Beaverton, Oregon
February 20, 2007
Barenbrug USA has selected
patented Zeba® brand seed-coating technology from
Absorbent Technologies, Inc.
(ATI) as part of a new generation of bermudagrass seed. The new
Barbados bermudagrass from Barenbrug USA is now available with
the Zeba technology built-in to increase germination and improve
the seed establishment.
Barbados is a new generation
bermudagrass from Barenbrug USA available this spring. Barbados
is a highly rated variety in both NTEP trials as well as
European trials. Known for its dark green color, Barbados
exhibits a dense sward and excellent winter survivability.
Recent NTEP trials show that Barbados ranks as high, and in some
cases higher, than the vegetative varieties of bermudagrass
currently available. For the first time, high quality
bermudagrass is now affordable.
Developed from natural
cornstarch, Zeba is the first starch-based, seed-coating
treatment available specifically for improved turf production by
creating a healthy microenvironment around the seed. Benefits
include faster germination and superior stand establishment.
When used as a soil amendment,
Zeba works like a sponge, holding and releasing moisture over
and over again to plant roots, as needed. Zeba's ability to hold
more than 400 times its own weight in water Ð and give back 95%
of that water to root systems Ð results in thicker turf that's
more resilient to wear while significantly improved water
management and reducing irrigation costs.
"We are taking a great product
in Barbados and making it better with Zeba," said Christiaan
Arends, Turf Product Manager, Barenbrug USA. "We are known as
the worldwide innovator of grass seed breeding so to partner
with an innovative coating company like ATI will mean better
products for the end user. There have always been a number of
issues with seeded bermudagrass. The price was right, but the
quality as well as germination and establishment were always
problematic. When using Barbados with Zeba, you get the highest
quality turf with the added benefit of increased germination and
establishment. This is a "first" in the turf industry."
"We are extremely pleased to be
chosen by Barenbrug in the development of this innovative new
turf product," said Gary Olson, Vice President of Sales, ATI,
upon making the announcement. "This is a great example of our
technology licensing program that provides added value and
increases the efficacy of products from manufacturers such as
Barenbrug, and helps leading brands stay at the forefront of
technology.
Absorbent Technologies, Inc.
(ATI), based in Beaverton, Oregon, is the world leader in the
development and manufacturing of starch-based superabsorbent
products that are specifically formulated to optimize the
quality of turf. The company's patented Zeba® branded products
repeatedly hold and release water in the root zone, reducing
moisture stress in plants. By creating a more favorable growing
environment, Zeba also improves stand establishment and plant
consistency. The company's products are sold for commercial
agricultural production, turf and ornamentals, reforestation,
seed coating, and at retail to lawn and garden enthusiasts. The
foundation for Zeba's technology was created initially by United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers and has been
further developed by ATI through its patents. The company
maintains two exclusive Cooperative Research and Development
Agreements with the USDA for ongoing advancements in
starch-based technologies. ATI began large-scale commercial
manufacturing of Zeba in 2004 at company-owned facilities in
Albany, Oregon.
Other news
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Absorbent Technologies /
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