Leatherjackets target for new Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation

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Leatherjackets target for new Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation: A further new Emergency Authorisation (EA) for the use of the Syngenta insecticide, Acelepryn, has been reapproved to target leatherjackets for the 2020 season.

The new leatherjacket specific authorisation supplements the summer chafer grub EA announced in May.

Leatherjackets target for new Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation

Leatherjackets target for new Acelepryn Emergency Authorisation

“Two individual EA’s allow a longer window of application to target the specific pests at the most appropriate timing for each- which coincide with the pests’ egg hatch and initial larval activity,” according to ICL Technical Manager, Henry Bechelet, who applied for the Emergency Authorisation on behalf of the industry.

The EA permits use of Acelepryn on affected greens, tees and fairways, along with horse race courses and airfields. The treatment period for leatherjackets is up until 31 October 2020.

Leatherjackets cause damage to turf through feeding on roots and leaves – typically resulting in pock-marked and uneven surfaces, which can be severe in localised patches, he pointed out. Racecourses and horse gallops are especially prone to surface instability where root damage is caused by soil pests.

Furthermore, extensive damage can occur in all turf surfaces when badgers, birds and other foragers root through turf in search of leatherjackets. Flocks of birds attracted to feed on larvae are of particular concern on airfields.

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane fly (daddy longs legs). Adults typically emerge in late July to the end of September, although hatching may be further extended into the autumn depending on weather conditions. Crane fly start to lay eggs almost immediately, depositing up to 400 eggs each in 80-100 batches.

The eggs hatch after approximately 14 days, when larvae start to feed on organic matter and roots, along with leaves on the surface around their holes. Optimum results have been seen from application targeted during peak egg laying, to target larvae soon after egg hatch.

“The extension of use to the 31 October could prove extremely useful to target later emerging leatherjackets. However, all orders must be received by ICL by 27 October, to enable necessary stewardship records and delivery,” added Mr Bechelet.

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.

This season, for the first time, Acelepryn users will be able to submit online stewardship records of areas treated, via the ICL website: https://bit.ly/AceleprynStewardshipForm2020

Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby, advised the best results have been achieved with applications when young leatherjackets, at the 1st and 2nd instar stages, are actively feeding near the soil surface.

“It’s important to apply at 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. Only one application per year is permitted on any given area.

Greenkeepers and turf managers are urged to report sightings of crane fly activity through the on-line Pest Tracker. The aim is to build a picture of pest activity across the UK and Ireland, to anticipate issues and aid application timing. Further information and pest identification guide is available on the Syngenta GreenCast website.

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

 

Alternatively contact Syngenta UK Technical Manager:
Glenn Kirby

glenn.kirby@syngenta.com

07483 333964

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Bionema launches cold-tolerance products

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Bionema launches cold-tolerance products: After three years of field trials, UK-based biotechnology company Bionema has launched a new cold- tolerance nematode pest control product, which provides insect kill rate of up to 95%.

It is estimated that crop pests caused 470 billion USD worldwide annually. For example, annual European losses by western corn rootworm are the estimated at £1.5billion, while black vine weevil causes losses of up to £40m to the UK horticulture industry and £4 billion worldwide. According to a research report conducted by independent agricultural and environmental consultancy ADAS, UK estimated annual chafer grub control costs UK golf courses approximately £85m in lost income and damage repair and lost income by the 40% of UK racecourses affected by pest damage could amount to £605,000 per course.

Bionema launches cold-tolerance products

Bionema launches cold-tolerance products

Bionema’s new product – NemaTrident®CT (cold-tolerance) contains Heterorhabditis downesi and offers a highly effective chemical-free, low temperature solution to greenkeepers, sports turf managers, crop growers, plant producers and arboriculturists who are finding it difficult to control these pests in lower temperature soils. The product provides protection against a wide range of agricultural, horticultural and forestry pests – including vine weevil, pine weevil, chafer grubs, leatherjackets, cutworms and offers successful results when used in the late spring and autumn when soil temperatures can dip to as low as 5°C.

It is an also effective alternative to traditional chemical products, which have been withdrawn from the market, due to EU chemical pest control regulations.

The NemaTrident® tri-component range comprises different species of naturally occurring, beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes within the Heterorhabditis and Steinernema genera.

