Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

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Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key: Autumn is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, according to Keats, but for turf managers it is also the season when turf surfaces are most at risk from disease.

Management of disease, particularly Microdochium nivale which can be hugely damaging to both fine and sports turf surfaces, has changed dramatically in recent years – due to two main drivers: the changing climate and legislational changes, removing effective pesticides from turf managers toolkits. Headland Amenity explores.

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

With the reduction of available curative chemistry, it is no surprise that the latest approaches to tackling disease focus on challenging it before it strikes – utilising preventative treatments rather than relying on costly, repeated fungicide applications. Together with effective aeration and cultural maintenance programmes, applications of products defined as ‘non-pesticidal’ (not directly acting on the pathogen) are proving to be an effective management tool. Research indicates that if disease populations are kept to a minimum through October and November – traditionally the key months for disease infection – the potential for aggressive outbreaks during December and the following spring is significantly reduced.

The aim of a non-pesticidal programme, implemented as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy is three-fold:

  • To change the plants surface environment to make it harder for disease pathogens to grow on and into the leaf’s surfaces
  • Stimulate the plant’s natural defence mechanisms
  • Improve plant health, growth and strength by stimulating root and shoot development and chlorophyll production

Headland Amenity have been pioneering research work, carrying out trials using combinations of product to minimise Microdochium nivale, since 2007. This work paved the way for the now renowned 20-20-30 enhanced plant health (EPH) approach – utilising two plant protectants and a plant elicitor, all fully tank-mix compatible to boost plant health and combat disease. Headland’s 20-20-30 mix has been independently tested annually at the STRI in Bingley which has seen refinements and improvements to the programme, with the recent addition of Mantle®.

The first ‘20’ refers to protectant Liquid Turf Hardener. This is a low pH, liquid formulation of calcium, magnesium and nitrate nitrogen to facilitate rapid uptake and response even at low air and soil temperatures. Its role is to strengthen the plant cell wall to produce a harder, more disease resistant sward.

Turfite® Elite is a potassium phosphite-based elicitor and is the second key component in the 20-20-30 mix. Alongside potassium phosphite, Turfite® Elite features Salicylic acid, to maximise stimulation of the plants natural defence mechanism (SAR) and encourage plant growth. Research work by Headland Amenity as part of the Phosphite biostimulant stewardship group has also positively linked phosphite with both enhanced rooting and more efficient nitrogen utilisation – all contributing towards healthier growth and limiting the potential for damage by pathogens.

The second protectant product, Seamac® Proturf Fe is the final component, incorporated at a rate of 30l/ha. Seamac® Proturf Fe is a liquid formulation of chelated iron supplemented with magnesium and seaweed which acidifies the surface of the leaf to discourage pathogenic fungal growth. By using multiple forms of iron, Seamac® Proturf Fe also offers a rapid green up after application, and optimum long-lasting winter colour.

Found to enhance efficacy, Mantle® has been recommended to supplement applications of the 20-20-30 tank-mix since 2018. Mantle® is a water-soluble micronutrient package containing manganese, zinc, magnesium and Harpin Plant Elicitor. Mantle® creates an environment on the plant leaf surface that discourages pathogen growth and stimulates physiological processes conducive to better plant growth. Mantle® should be applied at 10kg/ha during normal and high disease activity periods.

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

Over the winter of 2021-22, trials were conducted at the STRI along with Headland’s own study at the Origin Amenity Throws Technology Centre. The findings demonstrated extreme effectiveness of the 20-20-30 mix in preventing disease – with minimal disease at all recorded on the treated plots between the months of September to March, while an average of 13% disease content was recorded on control plots during the same period. Along with excellent control, visual merit was also apparent even in areas that were neighboured by severely affected plots. In addition, turf health was measured via NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) readings where, again, the 20-20-30 mix maintained superior health to control.

John Hunnisett, Course Manager at Gillingham Golf Club recently discovered the 20-20-30 programme and credits the combination of products with making a huge difference to the health and presentation of the greens. “The combination of reducing organic matter and enhancing plant health with monthly applications of 20-20-30 between September and March has drastically reduced the amount of disease we registered – and what we did get was easily recoverable and didn’t lead to scarring.”

