ellis St. Camilla, GA 31730 229-336-0785 2018 1

Lane Morrell, P.O. Box 398, Newton, 39870 229-734-5466 2016 2

Ken Morrow, 54 Brown Farm Rd., Cartersville 30120 770-382-7284 2017 1

Ernie Purcell, 1251 Colquitt Hwy., Bainbridge, 39817 229-221-5702 2018 2

John Raley, 724 Beall Springs Rd., Gibson, 30810 706-598-3891 2016 1

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GEORGIA CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION 2425 South Milledge Avenue

Athens, Georgia 30605

Georgia Sod Producers: Let me take this opportunity to acquaint you with the Georgia Crop Improvement Association. We are a non-profit organization, operating as an agent for the University of Georgia. Our Turfgrass members produce “blue tag” certified grass. This grass is field inspected at least three times yearly by trained inspectors. Each inspector is trained to recognize off-type plants, other species, noxious and objectionable weeds, which can create unsightly and costly problems in turf. The Georgia Crop Improvement Association ensures that turfgrass in our progam is grown and inspected under a rigorous set of guidelines designed to promote on-going varietal purity and uniformity. The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s “certificate” should not be confused with the GCIA certified “blue certificate.” The Georgia Department of Agriculture issues a Live Plant Certificate for “apparent freedom” from insects, diseases, or other pests. (See ) Many landscape architects specify Georgia certified “blue tag” turfgrass on their projects, and it is often sought after for use on golf courses and athletic fields. The blue certificate will assure potential customers that the sod they purchase was subject to a rigorous set of inspection criteria designed to promote high quality, true to variety, noxious and weed free turfgrass. Please contact us if you need additional information. Sincerely, Terry Hollifield Executive Director NOTE: Many turfgrass varieties may not be propagated for resale and are protected by a plant patent, the Plant Variety Protection Act and/or license agreements. Contact the GCIA office for specific details that govern propagation.

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GCIA Certified Turf Certificate

The Georgia Crop Improvement Association “Blue Tag” certificate represents grass produced under exacting protocols designed to ensure varietal purity and freedom from noxious weeds.

GDA Live Plant Certificate

Kind: Variety / Brand: Quantity: Sprigs: Sod: Billing Invoice: Field #: Harvest Date:

Grower Name & Address:

GEORGIA CERTIFIED TURFGRASS

Certification Warranty Disclaimer The grass this certificate represents was produced in accordance with the published standards of the Georgia Crop Improvement Association, Inc. (GCIA). The GCIA makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including merchantability, or fitness for purpose. The grower whose name appears on this certificate is solely responsible for the information thereon and for the proper use of this certificate.

GCIA CERTIFIED TURFGRASS

MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL SEED CERTIFYING AGENCIES


Athens, GA 30605-1639 Phone 706-542-2351 Fax 706-542-9397

Certificate Number: 000000 This grass was grown in accordance with a program designed to promote purity by adherence to published standards.1

This certificate must be completed and attached to each bill of lading or invoice representing certified sprigs or sod produced in accordance with the Georgia Crop Improvement Association rules and regulations for production of vegetatively propagated certified turfgrass. I certify the information provided is true and meets the Georgia Crop Improvement Association requirements for vegetatively / seeded propagated turfgrass certification.

Authorized Representative of Grower: _______________________________________

Copies: Original to Buyer (with each delivery) Pink to GCIA Office (at delivery) Yellow retained by Grower 1 The GCIA Turfgrass Certification Standards are available upon request.

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CENTIPEDE SEED CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

I. Application and Amplification of General Certification Standards

A. The General Seed Certification Standards, as adopted by the association are basic and together with the following specific standards constitute the standards for certification of centipede turfgrass seed.

B. Foundation, registered, and certified seed producing fields should continue to

produce the appropriate class of seed for the life of the stand.

C. Production fields may be established by seed or vegetative material. II. Land Requirements

A. The production of foundation seed or plants shall be on land that has not grown or been seeded to the same species during previous five crop years.

B. The production of the registered or certified classes shall be on land that has not

grown or been seeded to the same species during the previous two crop years, unless the same variety was grown on the land or the field was harvested, any plants not harvested will be removed with a non-selective systemic herbicide and the field inspected not less than six weeks after application during the growing season.

C. A field inspection is required prior to planting. Isolation, previous crop and

existing contamination shall be checked and problems corrected prior to planting.

D. Fumigation can be used in lieu of previous crop requirement. Land fumigated

with approved material must lay idle for a period of not less than three weeks after fumigation (or not less than six weeks when converting to like species) and be inspected for compliance with Section II, A. Land must receive adequate moisture, (a minimum of ¾” per week) and soil temperature (60° F. at 4” soil depth) must be adequate to allow any live plants not eradicated by fumigation to emerge. Fields passing a preplant inspection prior to fumigation do not require a three or six week waiting period.