The main components comprising the NemaTrident® solution are:

  1. Selected nematode species,
  2. A biocompatible wetting agent plus
  3. Training and advice

Dr Minshad Ansari, founder and CEO of Bionema – and a leading expert in biocontrol said “Three-year product trials in the horticultural, sport turf, forestry and arboriculture sectors included different nematode species. The final product offers a unique solution that provides 20-30% higher efficacy than existing products in the market – and delivers up to 95% kill rate”.

NemaTrident® is available to professional users in the UK and EU through dedicated distributors including Rigby Taylor, Dejex Horticulture, Farmyard, Medinbio and Progreen.

Peter Corbett, Business Development Manager of Rigby Taylor, said: “We are delighted to add Bionema’s NemaTrident Cold-Tolerant solutions to our portfolio. Our customers have been crying out for a solution to treat insect problems when they begin to appear in early spring and late autumn.”

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Bionema sign MoU with Scientia Colombia

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Bionema sign MoU with Scientia Colombia: Scientia Colombia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with world-leading biopesticide technology developer Bionema, to collaborate on making more environmentally sustainable biological controls available in the fight against pests and diseases in less developed countries.

Leading biopesticide technology company Bionema attended the AgriTech 2020 mission to Colombia, organised by the UK Prosperity Fund.

Bionema sign MoU with Scientia Colombia

Bionema sign MoU with Scientia Colombia

During the visit, Bionema explored the opportunity to collaborate in a new geographical territory. This resulted in a welcome partnership with Scientia Colombia, which offers biological solutions for integrated pest management in Agriculture.

The two companies signed an MoU during a networking event organised by The British Embassy in Colombia and AgriTech 2020 at Sonesta Hotel, Pereira that will add value in a multitude of ways, with benefits to both parties.  Specifically, its aims are to:

  • Set up a Good Experimental Facilities (GEP) for testing the plant protection products (PPPs).
  • Commercialise new biopesticide products for high value crops in Colombia.
  • Transfer knowledge in the field of biopesticides, and
  • Provide training to end users in high value crops.

International collaborations between biopesticide companies in different geographical territories are particularly valuable, considering limitations placed on the movement of live organisms in many parts of the world, and the fact that the organisms in biopesticides may act differently in different environments.

The new experimental facility will be able to demonstrate the efficacy of Bionema’s range of biopesticide products – already proven effective and available in Europe – in the South American climate and against native forms of target pests in the region.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema, said “I am very confident that our proven technology will lead to commercialisation of new products and service in Colombia, to combat some of the difficult pest and disease which are causing millions of damage to exports products – the warm temperatures will favour these organisms, and I think we can expect to see some great results in the near future.”

Referring to the commercialisation of products for high value crops in Colombia, Dr Ansari added “This is a great opportunity for Bionema to enter a new market, and to help growers in South America to use more eco-friendly products that provide benefits for them as well as the country.”

With the ecological consequences of food production and agricultural practices coming under increased scrutiny, there is growing public and government support for natural alternatives to the harsh chemical pesticides that have been used for decades to control pests and diseases. Biopesticides are one alternative – these products utilize the natural enemies of plant pests, effectively using nature to control the unnatural population growth brought about by modern intensive farming practices. They are very effective at controlling insect pests, while being non-toxic to humans and the environment, residue-free and highly compatible with other control methods and IPM programmes.

Milton Najar, CEO of Scientia Colombia said: “Partnership between Scientia Colombia and Bionema can develop and commercialise next generation of biopesticide formulations to tackle rising pest and disease problem in high value crops in Colombia. Milton also highlighted the need of eco-friendly solution which benefits producers and consumers”.

Colin Martin-Reynolds CMG, UK Ambassador to Colombia, said “The UK offers world-class technology and innovative solutions that can support Colombia in realising the incredible potential of its agricultural sector. This is a tremendous, concrete result for our second AgriTech Mission, which will bring mutual prosperity both for Colombia and the UK.’’

Debbie Tully, Agri-Food at the Knowledge Transfer Network said “It is great to see this new collaboration resulting from the AgriTech mission to Colombia that KTN played a key part in organising. We look forward to seeing many more UK and Colombian partners connecting as a result of the mission and following the positive impact these collaborations have.”

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New fertiliser recycles battery waste

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New fertiliser recycles battery waste: Battery waste is helping greenkeepers in the UK to improve the health of their turf, thanks to the launch of a new liquid fertiliser product.

ZM-Grow™ extracts zinc, manganese and sulphur from used alkaline batteries to create a unique fertiliser for a range of crops, including amenity turf.

