All of them. Ok, let me explain how they all look so different.
Plants have genes just like humans. The human genome consists of 19,000 genes, the genome of a grass plant (i.e Corn, rice, bentgrass) is estimated to be around 40,000. That's a lot of different ways to express itself over time.
Plants will naturally segregate genetically over time, expressing different growth patterns and color, during its life span. Plant breeders are constantly creating new varieties and use these genetic changes to cultivate new varieties by crossing desirable traits expressed in two plants of the same species (Think back to high school and the Punnett square).
The diversity throughout a year (season to season) I believe can also change. We use a chemical on the greens called Trimmit to help control Poa encroachment, it is my belief that this chemical (a plant growth regulator) causes greater genetic expression, showing more variability on a green.
Lets think about it like this;
These nine babies in a nursery look very similar all wrapped in the same blanket and would be hard to distinguish as individuals for most people. As these kids age and grow into themselves at the age of 18 it would be much easier to distinguish them as individuals.
The picture below is a 'report card' provided by Seed Research of Oregon listing a few characteristics of many bentgrass cultivars that have been available for commercial purchase. I have placed an arrow next to the cultivar that was originally planted for our putting surfaces (Century).
I really like the variety that Paul chose years ago, it has some really good characteristics for our environment. If the time ever came for us to regrass the putting surfaces I would choose a variety similar to that of Century.
Thank you to the many of you who brought this topic to my attention and I hope this all makes more sense. Have a great day!
