Poa is predominantly an asexual reproducing plant with an apomictic form of reproduction. Due to this form of reproduction, it has a limited capacity for genetic change. Among the Poa, there occurs one notable exception, Texas Bluegrass (Poa arachnifera), which has a purely sexual mode of reproduction and is found primarily in central Oklahoma and northern Texas. By producing hybrids between Texas Bluegrass and the various Poa species, it is possible to tap and manipulate the considerable genetic variation available in the various Poa species.

Project leader for USDA – ARS is Bryan Kindiger. Dr. Kindiger is stationed at the Grazinglands Research Laboratory in El Reno, OK and has been a research geneticist with the ARS for over 10 years. In this cooperation, Dr. Kindiger hopes to utilize his experience for developing superior Poa germplasm for both turf and forage use. Dr. Kindiger states, "This cooperation creates innumerable possibilities for creating a myriad of new genetic variation in the bluegrass complex. Most significant in this cooperation, is the dual goal of using these wide hybrids to develop both forage and turf cultivars."

Project contact for Barenbrug is Gerald Van’t Klooster, research director of Barenbrug USA. Van’t Klooster is located at the Barenbrug East Coast research station in Virginia and has been in grass breeding since 1986. "Barenbrug focuses on bluegrasses with fast germination and good performance under low maintenance," states Van’t Klooster "and the cooperation with Dr. Kindiger will allow us to better understand all the genetics of Poa species and develop better adapted varieties for our customers." "Drought tolerance is becoming an increasingly important factor" according to Van’t Klooster. "Many of the poa species we will work with under this program, have much better heat and drought tolerance compared to the traditional Kentucky bluegrass. We hope to transfer some of the traits of Texas Bluegrass to traditional Kentucky bluegrass."