Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry

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Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry: The UK natural turf sector, valued at approximately USD 501 million in 2024 and projected to continue growing, is facing sustained pressure from crane fly and chafer larvae, following the withdrawal of chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid from amenity use.

The amenity turf sector includes golf courses, sports pitches, racecourses, and airfields, where soil insect damage directly affects surface quality, safety, and renovation costs.

Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry

Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry

Industry observations across multiple UK golf courses and sports facilities indicate leatherjacket populations have increased from historic levels of approximately 30 larvae per m² to peaks of 100–600 larvae per m² at affected sites. Turf managers report increased renovation, labour and surface repair requirements as a result.

In response, Bionema has launched NemaGen® Hd, a cold-tolerant entomopathogenic nematode platform active from soil temperatures of 8°C. UK field trials have demonstrated 60–70% control of leatherjackets and chafer grubs under defined soil temperature and moisture conditions.

NemaGen® Hd offers:

  • Extended seasonal application from early spring through autumn.
    • Structured temperature-timed deployment guidance.
    • Compatibility with wetting agents to optimise dispersal.
    • Direct technical support from Dr Minshad Ansari, specialist in entomopathogenic nematodes.

In addition, the improved formulation enhances product stability, delivering a shelf life of up to 10 weeks under recommended storage conditions, with encapsulated formats offering extended stability for specialist applications.

“With regulatory changes reducing curative insecticide options, the sector requires reliable biological alternatives that are correctly timed and technically supported,” said Dr Ansari. “NemaGen® Hd is designed as a deployable biological solution within integrated pest management programmes, restoring confidence in biological turf insect control.”

Commercial supply for the 2026 season is now open.

NemaGen® Hd is suitable for golf courses, sports pitches, racecourses, airfields and managed lawns.

Bionema is currently selecting one to two UK and EU distribution partners for the 2026 season.

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Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

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Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team: Germinal Amenity, the market leader in the development and supply of specialist seed products for the amenity sector, is delighted to announce the appointment of former Lombard Trophy winner and golf pro, Doug Brolls, as Technical Sales Representative for the Northeast of England and Scotland.

Originally hailing from Scotland and born in Lockerbie, Doug has spent a lifetime playing, coaching, competing and managing golf courses and playing surfaces. He now resides in the Northeast and is a lifelong Sunderland FC supporter.

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

Doug has extensive knowledge of golf and golf courses, not only in the Northeast and Scotland, but right across the whole of the UK and beyond. This awareness has been cultivated during his life as a golf professional and coach, and a multiple times winner on the North, Northeast and Northwest PGA circuits, and winning the prestigious Lombard International Trophy in Portugal in 1998.

Commenting, Richard Brown, Amenity Director of Germinal GB & Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Doug to Germinal Amenity. He has a deep understanding of players, customer service, competing and the amenity sports surfaces industry. He also has an extensive knowledge of the Northeast of England and Scotland as a territory.

As a former golfing pro and player at a exceptionally high level, he brings a unique perspective of the quality and standards that turf managers and players demand. He will be a huge addition to our team and for our customers across the sports amenity, turf management and landscape communities. Welcome on board, Doug!”

Commenting, Doug Brolls said:

“I’m very excited to join Germinal Amenity as Technical Sales Representative for Scotland and the Northeast of England. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and background in turf management with golf clubs, sports venues and turf professionals to deliver high-performance, sustainable surfaces using Germinal’s industry-leading seed and grass solutions. I am also really looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new customers and supporting Germinal’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability across the sports and amenity sector.”

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GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

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GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice: Established in 1910, Eaton Golf Club offers its members a mature parkland setting for a picturesque 18-holes of play on the outskirts of Norwich.

Jay Seaman, Head Greenkeeper, has become all too familiar with the challenges that come with managing such an established parkland site – with leaf fall not only proving to be a drain on time but also on the finances. Making the process more economical (in all senses of the word!) is a GKB Leaf Blower.

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

“Due to the age of the trees we have here on site, we can be clearing leaves for anywhere up to three months of the year” explains Jay, who heads up a greenkeeping team of six. “Our previous trailed blower ran on petrol and could cost us in the region of £50 a day just in fuel.” Deciding the time was right to find a more cost-effective solution, he spoke with Eddie Jack from local dealers Ernest Doe who swiftly arranged a demonstration of the GKB Leaf Blower.

“We had the machine in for a few days and the feedback from the team was really positive. It’s a solid, well-built piece of kit and, importantly, is PTO-driven so it just runs off the tractor with no need for additional fuel.” As an added bonus, when the order was placed in October 2025 the team got to keep the Leaf Blower on site, seeing them up and running in-time for the start of another busy leaf-fall season!