Fumigation rate, material and process to be approved by the GCIA Turfgrass Committee appointed at the most recent annual membership meeting.

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III. Field Inspections

A. Time and number of inspections 1. Centipede seed producing fields will be inspected annually; prior to seed

harvest and at a time when varietal identity and purity can best be determined.

2. Centipede seed producing fields may not be used for certified sod production

unless they are in compliance with the Vegetative Turfgrass Standards to include three inspections per year during the growing season. “Seed production or sod production fields must be declared no later than May 1st.” Harvest and sale of certified sod from designated centipede seed producing fields is a direct violation of this standard and will result in suspension of all centipede seed production according to centipede seed production standards and will require the grower to produce all certified centipede in compliance with the GCIA vegetatively propagated or seeded turfgrass certification standards for a minimum of one year beginning the year following violation.

3. Mature sod (sod that will be harvested before the next scheduled inspection

per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard) may be rejected* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields rejected are to be re-inspected before certified grass can be sold and will not be published in the annual turf directory. Immature sod (sod that will not be harvested before the next scheduled inspection per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard, usually new fields or recently harvested fields) may be placed in pending* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields placed in pending may be published in the turfgrass directory.

*For uniform fields, use GCIA field inspection sampling protocols.

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IV. Field Standards

A. Isolation

1. A strip at least 6 feet in width from contaminating grasses and which is uncropped, or planted to a non-encroaching crop other than the kind inspected shall constitute a field boundary.

2. The field shall be the unit of certification.

3. Minimum Isolation from other Centipede varieties:

Minimum Isolation - Feet

Foundation Registered Certified 900 500 300

B. A map showing each kind and variety must accompany the application for field inspection.

C. Specific Requirements:

Maximum Permitted Ratio of Plants

Foundation Registered Certified

Other Varieties Not to exceed 1 per 550 sq. yds. 1 per 110 sq. yds. 1 per 55 sq. yds. Inseparable other crop and / or weed seed None None None

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V. Seed Standards

Factor Foundation Registered Certified

Pure Seed (Min.) 98% 98% 98% Inert Matter (Max.) 2% 2% 2% Other Crop Seed (Max.) .02% .02% .02% *Noxious Weed Seed None None None **Weed Seed (Max.) .20% .40% .50% ***Germination (Min.) 80% 80% 80% Other Var. (Off Type) None None None * Bermudagrass seed will be considered a noxious weed. ** Bahiagrass seed will be considered a prohibited objectionable other crop. *** Total Germination will include dormant seed. Maximum lot size 10,000 lbs.

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TURFGRASS SEED CERTIFICATION STANDARDS “VEGETATIVELY PROPAGATED SEED PRODUCTION FIELDS”


The General Seed Certification Standards, as adopted by the association are basic and together with the following specific standards, constitute the standards for certification of seed.

New growers, owner or designated representative, must attend a GCIA conducted training course prior to submitting an application. The GCIA Executive Director will determine date and locations. Turfgrass applications not received by May 1, with the exception of new producers, will not be accepted. All classes of certified seed may be produced from vegetatively propagated planting stock in accordance with the procedure specified by the originator, but in such cases the standards for vegetatively propagated grasses shall apply. When certified seed producing fields are established by vegetative reproduction, from different clones, foundation plots of each clone must be maintained and inspected to insure genetic purity. Application to establish pedigree must be made within one year of planting. The crop will remain under supervision of the certifying agency as long as the field is eligible for certification. The field of each kind and variety must be identified at all times by an appropriate sign and field number and or map with the field number noted.

II. Land Requirements

A. The production of foundation seed or plants shall be on land that has not grown or been seeded to the same species during the previous five crop years.

B. The production of the registered or certified classes shall be on land that has not grown or been seeded to the same species during the previous two crop years.

C. A field inspection is required prior to planting. Isolation, previous crop and existing

contamination shall be checked and problems corrected prior to planting.

D. Land fumigated with approved material must lay idle for a period of not less than three weeks after fumigation (or not less than six weeks when converting to like species) and be inspected for compliance with II, C. Land must receive adequate moisture and soil temperature must be adequate to allow any live plants not eradicated by fumigation to emerge. Fields passing a preplant inspection prior to fumigation do not require a three or six week waiting period.

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III. Field Standards

A. General Isolation 1. A strip at least 5 feet in width from contaminating grasses and which is mowed,

uncropped or planted to some crop other than the kind inspected shall constitute a field boundary.

2. Foundation plots shall be managed to allow only minimum seed head

production.

3. The following isolation requirements shall be met when any other strain of the species is in bloom at the same time except that the minimum isolation for all seed classes of tetraploids shall be 15 feet from diploids of the same species.

Type of Border to be **Minimum Isolation – Feet

Repro. Removed *ft. Foundation Registered Certified

Cross –

Pollinated 0 900 300 165 9 600 225 100 15 450 150 75 Strains at least 80% Apomictic 0 60 30 15 & highly self- fertile species*** 9 30 15 15

* Border removal applies only to fields of 5 acres or more. Where a border is to be

removed such removal shall not occur until pollination of the crop to be certified is completed.

