Scientists at Simplot Turf & Horticulture recently announced the patenting of two new turfgrass species. Doug Brede, Ph.D., and Susan Samudio, M.Sc., cooperated in the identification, breeding and patenting of seashore zoysiagrass (Zoysia sinica) and Idaho bentgrass (Agrostis idahoensis), two obscure grasses that had never been used for turf purposes before. These patents represent the first time an entire species of grass has been developed from nature and patented for turf use.

Seashore zoysiagrass was discovered by Brede during trips to the shores of Eastern China. He found it growing along the beach, often with saltwater washing over its roots. "It evolved there with excellent tolerance to salt," he explained.