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Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation

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Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation: An Emergency Authorisation for the use of the Syngenta insecticide, Acelepryn, to target chafer grubs has been granted for the 2021 season.

This season, the initial chafer grub specific authorisation permits use of Acelepryn on affected greens, tees and fairways, along with horse race courses and airfields. The sale of Acelepryn for chafer grub permitted up to 4 August 2021, with the treatment period up until 31 August.

Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation

Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation

A further Emergency Authorisation has also been submitted by ICL on behalf of the turf industry for the treatment of leatherjacket infestations later in the season. The regulatory authorisation system only permits a 120-day use period, which requires a separate submission for leatherjackets to target later application at peak pest timing.

Chafer grubs and leatherjackets cause damage to turf through extensive feeding on roots, which can be severe in localised patches. Surface stability where grubs have chewed through turf roots is of hugely significant concern for race courses.

Furthermore, extreme damage can occur in all turf surfaces when badgers, birds and other foragers root through turf in search of the grubs.

The Emergency Authorisation permits Acelepryn use in situations where there is an acknowledged instance of economic damage, or risk of bird strike on airfields, and where the product has been recommended by a BASIS qualified agronomist.

Acelepryn users will be able to submit online stewardship records of areas treated, linked from the ICL website.

”Over recent seasons the economic damage from chafer grubs and leatherjackets has been of major and increasing concern,” reported Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby. “Obtaining this Emergency Authorisation of Acelepryn enables us to manage the most damaging effects of these soil pests as part of an integrated turf management programme.”

Further replicated trials are underway on golf courses and fine turf surfaces to refine the Acelepryn application timing to optimise turf pest control.

Glenn advocates the best results have been achieved with applications at the peak flight of egg laying adults, to be in the soil zone to catch early feeding larvae. “It’s crucial to use higher water volumes, using the white O8 XC Nozzle to target the spray through to the soil surface,” he advised. “Irrigation will help to move the spray into the target zone.”

The authorised label permits application at the rate of 0.6 litres per hectare, applied in 500-1000 l/ha water.

Acelepryn will be available for purchase from the beginning of May this year, to give opportunity to prepare for the onset of primary chafer beetle flights, from mid to late May.

An on-line turf pest ID guide, to aid the identification of adult stages of key target soil pests and target application timing, is now available on the Syngenta GreenCast website. The allied Pest Tracker on-line reporting system is also building a picture of pest activity across the UK and Ireland, to focus issues and better aid application timing.

For further information on best use guidelines where chafer grubs and leatherjackets have caused economically damaging effects contact an ICL Area Manager or BASIS agronomist:

ICL Area Managers for Acelepryn enquiries:
Scotland

Jamie Lees

jamie.lees@icl-group.com

07500 992464

 North/East

Craig Lalley

craig.lalley@icl-group.com

07824 528252
Midlands/West

Emma Kilby

emma.kilby@icl-group.com

07748 111965

 South East/East London

Andrew Pledger

andrew.pledger@icl-group.com

07387 056659
South/London/Channel Islands

Darren Hatcher

darren.hatcher @icl-group.com

07787 697684

 South West/West London

Nick Martin

nick.martin@icl-group.com

07900 666691
North West

Phil Collinson

phil.collinson@icl-group.com

07824 473699

 South/Central

Matt Nutter

matthew.nutter@icl-group.com

07810 656240
Northern Ireland

Colman Warde

colman.warde@icl-group.com

+353-87-7799527

  

 

Alternatively contact Syngenta UK Technical Manager:
Glenn Kirby

glenn.kirby@syngenta.com

07483 333964

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BIGGA announces volunteer support team

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BIGGA announces volunteer support team: The return of The Open Championship this July will see BIGGA members from all over the United Kingdom leap into action once again as the BIGGA Volunteer Support Team takes responsibility for ensuring the Royal St George’s bunkers are in top condition for the world’s best golfers.

Following the rescheduling of the 149th Open Championship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BIGGA is delighted that the R&A has requested the assistance of its members in the staging of the event. Members who were selected for the postponed championship in 2020 have been invited to participate this year and are now looking forward to another incredible week of championship golf.

BIGGA announces volunteer support team

BIGGA announces volunteer support team

This will be the fourth time a volunteer team of BIGGA members has assisted at an Open Championship at Royal St George’s, having also taken part in 1993, 2003 and 2011. The bunkers at Royal St George’s Golf Club are among the most famous in golf, with the giant ‘Himalaya’ on the 4th hole providing an intimidating test, not just for the golfers who land in the hazard, but also the members of the support team who will recreate its condition afterwards.