** When different classes of seed of the same variety are being grown in the same or

adjacent fields, the isolation requirements may be reduced to 25% of that shown in the above tables.

*** Varieties within species with both cross-pollinated and apomictic type of reproduction

will be considered highly apomictic for purposes of minimum isolation unless otherwise specified for that variety.

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4. Allowed off type plants

Maximum Maximum Permitted Ratio of Plants

Foundation Registered Certified

Other Varieties 1 : 1000 1 : 100 1 : 50

5. Life of Stand:

A. The life of the certified “blue tag” seed production field shall continue for as long as the varietal and mechanical purity for the class is maintained.

B. A field, which is planted with more than one clone, variety or species, by seed or vegetatively propagated, will be used for certified seed production for not more than 5 years.

6. Mature sod (sod that will be harvested before the next scheduled inspection per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard) may be rejected* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields rejected are to be re-inspected before certified grass can be sold and will not be published in the annual turf directory.

Immature sod (sod that will not be harvested before the next scheduled inspection per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard, usually new fields or recently harvested fields) may be placed in pending* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields placed in pending may be published in the turfgrass directory.


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I. Seed Standards

Due to a large number of species eligible for certification, the seed quality standards will be established for each by the GCIA turf committee. Seed Standards for Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) Factor Foundation Registered Certified

Pure Seed (min.) 90% 90% 90%

Inert Matter (max.) 10% 10% 10% Other Crop Seed (max.) .50% .50% .50% *Noxious Weed Seed None None None Weed Seed (max.) .30% .30% .30% **Germination (min.) 70% 70% 70% Other Var. (offtype) None None None *Bermuda grass seed will be considered a noxious weed. **Total germination will include hard and dormant seed.

The maximum lot size for Zoysia seed is 10,000 pounds.

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VEGETATIVELY PROPAGATED OR SEEDED TURFGRASS CERTIFICATION STANDARDS


A. The General Seed Certification Standards as adopted by the association are basic

and together with the following specific standards, constitute the standards for certification of vegetatively propagated or seeded turf grasses.

New growers, owner or designated representative, must attend a GCIA conducted training course prior to submitting an application. The GCIA Executive Director will determine date and locations. Turfgrass applications not received by May 1, with the exception of new producers, will not be accepted.

B. The general standards are modified as follows:

1. Foundation Turf – shall be the increase of breeder’s sprigs or in certain

cases the increase of foundation sprigs or seed. 2. Registered Turf – shall be the increase of foundation sprigs or seed. A

grower of registered turf may increase the original foundation class planting to no more than 10 acres if the increase is continuous within the original field and a GCIA inspector is present at harvest and planting.

3. Certified Turf – shall be the increase of registered sprigs or seed or

foundation sprigs of seed. 4. The field of each kind and variety must be identified at all times by an

appropriate sign and field number or map with field number noted.

C. Size of Field: Maximum – a. Foundation ten acres

b. Registered ten acres c. Certified no limit

II. Land Requirements (Rules covering land prior to planting)

A. A field to be eligible for the production of foundation, registered or certified turf

must have been inspected and found to be free of all perennial grasses, objectionable and noxious weeds.

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B. All Foundation and registered class grass will be produced on fumigated land beginning March 1, 2001 forward or inspected for an entire growing season (Per section III,B.) and meet section II, A., requirements. Certified class turf may be planted on fumigated land and must comply with section II. A and C if fumigated.

C. Land fumigated with approved material must lay idle for a period of not less than

three weeks after fumigation (or not less than six weeks when converting to like species) and be inspected for compliance with Section II, A. Land must receive adequate moisture, (a minimum of ¾” per week) and soil temperature (60° F. at 4” soil depth) must be adequate to allow any live plants not eradicated by fumigation to emerge. Fields passing a preplant inspection prior to fumigation do not require a three or six week waiting period.


III. Field Inspections (After Planting)

A. Prior to Inspection:

A field must be rouged and/or sprayed with the recommended herbicides during the growing season to remove (1) other varieties, (2) other perennial grasses, (3) most common weeds, (4) objectionable and noxious weeds. Note: When spraying, the herbicide will be applied to the area containing the mixture plus an 18” border surrounding the outer limits of the visible area of mixture. Spraying will continue until the mixture is eradicated.

B. Life of Stand:

The life of the stand will continue for all classes of vegetatively propagated or seeded turf grasses as long as the varietal and mechanical purity for the class is maintained with the exception of Registered Tifway. Registered Tifway fields are limited to a lifespan of 5 years, then may be downgraded to the Certified class.

Foundation Tifway fields are limited to a lifespan of 5 years, then may be downgraded to the Certified class.

Fields of all dwarf turfgrass varieties will be limited to five years of certification, excluding the year of establishment.

