Midfielders and goal keepers may be the focus of a billion television viewers tuned in to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but the subtle brilliant green turf that provides an eye-pleasing surface for the action likely turns a few heads as well.

For that, viewers can thank DLF International Seeds of Halsey. DLF is providing most of the turf seed used in overseeding the nine World Cup fields.

“Most all of that seed is grown here in Oregon,” said Rick Myers, vice president of sales for DLF. “Our seed is used on over 50 percent of turf seed in the soccer stadiums and 100 percent of the overseeding done for repair.”

DLF began its quest to seed the World Cup four years ago according to Myers. The World Cup’s governing body, the International Federation of Association Football commonly know as FIFA, has stringent standards for its fields.

Wear tolerant, fast growing seed capable of blending with the grasses already in place and, of course, boasting a dark green color were important aspects for FIFA. Myers said DLF was able to provide all of that.

A blend of its Derby Xtreme annual ryegrass and Rhythm Kentucky bluegrass provides the mixture for the turf seed according to Steve Reid, chief plant breeder for DLF.  Axcella 2, an annual ryegrass, is used for the repairs.

“We sent a lot of seed to trials because FIFA is very selective,” Reid said.

The grasses on the soccer pitch take a beating during each game and divots and holes need to be filled. Overseeding for the repairs is done between games. Reid said an overseed needed to blend in well with the existing pitch.

Myers said half the seed was shipped in January and the other half in April. DLF and Corvallis’ Seed Research of Oregon combined to distribute 165,000 pounds of seed through South African distributor Agricole which serves both companies. Myers said 90,000 pounds of that was DLF seed.

When it comes to sports turf, DLF has an impressive resume. DLF turf is featured on many major league baseball fields and several Super Bowls and the last Summer Olympic Games in China used DLF seed.

“We ship to stadiums all over the world. It’s a very important part of our business,” said Reid.

DLF is already working to provide seed for the next World Cup in Brazil in four years.

The World Cup is only the first major international sporting event that will feature DLF seed this year. Reid said the company is the exclusive supplier of grass seed for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, to be held in Kentucky this fall. It is the first time the games have ever been held outside of Europe. DLF provided 20,000 pounds for the cross country, endurance and combined driving events.

Myers said improving turf seed is an ongoing effort at DLF United States research facilities in Philomath and Berry, Kentucky and also at research sites in Europe and South America.

Heat and draught tolerance tests are backed by wear and tear testing on a specially designed wear tolerance machine.

Reid said the machine runs over turf at the Philomath Research Station twice a day and ultimately simulates 60 games in a season.

“We won’t release a variety unless it’s been tested under heavy pressure,” Reid said.