New fertiliser recycles battery waste

With limited recycling options for alkaline batteries, the process is not only helping greenkeepers to be more sustainable, but also reduces the risk of toxic substances contaminating groundwater and the environment.

Johnny Beck, Agronomist at Agrovista Amenity, said: “In excess of 10 billion alkaline batteries are manufactured in the world each year, and just one battery can contaminate more than 160,000 litres of drinking water, should it not be disposed of correctly.

“ZM-Grow is making a real difference in overcoming this problem. It applies unique ‘clean’ technology developed by Tracegrow in Finland and is thought to be the only process that can extract micronutrients from batteries to the necessary purity for fertilisers.

“Following trials at STRI over the summer, we’ve been able to launch the product at golf courses across the country, providing our customers with a highly ecological, organic fertiliser. Turf nutrition is so important, so this product really is a double win!”

Maintaining optimum levels of micronutrients is vital in promoting the growth of strong, healthy, disease-free turf. Manganese contributes to improving nitrogen uptake and photosynthesis, whereas zinc boosts cell elongation and sugar consumption.

Combining these micronutrients with protein-building sulphur gives greenkeepers a ground-breaking product that promotes a resilient and healthy sward.

Leigh Powell, Course Manager of Windlesham Golf Club in Surrey, said: “After conducting soil tests, we found that our root zones were consistently deficient in micronutrients, with manganese being particularly low.

“We chose ZM-Grow as a regular foliar top-up to correct the deficiencies, as it ticks a lot of boxes in terms of sustainable practices and inputs.

“Windlesham Golf Club is committed to challenging and reducing the use of non-sustainable products, so we are delighted that a fertiliser is available that addresses this agenda, whilst also supporting our operational needs.”

ZM Grow is distributed in the UK exclusively by Badger Crop Nutrition and is retailed by selected partners including Agrovista Amenity.

For more information, visit https://www.badgercropnutrition.co.uk/about-zm-grow

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New browntop bentgrass from Germinal

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New browntop bentgrass from Germinal: Germinal has updated two of its greens-specific bentgrass blends by adding newly listed browntop cultivar, Musket, to its Aber®Majesty and ForeFront Greens seed mixtures.

Musket is one of three new browntop bentgrass cultivars to join the BSPB’s Table G1 (greens, close mown 4-7mm trials) in 2020. It is also the latest addition to Germinal’s extensive bentgrass portfolio which includes a range of high quality browntop and creeping bentgrass mixtures to suit every circumstance and budget.

“Musket was bred using germplasm that combines early spring green-up traits with improved summer performance,” explains Richard Brown, Amenity Sales Manager for Germinal GB. “As well as offering all the intrinsic benefits of a modern browntop bentgrass such as a prostrate growth habit, high shoot density, good wear tolerance and reduced input requirement, Musket also exhibits excellent resistance to fusarium.

“With the recent loss of several key fungicides already forcing greenkeepers to overseed more frequently in order to keep their greens disease-free, selecting a naturally resistant cultivar such as Musket is the logical way forward. We have therefore added Musket to two of our specialist golf greens seed mixtures, AberMajesty and ForeFront Greens, to bolster their varietal diversity and natural disease resistance so that greenkeepers can establish and maintain high quality, consistent greens with excellent year-round playability.”

For 2020, Germinal’s AberMajesty mixture will consist of 45% Aber®Regal (browntop bent), 45% Aber®Royal (browntop bent) and 10% Musket (browntop bent).

ForeFront Greens will be made up of 40% 007 DSB (creeping bent), 25% AberRegal (browntop bent), 25% AberRoyal (browntop bent) and 10% Musket (browntop bent).

MUSKET: BSPB trial results

Shoot Density Visual Merit Mean Fineness of Leaf Winter Greenness Summer Greenness
6.6 7.0 6.8 6.7 5.9 5.8

Source: BSPB, Turfgrass Seed 2020, Table G1

For more information about any of the Germinal products mentioned, contact Germinal on 01522 868714 or visit www.germinalamenity.com

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65% Water Saving From Hydroponic Tee Box

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65% Water Saving From Hydroponic Tee Box: Capillary Concrete’s revolutionary new Capillary Hydroponics system is delivering outstanding results a year into its first major customer installation, at the Hawk’s Landing Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.