Essendon Country Club is another venue to benefit from the enhanced plant health mix, emerging from the autumn and winter of 2021 disease-free. “Where we would traditionally begin applications of 20-20-30+Mantle at the end of September, we brought this forward to the end of August last year because of the concerns we had about disease, Fusarium in particular” explains Director of Courses Marc Winnan. “The 20-20-30+Mantle was complemented with applications of DewCure™ to reduce leaf moisture and this combination, without a doubt, had a massive impact on protecting plant health and saw us get through the whole winter with no disease.”

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SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

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SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors: The UK’s biggest outdoor trade show for the sports and grounds maintenance industry, SAGE, (19th – 20th July 2023) has opened its books to exhibitors for 2023, with exclusive discounts for those who book their space early.

Hosted at the stunning Three Counties venue in Malvern, Worcestershire, SAGE focuses on live demonstrations and experiences, which is a unique draw for exhibitors and visitors, granting them the opportunity to thoroughly “try before they buy”.  The show returns in 2023, with sponsorship from Weibang® UK, and is set to be a highlight of the year for the sports and outdoor maintenance industries, offering visitors and businesses the chance to get hands-on with products to see how they perform.

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

Speaking of how SAGE has been developed and enhanced for 2023, Exhibition Manager, Vicky Panniers stated: “We’re so excited that SAGE is returning in 2023. We have had a great response from previous exhibitors and are really looking forward to being joined by many new names too.

“There has been a great deal of work put into SAGE to develop the show for 2023 to offer more for exhibitors and visitors, including the development of a new and improved website, which includes a fantastic service directory. On top of this, we have appointed a new, specialist PR agency to support with brand and event awareness to attract more visitors. We have also already secured a great deal of interest from new sectors.”

Sustainability is an important focus for the 2023 event, and it will proudly play host to the Sustainability Solutions for Grounds Specialists Summit live, in partnership with GRASS, and show organisers will be setting sustainability targets for SAGE to meet. It is also the nominated home event for the new forum GRASS, who will play a key role in the Sustainability section.

Discussing the show, Head of Environmental and Sustainability Stadia Projects at Bio-Circle, Mark Tomlinson commented: “As an exhibitor, I value an outdoor show and the space SAGE offers to bring live working demonstrations to the industry. This is exactly what the industry has asked for and brings quality visitors to a trade show who can see my products and services in action.”

Stands are currently available with a 15% early bird discount until 11th November. Early birds will also benefit from a free demonstration plot (where available) and free entry into the all-new online service directory – maximising their exposure and enhancing their promotion to visitors.

This year’s SAGE has got all the pieces in place to make it a landmark event in the groundscare calendar.

For more information, or to book exhibition space, please visit sportsandgrounds.events or contact Vicky Panniers vp@sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

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Pellenc is Grade A at Marchmont

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Pellenc is Grade A at Marchmont: A range of Pellenc battery-powered equipment is helping to maintain the grounds at one of Scotland’s grandest mansions.

Marchmont House is a ‘Grade A’ listed Palladian mansion in Berwickshire built in 1750 by Hugh Hume-Campbell, 3rd Earl of Marchmont. It is regarded as one of the grandest mansions in Scotland and over the years has been home to makers and creators who have inspired many through creativity.

Pellenc is Grade A at Marchmont

Pellenc is Grade A at Marchmont

It is therefore fitting that Marchmont House uses a range of Pellenc battery-powered equipment – a brand which has based its success on a policy of continuous creative innovation.

The Pellenc equipment is used to help maintain the 5,000-acre estate at Marchmont House and Head Gardener Toby Loveday explained why.

“A big part of our ethos is nature conservation and our impact on the environment,” he said. “The idea has always been to try and move away from petrol powered machinery and start using battery operated equipment.

“Another reason was because we have a lot of events taking place and we wanted to be able to continue working, regardless of the presence of our visitors. To do this we needed to be able to work quietly and you get that with Pellenc equipment.

“The reason we chose Pellenc above other brands was because we wanted equipment which has been built to last. There is going to be a lot of use with this equipment over the next few years, and it must be reliable and able to perform at a really high level. We get this with Pellenc.”

Pellenc is the world’s leading expert in battery-powered tools for maintaining landscapes. Light, odourless, noise-free, with no starting problems and enough power to enable professional users to work for a full day on a single charge, it’s no wonder more and more professional users are turning to Pellenc. It is an attractive alternative to those who have, for several years, been relying on fuel-based machinery.