Every full BIGGA member is eligible to apply for a place on the support team and those who are selected are given unprecedented access to golf’s greatest championship, supporting every match with bunker raking duties.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “A place on the Open Support Team is one of the most exciting opportunities we offer our members and I’m delighted that after such a dark year we were able to extend the invite to those members who missed out in 2020 due to the postponement of the championship. The Open remains for me the world’s greatest golf tournament, we’re thrilled to be able to support the R&A in its staging and everyone at BIGGA is looking forward to giving our all and playing our part in ensuring the 149th Open is Royal St George’s best yet.”

The BIGGA Volunteer Open Support Team are provided with accommodation, subsistence and uniform for the event. Members of the support team may also be called upon to assist Course Manager Paul Larsen and his team with early morning preparation work and other duties during the week. Restrictions are expected to be in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and any necessary adjustments to working practices will be made clear to BIGGA members ahead of the championship.

The 149th Open tales place from 15 to 18 July 2021. Applications for the BIGGA Volunteer Support Team for the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews will open later this year.

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

Robert Acheson, Thonock Park; David Ball, Thetford; James Bonfield, The Hertfordshire; Tom Bromfield, Trentham; Mark Cleverley, Kings Norton; Jason Connaughton, Yeovil; Daryn Curtis, Royal Mid-Surrey; Joe Curtis, Gloucester; James Dawson, Alwoodley; Julian Drake, Neath; Nicholas Edwards, The Wisley; Michael Elderfield, Sandy Lodge; Sam Evans, North Hants; Edoardo Fauro, Walton Heath; Ryan Fiander, Lees Hall; Craig Gibson, Essendon; James Hampson, Llanymynech; Craig Hempseed, Mortonhall; Kevin Hensman, Rowlands Castle; Alastair Hollingsbee, Etchinghill; James Hook, The Bristol; Dale Housden, Drayton Park; Adam King, Radley; Antony Kirwan, Romford; Chris Low, Olton; Matthew Mackenzie, Ellesborough; Jorge Manso Grandio, Royal Wimbledon; Steven Mapes, Coventry; Michael Mead, Littlehampton; Peter Meek, Bath; William Merritt, Blundells Hill; Ashley Millar, Churston; Harry Misselbrook, Harewood Downs; Ryan Neale, Blackwell; Joshua Raper, Golf Club Hösel Ev; Laura Sayer-Hall, Ardfin; Tom Silcock, Macclesfield; Nick Street, Crews Hill; Will Simmonds, Surbiton; Niels Sorensen, Randers Golf Klub; Ollie Tanton, Royal North Devon; Amy Thomas, Barton-on-Sea; Scott Thomson, Wetherby; Gary Tonge, Castle Stuart; Ken Ward, Harrogate; Jeremy Ward, Rotherham; Sam Wood, Lingdale.

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Shining a light on innovation in the amenity sector

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Shining a light on innovation in the amenity sector: As part of its role in promoting best practice in all aspects of amenity management, the Forum has released a new digital publication entitled aptly enough ‘Amenity Innovation’.

It is intended to be a twice per year publication with articles on aspects of innovation and research. In the first edition, there are articles from Professor Alan Gange from Royal Holloway, University of London, on biological control, from Dr. Ruth Mann from STRI on innovations in sports, lawn and urban green spaces and from Dr. Penny Hundleby from the John Innes Institute on genome editing and what it can offer. Ian Graham, from Complete Weed Control, also considers what innovation can offer in his area of work.

Shining a light on innovation in the amenity sector

Shining a light on innovation in the amenity sector

The publication can be accessed here

https://amenityforum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Amenity-Innovation-Newsletter.pdf

As the independent chairman of the Amenity Forum, John Moverley, says in introducing the publication, ‘Undoubtedly much is happening in all aspects of amenity space and sports surface management and a publication such as this is seen as giving opportunity for all in the sector to hear of particular projects, innovations and current research ideas’

Currently the government is undertaking a review of all aspects of weed, pest and disease management with a view to producing a new UK National Action Plan, which will set the targets and requirements in future. The Forum is actively engaged in such discussions and, within their recent consultation, innovation is a key topic.

For further information on the activities of the Forum and its guidance information and events, contact Kate at admin@amenityforum.net and she will also be pleased to forward you a copy of the new publication.

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Supaturfman to the rescue

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Supaturfman to the rescue: Greenkeeper Mark Piper claims that the SISIS Supaturfman has made a remarkable difference to the green at Maldon Bowling Club in Essex. 

Maldon, one of the most respectable bowling clubs in Essex, was founded in 1908.

