Headland enhances plant health

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Headland enhances plant health: After its launch at the tail end of 2019, early adopters of Headland Amenity’s new Enhanced Plant Health product, PPT114, are already reaping the rewards.

One such club is Mill Green Golf Club in Hertfordshire, where Course Manager Andy Copeland has successfully trialled PPT114 as part of his EPH tank-mix and has reported significantly reduced levels of disease activity.

Headland enhances plant health

Headland enhances plant health

Andy joined Mill Green in July 2019 but has been using Headland Amenity products for much longer. “When I first took charge of a club 10 years ago, I very much sought the guidance and advice of those trusted suppliers around me – one of those being Headland. Some of those products that were incorporated into my programmes back then, still play a major part of my regime now here at Mill Green – including C-Complex and the 20/20/30 tank-mix. We’re not in a position where we can afford to take too many risks, so when you find products that give you guaranteed results, I tend to stick with them.”

Saying that, when new products or adaptations to mixes become available, the trust that Andy has in the advice of his Regional Headland Technical Manager Peter Blackaby means he’s up for giving them a try. “When Mantle was introduced and incorporated with the 20/20/30 mix we trialled that and noticed the improvements straight away. Following discussions with Pete at BTME, for the remainder of the winter we’ve now doubled the Mantle application rate with great results. He also showed me the trial results of the PPT114 formulation back in October, and I was confident that it would work well for us.”

PPT114 is a soluble, micronutrient formulation featuring Manganese, Zinc and Copper, alongside Harpin Protein Elicitor. It has been developed to increase the efficacy of plant-health applications, helping to minimise Microdochium nivale infection. Andy combined PPT114 with his monthly fungicide strategy, followed up with 20/20/30+Mantle mix two weeks later. “We first trialled it on our Par 3 on its own and it was evident just seven days after the first application that the greens looked good and clean, so we rolled it out course-wide. This proactive strategy gives me better control over the health of our greens and, compared to other sites, the results we’re achieving, and the reduction in levels of disease we’re seeing, are much better.”

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Mowing forward with more choice

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Mowing forward with more choice: Adding to its award-winning range of cordless power tools, EGO is now launching a new 42cm self-propelled lawnmower (LM1701E-SP).

Combined with other features, it’s designed to make mowing easy with incredible collection even on slopes and difficult terrain.

Mowing forward with more choice

Mowing forward with more choice

In addition to the variable speed self-propelled drive system, the lawn mower has wheels with a larger than usual tread to give better traction. It also features adjustable handle heights and an easy to access battery and grass-box.

Weighing just 25kg, the 42cm mower benefits from an extra-large 55 litre textile bag for grass collection and supplied with a 2.5Ah battery and standard charger, you can cut up to 300sqm on one single charge.  It’s also manufactured from a robust and easy to clean polymer material which is a proven winner when it comes to collecting, mulching and rear discharge cutting.

Powered by industry leading 56-volt Arc lithium-ion technology, there are no power cables to get tangled in, and no petrol to deal with.

But that doesn’t mean you don’t get equivalent performance.

From leaf blowers and chain saws through to the new mower, all of EGO’s market leading range of cordless equipment matches or surpasses the performance of petrol-powered tools – without the noise, vibration or pollution, but with plenty of added value.

Retailing at £529.00 with a 5-year domestic warranty, the new 42cm mower proves the point.

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Cabrio fine under pressure

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Cabrio fine under pressure: For greenkeepers and groundsmen looking for a top-performing perennial ryegrass with the very best fineness of leaf, there is still only one choice.

That is according to Richard Brown of Germinal GB who explains that, for the fourth year running, Cabrio has been announced as the number one variety on the BSPB’s Table L1 for perennial ryegrasses.

Cabrio fine under pressure

Cabrio fine under pressure

First introduced as a new cultivar in 2016, Cabrio Ultra Fine Ryegrass went straight to the top of Table L1 in 2017 with a fineness of leaf score of 8.8.  It subsequently retained this position in 2018 (8.8) and 2019 (8.7) and holds the top spot again in the 2020 list thanks to another score of 8.7: a rating which puts it half a point clear of its nearest rivals at 8.2.

“Ever since its release in 2016, Cabrio has remained the top performing cultivar on the BSPB’s list of perennial ryegrasses mown at 10-15mm,” explains Richard Brown, Germinal Amenity Sales Manager.

“With good all-round scores for shoot density (7.8), visual merit (7.9), slow re-growth habit (7.2) and cleanness of cut (7.1), Cabrio is still the number one choice for groundsmen, greenkeepers and turf growers who want to produce an exceptionally fine-leaved, hard wearing and aesthetically attractive sward that can not only tolerate a close mowing regime, but which will also give good ball roll or bounce.”