C. Time and number of inspections:

1. Foundation, Registered and Certified (three inspections required) Spring (April or May)

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Summer (June or July) Fall (September or October)

2. Every two years an intensive field inspection will be made of the Registered

Class.

a. A representative area of the field (10%) will not be harvested until seed heads appear.

D. Mature sod (sod that will be harvested before the next scheduled inspection

per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard) may be rejected* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields rejected are to be re-inspected before certified grass can be sold and will not be published in the annual turf directory.

Immature sod (sod that will not be harvested before the next scheduled

inspection per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard, usually new fields or recently harvested fields) may be placed in pending* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields placed in pending may be published in the turfgrass directory.


IV. Field Standards

A. General

1. An inspection will be made approximately four to six weeks after the initial planting.

2. Restrictions on number of varieties per farm:

Only one variety of a kind may be grown for certified turf on a farm except with prior approval of the certifying agency.

3. Unit of Certification:

A field or portion of a field may be certified. A registered field may not be divided for certification.

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4. Isolation requirements:

Planting of vegetatively propagated turfgrasses or seeded turfgrasses must be isolated from any other variety and other perennial grasses by an artificial barrier and/or strip at least six (6) feet wide to prevent mixing during the growing season and harvesting operation. Pollen producing varieties must be isolated to prevent contamination from other species. Distance from source of contamination will be determined by the GCIA executive director after collaboration with a knowledgeable turfgrass breeder. Different classes (foundation, registered, certified) of the same species must be clearly delineated by bare ground, roads, drainage ditches, pivot tracks, etc. with a minimum distance of not less than two (2) feet.

B. Specific Field Requirements

Maximum permitted in each class Factor Foundation*** Registered*** Certified*** *Other Varieties None None 1plant/A*** **Other Crops None None 1 plant/A**** Noxious/Objectionable Weeds None None None *****Other Living Plants

Objectionable Weeds…………………………………………None

Objectionable Weeds: Perennial sedges other than nutsedge (grass) and Dichondra spp.

* Other Varieties shall consist of all other varieties of the kind being produced.

** Other Crops shall consist of all other kinds and varieties of perennial grasses. *** Other live varieties, other live crops and live noxious weeds found in excess of

standards during field inspection must be eradicated. Reinspection required and to be made not less than three weeks after rejection, cost of re-inspection to be paid by producer.

**** Those live plants found by an inspector must be eradicated by grower. ***** Other living plants – not to exceed one plant per 100 sq. ft. C. Production fields that fail to meet the published varietal purity standards* for

the class applied for within one growing year will be downgraded to the next lowest class if the field meets the standard of the next class or removed from certification. A field removed from certification may be entered into certification if it meets the requirements in section II, Land Requirements (Rules Covering land prior to planting). A field must meet turfgrass certification standards within

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twelve (12) months of the date of the third scheduled inspection rejection to be reinstated as the applied class. *Variety purity is defined as a plant, as determined by the GCIA inspector, as another variety of the species being inspected, another turfgrass species and/or an unknown perennial grass contaminate.

V. Responsibilities of Authorized Representative of the Grower

Each Certified Turfgrass Certificate must be signed by an Authorized Representative of the Grower. The Turfgrass producer must notify the GCIA office in writing or in the space provided on the GCIA Application for Membership and Field Inspection the name of the person(s) authorized to sign the certificates.

A. The Authorized Representative of the Grower is responsible for:

1. Making certain that all grass represented on the certificate was inspected and accepted for certification.

2. Making certain the Certificates contain all the required information and is correct (i.e., kind, variety, quantity, billing invoice, field #, harvest date, and grower information).

3. Making sure that grass represented by the certificate continues to meet

the appropriate GCIA Turfgrass Standards after the GCIA inspection.

4. Making sure the certificate accompanies each shipment of grass.

5. Mailing the appropriate certificate copy to the GCIA office weekly.

6. Preventing non-certified grass from being sold as certified grass.

7. Making certain that those records required in the GCIA Turfgrass Standards are maintained.

B. Training of Authorized Representative of Grower 1. All Authorized Representatives must attend training not less than every four years.

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INSTRUCTIONS & PROCEDURES

1. The initial planting for production of foundation vegetatively propagated turfgrasses will be in rows not less than 12” apart.

2. All planting, mowing, harvesting and loading equipment must be thoroughly

cleaned prior to entering the field.

3. An official numbered certificate will accompany each shipment of certified sprigs, sod or plugs.

4. A complete record on the amount of certified turf sales will be maintained and

made available to the official certifying agency. The record will include (a) class of certified turf sold (Foundation, Registered or Certified), (b) kind and variety, (c) field number, (d) date of harvest, (e) amount of turf shipped (square feet, cubic feet, bushels, etc.)