Supaturfman to the rescue

Supaturfman to the rescue

Historically, the green itself was maintained by the local Council for several years, but it is now looked after by a small group of dedicated club members. It was the right decision according to Mark Piper, the greenkeeper who oversees the team of volunteers.

“It was time for us to start caring for the green because it was suffering,” said Mark.

“Unfortunately, the Council couldn’t dedicate enough time and it was affecting the playability of the green. As a club we came to this decision and not only has it made sense financially, but it has also improved the quality of the green.”

Mark took on the responsibility at the start of the year and identified which task required immediate attention.

“The green was suffering quite badly from moss,” he said. “This was because it was receiving no aeration at all throughout the winter.”

After researching various aeration machines, Mark came across the SISIS Supaturfman and decided to call the company after being suitably impressed.

“I really liked the sound of the machine, but I wasn’t too sure if we could afford it. After speaking to Dennis and SISIS, they pointed us in the correct direction so we could obtain a funding package. I was obviously delighted, and it was part of an exceptionally good service from Dennis and SISIS.”

Mark received the necessary funding from SUEZ Communities Trust, which enabled him to purchase the SISIS Supaturfman. This independently powered heavy-duty aerator is ideal for the maintenance of bowling greens. Just as Mark recognised, aeration is important for improving drainage, reducing turf compacting, thatch build up and for generally increasing the health of lawns.

Furthermore, it has a maximum working depth of 10cm (4 inches) and a choice of interchangeable tines to provide excellent lawn care when aeration is needed.

“In just a short amount of time, the Supaturfman has made a huge difference to the green,” said Mark. “It is extremely easy to use, and will be used throughout the season for aeration. When I attach the slitter – not only is it quicker than tining, but it also provides aeration with the added benefit of keeping the Poa Annua down – which we normally get a lot of in spring. I would say that I use the machine a couple of times a month, alternating between the solid tines and the slitter every two weeks.

“As the season approaches, I am planning on using the pencil tines once a month and we also bought the hollow tines should we need to do coring in the autumn.”

Supaturfman to the rescue

Supaturfman to the rescue

For those all-important autumn renovations, Mark also purchased the SISIS Truspred – a versatile hand operated spreader and top dresser for the accurate, even application of grass seed or top-dressing material.

With his new SISIS equipment, Mark now feels that the green is currently in its best ever condition.

“All of the members can see the difference already,” he said. “I’m looking forward to using the Supaturfman for the autumn renovations and keeping the green aerated over winter – I am confident that this will raise the standards of the green even more.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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A short course with a long lifespan

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A short course with a long lifespan: Edinburgh’s Swanston Golf Club has reinvested in its Templar Course, some thirteen years after it first opened. The 9-hole par 3 course partners the Club’s 18-hole course and its short format is proving more popular than ever, appealing to many who appreciate the ability to play a round in under an hour.

Situated at the foot of the Pentland Hills with wonderful views across Edinburgh, Fife and beyond, Swanston Golf Club was founded in 1927, originally as a ladies-only course. Such was the panoramic beauty and challenging hilly nature of the course, demand from members’ partners meant that it wasn’t long before the Club was opened to all. It now prides itself on inclusivity, with a thriving junior section and a spacious, family-friendly Clubhouse that is open to members and non-members alike.

A short course with a long lifespan

A short course with a long lifespan

Recognising the popularity and further potential of the Templar Course, the Club’s management team re-engaged Huxley Golf in early 2021 to recreate all of its nine tees. As there are no natural grass alternatives, the whole course benefits from reliable artificial tee surfaces which guarantee year-round play.

Thirteen is unlucky for some but not for us it seems!” remarked Club Manager Secretary Mike Robson. “I understand that Huxley Golf worked on the initial installation thirteen years ago, so its testimony to their product and installation skills that Templar has stood the test of time. This is the first occasion that I have had the opportunity to work with Huxley Golf, but I had no hesitation in putting my trust in the company to revamp what is an increasingly popular feature of our Club.

From the longevity and performance of the initial installation, it was clear to me that the quality and playing experience of Huxley Golf surfaces remain unbeatable.”

Huxley Golf’s Hugh Fraser oversaw the project from removing old rotten wood bases to creating brand new playing surfaces using the company’s renowned Premier Tee Turf 2. “We were delighted to be entrusted with reinvigorating this fabulous short course, which will undoubtedly attract an even wider range of people and help the Club develop golf in the Lothian area,” he commented.

At the same time, the Huxley Golf team helped the Club lay a brand new practice tee strip near to the driving range. Measuring some 6ft (1.8m) by 75ft (22.8m), this large all-weather feature marries perfectly with adjoining natural grass to create a facility with season-long playability.

For over half a century, the name Huxley has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products. Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the Hampshire-based company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com.

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