Last September/October, Capillary Concrete built a new tee box at Hawk’s Landing, incorporating the Capillary Hydroponics system, along with superintendent Josh Kelley’s team and contractor Double Eagle Golf Works. The system divides the tee box into two areas, with a layer of Capillary Concrete under the rootzone. Two air lift pumps, powered by a 55 watt solar panel, move water inside the closed system. All irrigation is applied subsurface; because of this, water is mainly lost through transpiration, with evaporation minimal. The system creates a moving water table, using capillary action to move water out of one zone and into another. The water pushes the heavier carbon dioxide molecules out of the rootzone and sucks in oxygen to replace them. It is a far more successful method of gas exchange in the rootzone than conventional methods of aeration.

65% Water Saving From Hydroponic Tee Box

Kelley says: “We have been working with Capillary Concrete on our bunkers since 2016, and they first mentioned the Hydroponic System to us in summer 2018. We said we were keen to try it, and so we began building the test tee in late September. It was completed and grassed in early October. Now, a typical tee box is obviously just a pile of dirt that you shape up. As you get to the higher end, you might put drainage under it, or even use a special rootzone. The process here was that we laid out the rectangular box, cored down twelve inches, and then installed two inches of Capillary Concrete before filling up with sand, levelling and sodding. It was not a difficult project.”

“It is a trial site; we aren’t doing anything special to it,” Kelley continues. “We have run no overhead irrigation at all, except to water in two applications of herbicide. The tee itself has performed superbly; zero hotspots, no disease issues, no wet areas.”

Capillary Concrete inventor and CEO Martin Sternberg CGCS, says: “We are grateful to Josh and Hawk’s Landing for the ability to test Capillary Hydroponics close to our Orlando base. When we installed the tee, we put a flow meter on the irrigation so we could measure exactly how much water was being used. After almost a year, we can say that it has used 65 per cent less water than a similar sized, conventionally irrigated tee box, and we think that we can tweak the system to get that figure to 85 per cent.”

Sternberg adds: “I started experimenting with tees five years ago in Sweden, primarily as a subsurface irrigation project. But the addition of a hydroponic moving water table – which we can do because of the strength and capillary properties of our product – is what makes this a game changer. We know we are getting up to 6,000 per cent more gas exchange in the rootzone in comparison to convention methods of aeration, and it is obvious that will have a massive impact on turf health. This is akin to what happens naturally in a seaside links environment, where you typically have a very low water table – but critically, it moves with the tide. That promotes a gas exchange. The best way to promote gas exchange is to push it with a water front – which is what we can do using Capillary Concrete. The hydroponic industry is 25-30 years ahead of us in the turfgrass industry in terms of understanding how to optimize plant root oxygen exchange, but it hasn’t been physically possible to build large outdoor structures for hydroponics without a product that performs as Capillary Concrete does. If you compare the cost of building, to use Capillary Hydronponics is slightly more expensive than building a push-up or California tee, but comparable to USGA specification construction.”

Josh Kelley says: “I really think in markets where water is scarce or expensive, this will change the way we do things in the golf business, and I’m delighted that we at Hawk’s Landing were one of the first to get to try it out.”

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BASF To Launch New Farm Rodenticide

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BASF To Launch New Farm Rodenticide: BASF have announced the release of Storm® Ultra Secure, a brand-new rodenticide which will be available in August 2019. The product contains 25 parts per million (ppm) of the active substance flocoumafen and will be available in a variety of sizes to professional users* and farmers as well as the general public.

The preparation of crop stores to prevent infestations of rodents and other pests is crucial. Rodents consume and spoil stored produce, spread disease to humans and livestock, attack growing crops and damage buildings. Preparing storage facilities on farms requires planning and an integrated pest management approach. Buildings should be cleaned, tidied and thoroughly checked prior to being regularly baited. This will help remove rodents before harvest and continued baiting will prevent infestations during autumn and winter. It is therefore essential for farmers to find the right product that has high efficacy and palatability.

BASF To Launch New Farm Rodenticide

Sharon Hughes, Global Technical Marketing Manager, for BASF explains. “Since second generation rodenticides were released in the 1970s and 80s to combat rodent resistance to the early anticoagulants of the 1950s, a complacency about rodent control has developed. It is believed that all second-generation actives have a high rate of efficacy and that rodents have little to no resistance to them. However, this is not the case because rats have already shown resistance to difenacoum and bromadiolone.”