Cabrio is recommended for use on golf tees and golf green aprons as well as tennis courts and cricket squares where it is ideal for repairing baselines and wicket ends. As such, it is included in Germinal’s A5 (Cricket, Tennis and Tees), A10 (Golf Tees and Divot Repairs) and A28 (Ultra Fine Ryegolf) seed mixtures where it partners with a selection of other cultivars to provide enhanced sward density, wear tolerance and repair capability.

“For all of these seed mixtures, plagiarism is the best form of flattery,” Mr Brown continues. “We are therefore pleased to see others within the industry responding by bringing their own fine-leaved offerings to the market. However, it is worth remembering that there are only seven ryegrass cultivars on Table L1 with a fineness of leaf score of 8.0 or above, two of which – Cabrio (8.7) and Escapade (8.1) – are exclusive to Germinal. As such, copycat mixtures are unable to match the performance of our Grade A mixtures, which remain the best option where a ryegrass mixture that will blend in with other fine-leaved species is required, such as, for example, with fescues on a links golf course.”

Cabrio also ranks highly on Table G4 (perennial ryegrasses mown at 4-7mm) where its 8.4 score for fineness of leaf is the highest. “At these low cutting heights Cabrio’s fineness of leaf simply can’t be surpassed,” Mr Brown concludes.

Cabrio: cultivar characteristics*

  Table L1

(mown at 10-15mm)

 Table G4

(mown at 4-7mm)
Shoot density 7.8 7.3
Fineness of leaf 8.7 8.4
Slow regrowth 7.2 –
Visual merit 7.9 7.5
Mean 7.9 7.4
Resistance to Red Thread 3.8 4.8
Cleanness of cut 7.1 –
Winter greenness 5.2 5.4
Summer greenness 6.0 6.0

*Source: BSPB Turfgrass Seed booklet 2020

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ISEKI continues to support RFU

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ISEKI continues to support RFU: ISEKI UK & Ireland has supported the RFU’s Rugby Groundsmen Connected scheme for six years by providing discounted maintenance equipment and attending educational events throughout the year, this is set to continue into 2020 and beyond.

Rugby Groundsmen Connected (RGC) is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundsmen. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and also has special offers and exclusive benefits for members.  Rugby Groundsmen Connected and its partners are dedicated to supporting anybody that has any involvement in the turf maintenance of rugby pitches; complete novice to Premiership groundsmen.

ISEKI continues to support RFU

ISEKI continues to support RFU

Working with trusted industry suppliers, RGC has devised a rugby club pitch maintenance equipment package.  The package is designed to meet the needs of rugby union clubs that aim to deliver a high quality pitch maintenance programme.

Commenting on the Rugby Groundsmen Connected equipment package John Clifford, ISEKI Sales Manager explained; “We offer a discounted rate to RFU Groundsmen Connected members for the ISEKI TM3267 tractor, chosen specifically as the ideal machine for rugby clubs, small enough to store in a container, lightweight, simple to use and powerful to run the other turf maintenance equipment available on the package.  Our machinery has used been at the home of England Rugby; Twickenham Stadium for many years so you can rest assured the equipment is perfect for the demands turf maintenance requires to keep the pitches in perfect condition.”

The TM3267 manual transmission tractor features an ISEKI clean burn 3 cylinder 25hp diesel engine that provides plenty of power for all tasks required around your club. It has a high comfort operator platform and easily operated controls allowing the operator to concentrate on the task in hand.  Eight forward and eight reverse gears ensures selecting the right gear for the task is never a problem and with two auxiliary hydraulic outlets a full range of attachments can be used whether trailed or linkage mounted.  Alternatively, should a higher horsepower tractor be required ISEKI can offer other products at a similar discounted rate to suit the requirements of each rugby club.

As part of the many benefits of being a registered member of the Rugby Groundsmen Connected is the ability to attend regional Pitch Maintenance Evenings held throughout the year supported by the RFU and the industry suppliers.  Here members will receive presentations, demonstrations and advice from key personnel within the industry to help advise and assist them in their roles as groundsmen.

Anyone can register to join RFU Groundsmen Connected at no cost. Registration is by email to groundsmenconnected@rfu.com.

Once signed up members will receive regular communications with advice, information and the opportunity to ask questions.  Access to new and improved RFU Pitch Improvement Partnership maintenance contractors is also only available to clubs who have a groundsman registered with Rugby Groundsmen Connected.  Members can also apply for RFU/RFF funding for pitch improvement projects.

ISEKI look forward to supporting this scheme further into 2020 and beyond, building relationships with the hardworking groundsmen, supporting them in their dedication to the sport and the turf maintenance required to keep the clubs playing all year round.

