Following
two years of research and investment, DLF will launch the new ‘DLF Select’
quality programme and seed range for the 2019 season.
In
a world where it is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve high purity
standards, DLF have developed a new programme within their production chain to
safeguard quality and ensure they remain the preferred, reliable, supplier to
the top turf managers worldwide.
Environmental
factors and changes in pesticide regulations have brought increasing challenges
to those trying to achieve clean surfaces. DLF field consultants, working
closely together with specially selected growers, have identified the cleanest
fields to grow and harvest only the purest
crops to produce ‘00’ and ‘S’ purity rated seed. DLF Select ‘00’ quality
guarantees the highest purity based on a standard ISTA analysis. In a standard
sample of the ‘00’ quality grass seed, 0.0% of other seeds are found. For even
further reassurance, a 10x sample search is performed for the ‘S’ grade.
The
superior ‘S1’ standard guarantees the result of 0.0% other seeds, while ‘S2’
indicates no coarse grasses, with only traces of non-harmful dicot species.
Besides the mentioned Select purity grades, DLF also offer professional ‘A1’
& ‘A2’ grades for the amenity market, that offer a vast improvement on the
baseline EU purity rules and standards.
Head
of Corporate Product Management Mette Jespersen has spearheaded the programme.
“DLF Select has seen major work and investment through all levels of planning,
growing, harvesting, cleaning and logistics to secure the delivery of the
purest seed to our customers.
"We
have introduced new procedures throughout the process including separate
storage to avoid any potential contamination and specialised cleaning
departments. The post-clean ISTA certified analysis then ensures that the seed
is labelled with the correct quality grade.
"We
have also provided additional training to our growers on best practice and
cleaning operators in seed recognition, while hi-tech cameras have been
installed over cleaning lines to identify contaminants and analyse seed
samples.”
She
adds, “Being able to offer the Select purity standards in a selection of DLF
varieties provides turf managers with the confidence that all steps have been
taken to ensure the quality and purity of the seed lot.”
A
list of DLF varieties available within the Select programme, is available on
request.