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VEGETATIVELY PROPAGATED PASPALUM TURFGRASS CERTIFICATION STANDARDS


A. The General Seed Certification Standards as adopted by the association are basic and together with the following specific standards, constitute the standards for certification of vegetatively propagated turf grasses.

New growers, owner or designated representative, must attend a GCIA conducted training course prior to submitting an application. The GCIA Executive Director will determine date and locations. Turfgrass applications not received by May 1, with the exception of new producers, will not be accepted.


1. Foundation Turf – shall be the vegetative increase of breeder’s sprigs, or in certain cases the increase of foundation sprigs.

2. Registered Turf – shall be the vegetative increase of foundation sprigs. A

grower of registered turf may increase the original foundation class planting to no more than 10 acres if the increase is continuous within the original field and a GCIA inspector is present at harvest and planting.

3. Certified Turf – shall be the vegetative increase of registered sprigs or

foundation sprigs.

4. The field of each kind and variety must be identified at all times by an appropriate sign and field number and/or map with field number noted.

5. Size of Field: Maximum – a. Foundation ten acres

b. Registered ten acres c. Certified no limit

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A. A field to be eligible for the production of foundation, registered or certified turf

must have been inspected and found to be free of all perennial grasses, objectionable and noxious weeds. A second inspection will be made approximately four to six weeks after planting.

B. All registered and foundation class grass will be produced on fumigated land beginning March 1, 2001 forward or inspected for an entire growing season and meet Section II, A, Requirements.

C. Land fumigated with approved material must lay idle for a period of not less than three weeks after fumigation (or not less than six weeks when converting to like species) and be inspected for compliance with Section II, A. Land must receive adequate moisture, (a minimum of ¾” per week) and soil temperature (60° F. at 4” soil depth must be adequate to allow any live plants not eradicated by fumigation to emerge. Fields passing a preplant inspection prior to fumigation to not require a three or six week waiting period.


III. Field Inspections (After planting)

A. Time and number of inspections:

1. Foundation, Registered and Certified (three inspections required) Spring (April or May) Summer (June or July) Fall (September or October)

2. Every two years an intensive field inspection will be made of the Registered and Foundation Classes. A representative area of the field (10%) will not be harvested until seed heads appear.

3. Mature sod (sod that will be harvested before the next scheduled inspection per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard) may be rejected* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields rejected are to be re-inspected before certified grass can be sold and will not be published in the annual turf directory.

Immature sod (sod that will not be harvested before the next scheduled inspection per the Time and Number of Inspections noted in the standard, usually new fields or recently harvested fields) may be placed in pending* if the sod or field fails to meet the standard relating to noxious weeds, other varieties, other crop or inability to make an inspection due to cultural practices. Fields placed in pending may be published in the turfgrass directory.


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IV. Field Standards

A. General

1. Restrictions on number of varieties per farm:

Only one variety of a kind may be grown for certified turf on a farm except with prior approval of the certifying agency.

2. Unit of Certification:

A field or portion of a field may be certified. A registered field may not be divided for certification.

3. Isolation requirements:

Plantings of vegetatively propagated turf grasses must be isolated from any other variety and other perennial grasses and other certification classes by an artificial barrier and/or strip at least six (6) feet wide to prevent mixing during the growing season and harvesting operation. Pollen producing varieties must be isolated to prevent contamination from other species. Distance from source of contamination will be determined by the GCIA executive director after collaboration with a knowledgeable turfgrass breeder.

B. Specific Requirements

Maximum permitted in each class Factor Foundation*** Registered*** Certified*** *Other Varieties None None 1plant/A*** **Other Crops None None 1 plant/A****

Noxious/ObjectionableWeeds None None None *****Other Living Plants

* Other Varieties shall consist of all other varieties of the kind being produced.

** Other Crops shall consist of all other kinds and varieties of perennial grasses. *** Other live varieties, other live crops and live noxious weeds found in excess of standards during field inspection must be eradicated.

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Reinspection required and to be made not less than three weeks after rejection, cost of reinspection to be paid by producer. **** Those live plants found by an inspector must be eradicated by grower. ***** Other living plants – not to exceed one plant per 100 sq. ft.

B. Life of Stand: The life of the stand will continue for all classes of vegetatively propagated Paspalum turf grasses as long as the varietal and mechanical purity for the class is maintained except the life of the stand for the registered class shall be limited to 5 years.

C. D. Production fields that fail to meet the published varietal purity standards* for

the class applied for within one growing year will be downgraded to the next lowest class if the field meets the standard of the next class or removed from certification. A field removed from certification may be entered into certification if it meets the requirements in Section II., Land Requirements (rules covering land prior to planting): A field must meet turfgrass certification standards within twelve (12) months of the date of the third scheduled inspection rejection to be reinstated as the applied class.

* Varietal purity is defined as a plant, as determined by the GCIA inspector, as another variety of the species being inspected, another turfgrass species and/or an unknown perennial grass contaminate.

