Novel Solutions for 2026
At GO Seed, innovation starts with a purpose: developing genetics that solve real-world challenges and deliver measurable results. Through years of research, selective breeding, and performance testing, we’re continually advancing varieties that meet the evolving needs of growers, producers, and turf professionals.
This year, we’re excited to introduce seven new varieties spanning turfgrass, forage, and cover crops. From improved disease tolerance and turf quality to enhanced livestock nutrition, compaction relief, and pollinator support, each variety has been developed with a specific goal in mind.
Meet the latest additions to GO Seed’s portfolio: Memphis 2 Tall Fescue, Maui and Lanai Perennial Ryegrass, Chubby Chicory, Crown Royale 2 Orchardgrass, TapIt Hybrid Brassica, and Phoenix Phacelia.
Advancing Cover Crop Breeding
Continuing to push the boundaries of cover crop genetics, GO Seed introduced TapIt Hybrid Brassica and Phoenix Phacelia. These innovative varieties offer growers targeted solutions for improving soil health, addressing compaction, and supporting beneficial insect populations.
TapIt Hybrid Brassica represents a breakthrough in
biological compaction relief. Developed to penetrate dense soil layers where traditional daikon radishes often struggle, TapIt’s powerful taproot can reach depths of 36 inches in as little as 28 days. As the roots decompose, they create channels that improve water infiltration, nutrient movement, and soil aeration. Its upright growth habit allows for higher seeding rates without excessive shading, maximizing root density and compaction relief. TapIt also demonstrates impressive cold tolerance, surviving temperatures as low as -9°F with snow cover. With approximately 135,000 seeds per pound, TapIt offers growers an efficient, high-value tool for improving soil structure.
Phoenix Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is a fast-growing annual valued for its exceptional ability to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Its distinctive purple flowers provide an abundant nectar source for honeybees, bumblebees, and other beneficial species. Adaptable to a range of growing conditions, Phoenix exhibits good cold and drought tolerance, while its extensive root system supports nutrient retention and soil health. Rapid establishment and prolonged flowering make Phoenix an excellent addition to cover crop programs focused on pollinator habitat, biodiversity, and soil improvement.
Two New Forage Varieties: Chubby Chicory and Crown Royale
2 Orchardgrass
GO Seed continues to advance forage genetics with the introduction of Chubby Chicory and Crown Royale 2 Orchardgrass. Developed to improve forage quality, palatability, and livestock performance, these new varieties offer producers innovative options for maximizing the productivity and nutritional value of their pastures.
Chubby Chicory brings a new level of palatability to
forage production. Developed from a cross between forage-type chicory and Italian Sugar Loaf chicory, Chubby was bred for reduced bitterness and naturally sweeter leaves. Its abundant, broad foliage provides highly digestible, nutritious forage attractive to livestock and wildlife. A deep taproot supports moisture and nutrient uptake, contributing to strong growth and productivity even during dry conditions. Chubby is an excellent addition to grazing systems and forage mixtures.
Crown Royale 2 Orchardgrass represents a significant
advancement in forage breeding, with a focus on improving ruminant performance through enhanced nutritional quality. This medium-late maturing variety was developed to increase water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) without sacrificing crude protein. The improved balance of energy and protein supports more efficient rumen function, helping livestock convert dietary protein into meat and milk while reducing nitrogen waste. In an independent customer trial, Crown Royale 2 demonstrated 64% higher WSC than a competing variety, contributing to a 3.6% increase in milk per ton of forage.
Together, Chubby Chicory and Crown Royale 2 demonstrate GO Seed’s commitment to purpose-driven breeding, delivering forage varieties that support livestock nutrition, efficient production, and greater value per acre.
GO Seed Introduces Three New Turfgrass Varieties
Developed through GO Seed’s research and breeding program in Salem, Oregon, these varieties combine improved turf quality, disease tolerance, and performance to meet the demands of professional turf and sod producers: Memphis 2 Tall Fescue, Maui Perennial
Ryegrass, and Lanai Perennial Ryegrass.
Memphis 2 Tall Fescue (GO-SH19) offers dark genetic
color, high tiller density, and a medium-fine leaf texture. Rapid establishment and excellent seedling vigor make it a promising option for sod production, while strong tolerance to brown patch and gray leaf spot supports performance across diverse environments. Early NTEP results have placed Memphis 2 among the top statistical group for turf quality at several locations.
Maui Perennial Ryegrass (GO-RUS20) stands out for
exceptional density, rapid spring green-up, and strong disease tolerance. Exhibiting the highest crown rust tolerance among GO Seed’s newest perennial ryegrass releases, along with good resistance to pink snow mold and dollar spot, Maui is well suited for sports turf, sod production, and professional turf applications.
Lanai Perennial Ryegrass (GO-RUS22) delivers premium visual appeal through dark genetic color, excellent spring density, and strong spring green-up. Combined with excellent pink snow mold tolerance and competitive NTEP turf quality performance, Lanai offers an attractive option for professional turf and sod markets.
Together, these three varieties reflect GO Seed’s continued commitment to developing turfgrass genetics that deliver the density, durability, disease tolerance, and visual quality demanded by today’s turf professionals.