With an extensive product list available from Pellenc, Toby chose to invest in a whole new fleet consisting of Helion hedge-cutters, Rasion mowers, Excelion strimmers and Airion blowers, which he purchased through Agrovista Amenity.

“The mower has proved particularly good at getting between obstacles,” said Toby. “The Rasion is lightweight and manoeuvrable, and all the staff can use it in a trouble-free manner. It has great features and I like the ease at which you can adjust the height of cut and the variable speed settings.

Pellenc is Grade A at Marchmont

Pellenc is Grade A at Marchmont

“I also like the option of having different heads on the strimmers and the City Cut head has been particularly effective in dealing with brambles and some of the more awkward things to control. The hedgecutters, being lightweight and powerful, have been fantastic too.

“For us, the biggest benefits when it comes to using the Pellenc equipment have been the long battery-life, the low vibration levels, and the overall comfort for the operator. We can also use the equipment in all weathers which is important in the Scottish climate.

“I would recommend Pellenc to anybody who is considering switching to battery-powered equipment.”

Pellenc offers an industry leading four-year commercial warranty for all batteries and a three-year warranty for all tools.

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

You can watch an interview with Toby by clicking – https://youtu.be/zvcHUP70R4E

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Irrigation demo days a success

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Irrigation demo days a success: Origin Amenity Solutions has seen an overwhelmingly positive response to its free irrigation demonstration day events, which have been held at golf clubs throughout the UK since August 2022.

Rain Bird is a leading global manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. As the UK distributor for Rain Bird Golf, Origin Amenity Solutions is committed to education and training of greenkeepers throughout the UK to develop their knowledge on how the Rain Bird irrigation systems operate, and how they can improve their grounds maintenance processes and water conservation.

Irrigation demo days a success

Irrigation demo days a success

Starting at Stocks Golf Club in Hertfordshire in August 2022, the Irrigation demo days have been attended by over 100 delegates across six demonstrations, with more scheduled events throughout October.

The events feature live demonstrations of a range of Rain Bird sprinklers in action, as well as informative presentations on the wider RainBird range and the benefits provided.

Irrigation system hydraulics are covered, as well as how to operate an efficient and cost-effective irrigation system when working to a tight budget.

Irrigation Product Manager, Peter Robin, and Irrigation Sales Engineer, Richard Jones, deliver the events together. Peter demonstrates the RainBird sprinklers in action as well as fielding questions and showcasing the DAB Pump Sets, whilst Richard talks through the Rain Bird software for PC driven irrigation controllers.

In addition to the informative presentations and demonstrations, all attendees are awarded three CPD points.

Peter Robin, Origin Amenity Solutions Irrigation Product Manager, comments; “These events are something we’ve been asked for on numerous occasions and I am delighted to be able to deliver them at regular intervals. Attendance has been superb and feedback positive. I am pleased we can help build people’s knowledge on the Rain Bird Golf range and demonstrate the benefits. We have a few more events still to be delivered but I am expecting the same high turnout, so Richard and I look forward to these and building on this momentum.”

For more information or to register for a free event call 0700 138 7222 or visit www.originamenity.com

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Kubota opens new European Parts Centre

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Kubota opens new European Parts Centre: Kubota has opened a new European Parts Centre (EUPC) to strengthen its global parts supply chain network.

Located in Thionville in the French region of Moselle, the new warehouse was built specifically as a dedicated parts distribution hub primarily to supply dealers and distributors across Europe and the UK, but with the ability to also support key regions such as the US and Japan.

Kubota opens new European Parts Centre

Kubota opens new European Parts Centre

Representing an investment of €15 million, Kubota’s new EUPC covers a footprint of 20,000 square metres, and currently employs around 90 staff. From this hub, dealers and distributors will have access to a vast stock of spare parts for agricultural, groundcare and construction products, and industrial engines, as it further strengthens its presence in Europe.

“The development of this extensive parts centre will provide greater access and availability to further support our existing regional parts supply operation in the UK,” explains Simon Chadbone, Kubota (UK)’s business development manager for parts.

“Having a European Parts Centre will greatly benefit our dealer and distributor network, by providing a more timely and cost-effective solution for the supply of original parts, which in turn will reduce the impact of downtime for our customers,” he adds.

Globally, Kubota has a spare parts strategy to build distribution centres that cover key regions in Japan, Europe and north America. This latest hub, centrally located in Europe, has a vital role in stocking a wide variety of parts and of sufficient volume, to ensure the best product availability across Europe.

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