V. Turf Standards (at time of sale)

*Noxious Weeds…………………………….……..None **Objectionable Weeds………………………..None

*See General Seed Certification Standards for list of Noxious Weeds

**Objectionable Weeds: Perennial sedges other than nutsedge (grass) and Dicrondra spp.

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VI. Responsibilities of Authorized Representative of the Grower

Each Certified Turfgrass Certificate must be signed by an Authorized Representative of the Grower. The Turfgrass producer must notify the GCIA office in writing or in the space provided on the GCIA Application for Membership and Field Inspection the name of the person(s) authorized to sign the certificates.


1. Making certain that all grass represented on the certificate was inspected and accepted for certification.

2. Making certain the Certificates contain all the required information and is correct (i.e., kind, variety, quantity, billing invoice, field #, harvest date, and grower information).

3. Making sure that grass represented by the certificate continues to meet

the appropriate GCIA Turfgrass Standards after the GCIA inspection.

4. Making sure the certificate accompanies each shipment of grass

5. Mailing the appropriate certificate copy to the GCIA office weekly.

6. Preventing non-certified grass from being sold as certified grass.

7. Making certain that those records required in the GCIA Turfgrass Standards are maintained.

B. Training of Authorized Representative of Grower

All Authorized Representatives must attend training not less than every four years.

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INSTRUCTIONS & PROCEDURES 1. The initial planting for production of foundation vegetatively propagated turfgrasses will be in rows not less than 12” apart. 2. All planting, mowing, harvesting and loading equipment must be thoroughly cleaned prior to entering the field. 3. An official numbered certificate will accompany each shipment of certified sprigs, sod or plugs.

4. A complete record on the amount of certified turf sales will be

maintained and made available to the official certifying agency. The record will include (a) class of certified turf sold (Foundation, Registered or Certified), (b) kind and variety, (c) field number, (d) date of harvest, (e) amount of turf shipped (square feet, cubic feet, bushels, etc.)

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TALL FESCUE TURFGRASS SOD CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

I. Application of General Certification Standards

A. The General Seed Certification Standards as adopted by the association are basic and together with the following specific standards, constitute the standards for certification of fescue. New growers, owner or designated representative, must attend a GCIA conducted training course prior to submitting an application. The GCIA Executive Director will determine date and locations. Turfgrass applications not received by May 1, with the exception of new producers, will not be accepted.


1. Foundation sod shall be the increase of breeder seed.

2 Registered sod shall be the increase of Foundation seed.

3. Certified sod shall be the increase of Foundation, Registered or Certified

seeds.

a. Grower is to use sod quality seed.


A. A field to be eligible for the production of registered or certified fescue must have been inspected and found to be free of all perennial grasses, objectionable and noxious weeds. A second inspection will be made approximately four to six weeks after planting.

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III. Field Inspections

A. General

1. Field Inspection

a. Handling the crop after planting and prior to inspection.

A field must be rouged and/or sprayed with the recommended herbicides during the growing season to remove (1) other varieties, (2) other perennial grasses, (3) most common weeds, (4) objectionable and noxious weeds.

b. Sod will be inspected prior to harvest. It is the responsibility of

the grower to notify GCIA ten working days prior to harvest for an inspection.

c. Sod will be inspected every two months from start of harvest until

completion.

2. Field Standards a. General

1. Restriction on number of varieties per farm

Only one variety of a kind may be grown for certified turf

on a farm except upon prior approval of GCIA.

2. Unit of certification A field or portion of a field may be certified.

3. Isolation requirements

Six feet void of any grass is required from any other annual or perennial grasses which may contaminate the crop being inspected.

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IV. Specific Requirements

Factor Maximum permitted *Other Varieties 10 plants per acre **Other Crops None 1/

***Noxious/Objectionable Weeds None * Other Varieties shall consist of all other varieties of the kind being produced.

** Other Crops shall consist of all other kinds and varieties of perennial and annual grasses.

*** See General Seed Certification Standards for list of Noxious Weeds 1/ Annual ryegrass – 1 per 100 sq. ft.

INSTRUCTIONS & PROCEDURES

1. All planting, mowing, harvesting and loading equipment must be thoroughly cleaned prior to entering the field.

2. An official numbered certificate will accompany each shipment of certified sod.

3. A complete record on the amount of certified sod harvested will be maintained

and made available to GCIA upon request. The record will include (a) kind and variety, (b) field number, (c) date of harvest, (d) amount of sod shipped (square feet, cubic feet, bushels, etc.)

4. Each field will be numbered. Fields not numbered or identified will be rejected. 5. Each Certified Turfgrass Certificate must be signed by an Authorized

Representative of the Grower. The Turfgrass producer must notify the GCIA office in writing or in the space provided on the GCIA Application for Membership and Field Inspection the name of the person(s) authorized to sign the certificates.


• Making certain that all grass represented on the certificate was

inspected and accepted for certification.

• Making certain the Certificates contain all the required information and is correct (i.e., kind, variety, quantity, billing invoice, field #, harvest date, and grower information).

