Evolution of Chile's Turfgrass Seed Market (2001–2015)

Abstract

The turfgrass seed market in Chile is dominated by imported seed, and there is no published information regarding the main turfgrass species and cultivars being imported. This information would be useful for Chilean farmers interested in producing turfgrass seed or sod. The objectives of this study were to quantify the volume of the Chilean turfgrass seed market by turfgrass species from 2001 to 2015, to measure the change in imports by year, and to identify the most used turfgrass species and cultivars in Chile. Original imports data between 2001 and 2015 were requested from the Agricultural Studies and Policies Office (ODEPA) belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile, with information from the National Customs Services. Data were analyzed individually to correct errors in the classification and classified into perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and minor turfgrass species, which included a Festuca rubra L. complex including Festuca rubra ssp. rubra, Festuca rubra ssp. tricophylla, and Festuca rubra ssp. commutata; Poa spp. including Poa trivialis L. and Poa pratensis L.; Cynodon dactylon L.; Dichondra repens J.R. Forst. & G. Forst; and Agrostis spp. including creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), Agrostis tenuis L., and Agrostis capillaris L. The main import of turfgrass seed to Chile was perennial ryegrass, which has greatly increased since 2008, followed by tall fescue; both species are widely used in sports fields and other recreational settings. The Chilean turfgrass seed market shows the same worldwide tendency: perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are the main cool‐season species used for turfgrass purposes.