Resistance is only one factor in the efficacy of a rodenticide. Palatability is an equally important consideration. The strength of the active is irrelevant if the rodent is not attracted to eat the product. It is therefore important to have an active that rodents are not resistant to and a product that is highly palatable to ensure a sufficient quantity of the active is consumed.

In laboratory trials conducted by BASF, rats were offered the choice between a controlled nontoxic food source and Storm Ultra Secure. The results showed that some rats chose to consume high quantities of the product even when nontoxic food was available. Sharon explains “Palatability is measured by the amount of the rodenticide consumed divided by the amount of the controlled diet consumed. The standard for most block baits range between 0.5 and 1.5”.

In laboratory tests with Storm Ultra Secure, BASF recorded quantities as high as 11.3 being consumed by rats and even the lowest levels were at least 2. This shows that the rats were consuming at least twice the normal dosage, with many choosing to consume much higher quantities of the rodenticide than normal. This proven palatability demonstrates that the new 25ppm bait is more effective than many 50ppm baits currently on the market.

Sharon concludes, “It is clear that rodents will continue to adapt, but none have built a resistance or tolerance to the flocoumafen active in Storm. By making Storm Ultra Secure more palatable we have created a 25ppm product that farmers can use to effectively control rodents on their farm.”

Rodent activity should be monitored all year round and farmers should look for signs of rats and mice at least weekly especially before harvest.

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Environmentally Safe Weed Control By Hatz

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Environmentally Safe Weed Control By Hatz: The control of unwanted weeds and vegetation is a perennial issue for municipalities, landscapers and green space contractors.

However, since 2011 a UK company, Weedingtech Ltd, has been developing a range of machines that not only tackles this issue, but carries it out without the use of harmful herbicides. Named the Foamstream Municipal Series, the machines use a patented low-pressure process which combines hot water and a biodegradable foam. The foam is made from natural plant oils and sugars making it safe for use around people, animals and delicate environments.

Environmentally Safe Weed Control By Hatz

Within the Foamstream Municipal range, is their highest performance product, the Foamstream M1200.

The Foamstream M1200 is self-contained and powered by a Hatz 1B30 diesel engine in EU and US/Canada EPA specifications.

Commenting on the decision to select the Hatz engine, Robert Cutting, Weedingtech, After Sales Manager said, “We purchased the Hatz engines based on its’ good reputation and their customer service. During the implementation process the Hatz personnel performed in the most professional and helpful manner of company I have ever dealt with.”

“The customer service provided by Hatz GB has been exceptional. Very fast to respond and any issues we have had have been sorted out quickly.. They are a really great team. We intend to keep on purchasing these Hatz engines for all of our production machines,” added Robert.

The Hatz 1B30 is a single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke internal combustion diesel engine with a horizontal shaft. The engine has a direct injection fuel system and comes equipped with a recoil starter or electric starter motor. The reliability and compactness of the 1B30 makes it a popular engine, particularly with manufacturers of small plant and machinery.

The Foamstream M1200 is the larger of the two machines in the Municipal Series. It has been designed for contractors who are looking for a high performance machine that will cover large areas of open space quickly. Aside from municipalities and green space contractors, the M1200 is also used by a large number of customers in the utility, tourism, education and organic sectors.

Weedingtech was set up in 2011. From the outset their primary objective has been to provide organisations with a sustainable solution for the safe management of outside spaces, whilst also protecting the public and the wider environment. It now supplies many clients across four continents around the world with the technology including councils in the UK such as Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewes, Glastonbury and Vale of Glamorgan.      The Foamstream Municipal Series was designed to provide an alternative solution to using traditional herbicides such as glyphosate.

Hatz diesel engines have been around since 1910. From their manufacturing base situated at Ruhstorf, Germany, Hatz produce a range of modern diesel engines from 3 to 55 kW. Their UK subsidiary, Hatz GB Limited, has its facilities centrally located in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

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Emergency Authorisation For Acelepryn Reapproved

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Emergency Authorisation For Acelepryn Reapproved: The Emergency Authorisation for the use of the Syngenta insecticide, Acelepryn, for the control of chafer grubs and leatherjacket has been reapproved for the 2019 season. The request was applied for by ICL, on behalf of the amenity industry.

Chafer grubs and leatherjackets cause damage to turf through extensive feeding on roots, which can be severe in localised patches. Furthermore, extreme damage can occur when badgers, birds and other foragers root through turf in search of the grubs.