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• Making sure that grass represented by the certificate continues to meet the appropriate GCIA Turfgrass Standards after the GCIA inspection.

• Making sure the certificate accompanies each shipment of grass

• Mailing the appropriate certificate copy to the GCIA office weekly.

• Preventing non certified grass from being sold as certified grass.

• Making certain that those records required in the GCIA Turfgrass Standards

are maintained.

B. Training of Authorized Representative of Grower

All Authorized Representatives of Growers must attend training not less than every four years.

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Responsibilities of GCIA Authorized Representative:

Each GCIA Turfgrass Certificate must be signed by an Authorized Representative. The Turfgrass producer must notify the GCIA office in writing or in the space provided on the GCIA Application for Membership and Field Inspection the name of the person(s) authorized to sign the certificates. The Authorized Representative is responsible for:

• Making certain that all grass represented on the certificate was inspected and accepted for certification.

• Making certain the certificate contains all the required information and is correct (i.e.,

kind, variety, quantity, billing invoice, field #, harvest date, and grower information).

• Making sure the certificate accompanies each shipment of grass.

• Mailing the appropriate certificate copy to the GCIA office weekly.

• Preventing non certified grass from being sold as certified grass.

• Making certain that those records required in the GCIA Turfgrass Standards are maintained.

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TURF CERTIFICATES Certificates are numbered and will allow GCIA to have better control over their use, tracking of shipments, answering complaints, etc. Most other southern states use a similar certificate.

* Note the signature of the Authorized Representative will be the person or persons designated by the individual turf producer and who has also met the approval of the Georgia Crop Improvement Association.













Bermuda

Tifway

500 Bushels

1234

1A

4/01/2008

Greatest Turf on Earth Nunez, GA

Joe Smith

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E-Certificates

GCIA offers an electronic alternative for issuing “Blue Tag” Certified certificates. The Electronic Turfgrass Certificate Program is designed to make issuing certificates more convenient with capabilities such as: providing an electronic certificate filing system, linking your certificates to your invoices and the ease of not having to keep track of a certificate book. This program can be accessed through the web using an assigned case sensitive user ID and password. For more information please contact Becki Hicks @ 706-542-2351 or email [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

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BULK SALES OF TURFGRASS BETWEEN

CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PRODUCERS Effective 3-14-03

Often Turfgrass producers purchase certified Turfgrass from other certified Turfgrass producers. Usually the certified Turfgrass producer selling the Turfgrass prefers the consumer not know the origin of the grass. When these situations develop, the following procedures will be followed: Seller – certified Turfgrass producer purchasing grass for resale. Grower – actual producer of grass. The seller of the certified Turfgrass will issue a certificate (white copy in certificate

book) that will accompany the grass to the end consumer. The seller will use the grower’s certificate number for the field location and write the growers name on the pink copy and mail to GCIA.

The grower will provide a white certificate to the seller for each shipment of grass. The pink copy will be mailed to the GCIA office. Write on the pink copy the name of the seller.

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Grower Certificate













Bermuda

Tifway

11173

10

6/19/2011

Better Grass Company 440 Grass Rd Grass City, GA 30999

Mary Smith

10,080 sq. ft

Sold to Green Sod Company

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Seller Certificate













Bermuda

Tifway

80688

69254

4/01/2008

Greatest Turf on Earth Nunez, GA

Mary Smith

10,080 sq. ft

Purchased from Better Grass Company

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Seller(Use Certificate #

to identify)

Grower(Use Field # to

identify)

Truck #3(Use Certificate #

to identify)


to identify)


to identify)

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Seller(Use Certificate #

to identify)

(9,072 sq. ft.)

Grower(Use Field # to

identify)

(9,072 sq. ft.)

Customer #3(Use Certificate #

to identify)

(3,024 sq. ft.)


to identify)

(3,024 sq. ft.)


to identify)

(3,024 sq. ft.)

Truck

TOTAL = 9,072 sq. ft.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP AND CERTIFIED TURFGRASS INSPECTION

These instructions are provided to assist you in completing the Georgia Crop Improvement Association “APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP AND FIELD INSPECTION.” The application is due in the GCIA office by March 1st. The appropriate late fees will be applied to applications received after this date. Applications received by March 1st, but incomplete, will be placed in pending until all information and requirements have been met and a “Review Fee” in the amount of $100 may be assessed each time incomplete information is received, in addition to any late fees that may be assessed. Production farms operating under the same marketing name, but located more than twenty-five miles apart and/or under a different field manager, require separate applications and are considered individual farms for determining fees. REMINDER: Many turfgrass varieties may not be propagated for resale and are protected by a plant patent, the Plant Variety Protection Act and/or license agreements. Contact the GCIA office for specific details that govern propagation.