For further information on the full ISEKI range of Mowers and Tractors please visit www.iseki.co.uk or call 01473 599266 to discuss your requirements.

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Introducing BIGGA’s volunteers

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Introducing BIGGA’s volunteers: The Open 2019 is heading to Sandwich in Kent this July and the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has revealed which members have been selected to join the volunteer support team that will help maintain playing standards throughout the event.

Each year The R&A requests BIGGA’s assistance with the championship and this will be the fourth time a volunteer team of BIGGA members has attended an Open at Royal St George’s, having also helped out in 1993, 2003 and 2011.

Introducing BIGGA's volunteers

Introducing BIGGA’s volunteers

BIGGA members who join the support team are given unprecedented access to golf’s greatest championship, supporting every match with bunker-raking duties.

The bunkers at Royal St George’s are among the most famous in golf, with the giant ‘Himalaya’ on the 4th hole proving an intimidating test, not just for the golfers who land in the hazard, but also the members of the support team who will tidy up the sand afterwards.

Every full BIGGA greenkeeper member is eligible to apply for a place on the team and over the years there have been incredible memories made by support team members.

Phillip Snellin of Donaghadee Golf Club was a team member at Royal Portrush in 2019. He drew the final match of the championship and had a money-can’t-buy view as Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood battled it out for the Claret Jug.

“The last two holes were among the best things that have ever happened to me,” said Phillip. “It was awesome. Walking down the 18th, I’ve never experienced anything like that. The songs, the atmosphere, the hair stood up on my arms big time and there’s no words that can describe it.”

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “The Open is, in my view, the finest tournament in the sport with the beautiful links courses that host the event being critical to that. Royal St George’s is a special venue and I’m thrilled that once again members of BIGGA have the chance to play a small part in presenting it for the world’s best players.

“Following two very difficult years in terms of weather, I know that Course Manager Paul Larsen and his team have put in an extraordinary amount of work to ensure the links will be in prime condition.

“I’m extremely proud that once again The R&A has called upon BIGGA’s professional members to assist with the maintenance of the course throughout the championship. The Open is a long week but everyone at BIGGA is looking forward to giving our all and ensuring the 149th Open is Royal St George’s best one yet.”

The BIGGA Volunteer Open Support Team will be provided with accommodation, food, refreshments and uniform for the event. Members of the support team may also be called upon at short notice to assist Course Manager Paul Larsen and his team with early morning preparation work and divoting duties. With early tee times and golf played until nightfall, the week is intense and physically-demanding.

The 149th Open takes place from 16 to 19 July 2020. Thank you to everyone who applied to be part of this year’s team.

Here are the BIGGA members who will be assisting the home greenkeepers for the duration of the event:

Robert Acheson, Thornock Park GC; David Ball, Thetford GC; James Bonfield, The Hertfordshire G&CC; Tom Bromfield, Trentham GC; Andrew Brown, Boundary Lakes; Mark Cleverley, Hollywood GC; Jason Connoughton, Yeovil GC; Daryn Curtis, Royal Mid-Surrey GC; James Dawson, Oulton Hall GC; Julian Drake, Neath GC; Nicholas Edwards, The Wisley; Michael Elderfield, Sandy Lodge GC; Edoardo Fauro, Walton Heath; Ryan Fiander, Lees Hall GC; Stuart Fry, Old Thorns GC; Craig Gibson, Essendon CC; Jorge Grandio, Royal Wimbledon GC; James Hampson, Llanymynech GC; Craig Hempseed, Mortonhall GC; Kevin Hensman, Rowlands Castle GC; Alastair Hollingsbee, Etchinghill GC; James Hook, Woodspring G&CC; Dale Housden, Drayton Park GC; Adam King, Radley GC; Antony Kirwan, Romford GC; Matthew Kitson, Royal Mid-Surrey GC; John Le Cappelain, Royal Jersey GC; Chris Low, Olton GC; Matthew Mackenzie, Ellesborough GC; Steven Mapes, Coventry GC; Michael Mead, Littlehampton GC; Peter Meek, The Wisley; William Merritt, Beacon Park GC; Ashley Millar, Churston GC; Harry Misselbrook, Harewood Downs GC; Ryan Neale, Blackwell GC; Joshua Raper, Golf Club Hosel E.V.; Laura Sayer-Hall, Ardfin GC; Tom Silcock, Macclesfield GC; Will Simmonds, The Richmond GC; Niels Sorensen, Randers Golf Klub; David Stewart, Walmley GC; Nick Street, Crews Hill GC; Ollie Tanton, Royal North Devon GC; Amy Thomas, Barton-on-Sea GC; Scott Thomson, Wetherby GC; Gary Tonge, Tain GC; Jeremy Ward, Rotherham GC.

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