Emergency Authorisation For Acelepryn Reapproved

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.

This season, ICL’s work has seen the authorisation extended to permit limited use on affected fairways, as well as greens, tees, horse race tracks and airfields. Acelepryn can be applied up until 30 September 2019, to cover the key chafer grub and leatherjacket treatment timings that coincide with egg hatch and initial larval activity.

‘”Since the withdrawal of effective insecticides, economic damage from chafer grubs and leatherjackets has been of major concern,” reported ICL Technical Manager, Henry Bechelet. “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.”

The authorised label permits application at the rate of 0.6 litres per hectare, applied in 600-1000 l/ha water and, ideally irrigated in after application. Acelepryn is supplied, through ICL, in one litre and 0.6 litre containers. One application per year is permitted, with the latest time of treatment being 30 September 2019.

Emergency Authorisation For Acelepryn Reapproved

This season, 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, along with Best Use Guidelines and application advice.

Turf managers or owners who believe they have suffered economically damaging effects of chafer grubs and leatherjackets are advised to contact their ICL Area Manager or BASIS-qualified agronomist/distributor in the first instance.

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Emergency Chafer Grub and Leatherjacket Summit

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Emergency Chafer Grub and Leatherjacket Summit: An emergency summit is to be held with the aim of finding industry-led solutions to the threat of Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets in the turf industry.

The Summit will take place on 9th May 2019 at Burton Albion Football, Staffordshire.

Emergency Chafer Grub and Leatherjacket Summit

Attendance at this industry summit is vital to those in the industry that want to develop a long-term preventative strategy for Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets.

Now that many of the chemicals which were routinely used to keep golf courses and sports pitches free of pests have been withdrawn, we need to find alternatives. This Summit will explore the current challenges in sustaining turf quality in a chemical-free environment.

Without proper preparation and action prior to May this year, there is a high risk of increased attack by Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets. Many grounds personnel are unaware of a problem until they see evidence – such as birds picking insect larvae by uprooting the dead grass.  However, prevention is better than a cure and scientifically-developed natural pest control solutions when applied in advance will help control the problem.

This event is supported by Bionema, Rigby Taylor, Maxstim, EcoSpray and E. Marker A/S and is held in association with the editors of BIGGA, IOG and Horticultural Week, leading industry magazines.

Dr Minshad A Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema, said:

“This summit is the first step in working together as an industry – pooling our knowledge and using all the tools we have in an integrated way to achieve control of these devastating pests”

This emergency Summit will include:

Welcome and Introduction Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO Bionema

Jim Croxton, CEO, BIGGA

Karen Maxwell, The Institute of Groundsmanship Sally Drury, Horticulture Week
Current pest and disease management in the UK: The push towards integrated approaches Professor John Moverley, Amenity Forum, UK
Major turf pests and diseases Dr Kate Entwistle, The Turf Disease Centre, UK
Rising threats of plant parasitic nematodes in turf Colin Fleming, Agri Food and Biosciences Institute
Biology of Chafers and Leatherjackets Dr Minshad Ansari, Bionema
The role of Biostimulants in turf management and root development Richard Salvage, Maxstim
The natural solution for pest and disease control Philip Charlton Smith, CEO, EcoSpray
Current products and their application: Do they interfere? Peter Corbett, Rigby Taylor
Natural solutions to control of Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets: How do they work? Dr Minshad Ansari, Bionema
Chafer traps: A natural device to monitor Chafer Beetle populations Peter Corbett, Rigby Taylor
Synergy between Chemical & Biological solutions Carsten Marker, E. Marker, Denmark
Case study 1: Chafer Grub control at the Grove

Phillip Chiverton, Golf Course & Estate Manager at the Grove, UK
Case study 2: Leatherjacket control at Neath golf club

Mark Tucker, Head Greenkeeper, Neath Golf Club, UK

The event will establish the true extent of the problem faced by the turf and amenity sector, offer a better understanding of the pests and the current controls available. It will culminate in an interactive debate, chaired by BIGGA, IOG, Horticultural Week editors to help plan the next steps for the industry to take to combat the pest threat. The Summit will conclude with an insight into research and development into the control of Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets in turf and amenity sector by Dr Minshad Ansari from Bionema.

Attendance is FREE, but spaces are limited so please book early
to avoid disappointment contact. Please contact Matt Rogers m.rogers@bionema.com – +44 (0) 7786991146

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