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS Please print or type. Applicant- The person or firm applying for certification. Normally this is the business name under which the grass will be marketed. Address/City/State- This is the mailing address, although we also need the “UPS” address. Date- This is the date the application was completed and mailed to GCIA. Phone Number- Provide a business phone number, FAX number and mobile number. County- This is the county in which the office or management for the production farm is located. Farm Location and Address – This is the physical farm location with complete address. (Please complete the Membership Application Form enclosed.) Applicant/Farm Authorized Representative Contact Information - This is the person the GCIA inspector will contact to set appointments and sign field inspection reports.

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Person responsible for Turfgrass certificate completion- This is the person responsible for completing and mailing the GCIA turfgrass “certificate” which accompanies each shipment of certified grass. Crop- example: hybrid bermudagrass, fescue, centipede Variety- example: Tifway, Tifdwarf, TifSport Acres in field- The total acres in a field as detailed on a farm map, usually a production unit outlined by roads, ditches, trees, etc. Field number or other identification- The production field number should be the same as on the accompanying map, numbers should remain the same for the production life of the field. Field names are acceptable if properly noted on maps. Date Planted- This is the year of establishment of a field. Class Produced- When the grass is harvested this is the class produced. Normally if a field is planted with stock from the Foundation Seed Program (Georgia Seed Development Commission) the field will produce registered grass, if registered grass is planted, the field will produce certified grass. You may wish to discuss this system with the GCIA inspector prior to completing the application. Source of Material Planted- This is the location, lot number, certificate number, field number or vendor of the grass used to establish the production field. Yes/No- Please indicate if another company may issue certificates for grass harvested from this field. If Yes, please indicate company in “Remarks” column next to each “Yes” answer. Read the printed declaration at the bottom of the application form. Application Completed By- This should be the person who completed and submitted the application form. Please complete “Application/Farm Authorized Contact Information” box located at the bottom of the application.

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GCIA Turfgrass Application Checklist

� Did I complete the Fee Schedule Worksheet?

� Did I retain a copy of the application/maps/etc. for my records?

� Did I complete the “Membership Application Form”?

Note: A map of the production farm with all fields listed and identified is required when the

application is submitted.

PLEASE NOTE: A REVIEW FEE OF $100.00 MAY BE ASSESSED EACH TIME INCOMPLETE INFORMATION IS

RECEIVED, IN ADDITION TO ANY LATE FEES THAT MAY BE DUE.

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GCIA FEE SCHEDULE FOR TURFGRASS This application must be completed and accompanied by a check to cover membership and acreage fees. Applications received INCOMPLETE will be held in pending file until requirements have been met and a Review Fee in the amount of $100 may be assessed each time incomplete information is received. Late fee charges will be imposed on all applications received after the March 15th due date in addition to any “Review Fee” charges that may be assessed. Applications not received by May 1st, with the exception of new growers, will not be accepted. Note: A map of the production farm with all fields listed and identified is required when the application is submitted.

Application Due: MARCH 15 Membership: $50.00 per year ________ Acreage Fee: $1,200.00 for the 1st five acres of part thereof, $19.00 per acre for ________ each additional acre of all classes of turfgrass. (Please note—Production Farms operating under the same marketing name, but located more than 25 miles apart are considered separate farms.) Late Fee: (per application) 1st week: $50; 2nd week & each additional week ________ past due date: $25; 3rd week $75 + $.30/A for 1st 50 A + $.15/A for additional acreage over 25 acres. TOTAL AMOUNT TO BE REMITTED....................................................... ________ Fees will not be refunded after the inspector makes a trip. (2/2015)

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SAMPLE FIELD MAP

NEED TURFGRASS INFORMATION?

For the latest agricultural and horticultural information, you are encouraged to contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agent. They are knowledgeable in selecting, establishing and maintaining turfgrass lawns and athletic fields. You can reach your local County Extension Agent in Georgia by calling 1-800-ASK-UGA1 or visit UGA Cooperative Extension online at www.extension.uga.edu. In addition, the UGA Turfgrass Team offers information and publications on a variety of turf subjects – including variety selection, pest management, cultural practices, and irrigation. Visit their website at www.georgiaturf.com. Landscape and turf professionals are also encouraged to take advantage of the outstanding trade associations operating here in Georgia and across the country. Several such organizations are listed below. Georgia Urban Ag Council Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. www.urbanagcouncil.com www.ggcsa.com

Georgia Green Industry Association Sports Turf Managers Association www.ggia.org www.stma.org

Turfgrass Producers International Professional Landscape Network www.turfgrasssod.org www.landcarenetwork.org

http://www.extension.uga.edu/

http://www.georgiaturf.com/

http://www.urbanagcouncil.com/

http://www.ggcsa.com/

http://www.ggia.org/

http://www.stma.org/

http://www.turfgrasssod.org/

http://www.landcarenetwork.org/

CERTIFIED “BLUE TAG” TURFGRASS PRODUCTION MANUAL · CERTIFIED “BLUE TAG” TURFGRASS...

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