The Leaf Blower from GKB Machines delivers high airflow output, with low demand on the tractor – requiring less than 40hp. The adjustable rear chute and air capacity of 380m3/min makes light work of clearing leaves and other debris, to swiftly improve both playability and presentation. “Compared to other blowers I’ve used, the chute sits lower to the ground allowing you to blow leaves into the wind without them coming back at you which makes a big difference when working in challenging conditions.”

“Another thing we really like is the jockey wheels and rear anti-scalp roller which do a great job at keeping the machine stable and preventing scalping on our undulating landscape.” He adds, “It’s also incredibly simple to hitch and operate meaning anyone on the team can jump on and use it confidently.”

Beyond the machine itself, Jay also notes the excellent aftersales support they’ve received from Ernest Doe. “Eddie has kept in touch regularly just to check how things are going. Everything has been top notch.”

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STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors

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STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors: STIGA, Europe’s leading manufacturer and distributor of garden care machinery and equipment, unveils its new lineup of 100% electric tractors.

This advanced range is designed to meet the needs of demanding users, integrating the same high-performance technology found in STIGA’s professional equipment. At the heart of the new electric tractor models lies the proprietary ePower Pro battery system—engineered to deliver superior power, extended autonomy, and modular operation for effortless management of big, domestic gardens and for professional outdoor maintenance. This cutting-edge performance is complemented by the machines’ redesigned aesthetic — a look that embodies strength, innovation, and efficiency.

STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors

STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors

Modular technology for unlimited and customizable runtime 

At the heart of the new Electric Tractors is the 40 Ah (56V – 2,016 Wh) STIGA ePower Pro battery – durable, powerful and modular. A single battery can cover up to 7,500 m², while adding a second battery extends the autonomy up to cover 15,000 m², offering a flexible solution for any mowing need. The modular structure of its battery compartment, combined with separate recharging capability, allows for storage and charging anywhere – even during winter months – ensuring complete freedom of use. For extended mowing sessions, the possibility to swap batteries independently means users can personalise the tractor’s runtime according to their garden size, for unlimited work capacity. 

Powerful performance for the most demanding conditions 

The new electric tractors are available in both side-discharge and collecting versions, each equipped with an advanced cutting system featuring a central tunnel design that ensures a constant grass flow and a consistently clean cut. The electric blade motors deliver steady speed and optimal performance, even in the most demanding conditions. Thanks to direct power transmission, response is immediate, providing smooth, quiet operation and unparalleled cutting comfort — fully electric.

Fresh aesthetic and features built for efficiency

The Electric Tractor range stands out with a bold new look: full-black details, a redesigned front grid for a new, aggressive appearance, and enhanced front LED headlights for superior visibility. A built-in storage compartment under the bonnet offers a convenient, dust-proof space to store the charger and other accessories.

Enhanced driving experience and comfort

Engineered with user comfort and simplicity in mind, the new STIGA Electric Tractor features the Quick Reverse Cut system, allowing the blades to remain active while reversing – activated by a simple click, simplifying manoeuvres even in tighter spaces. Driving the STIGA electric tractor means enjoying a comfortable driving experience. Start-up is immediate, and all controls are easily managed via the integrated dashboard. The One-pedal drive system allows you to move forward and backwards with ease, ensuring full control in every situation. What’s more, you can optimise your mowing session by connecting the machine to the STIGA.GO app, which offers personalised advice via the virtual dashboard. All this without fumes and with significantly reduced noise and vibration levels.

A complete lineup  for every need

The range includes models tailored to different garden sizes and cutting preferences, varying in cutting width, runtime, and discharge configurations – from rear collection to side discharge. Among the models: Tornado 398e, Tornado 5108e, Estate 384e, and Estate 598e, which can be configured with one or two 40 Ah ePower Pro batteries. Although aimed at consumers, each model is built on the same advanced battery architecture as STIGA’s professional-grade machines.

Sustainable power engineered to endure

Choosing a STIGA Electric Tractor means investing in a high-performance solution with low environmental impact. With zero emissions, silent operation, limited vibrations and ease of maintenance, it is ideal for private use with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and power. Finally, its robust design and advanced engineering ensure it will be a reliable companion for years to come. Learn more about the new electric tractors line-up at www.stiga.com/uk/eparkpro-battery-front-mower. The machines are available for purchase through authorised.

Key highlights:

  • 40 Ah ePower Pro battery: removable, portable, and swappable for customizable working capacity, up to cover 15,000 m².
  • Modular battery system: flexible charging, easy battery management and easy storage.
  • A   fresh aesthetic with a redesigned grille, full-black details and powerful LED headlights.
  • Quick   Reverse Cut feature: reverse driving with blades active, simplifying manoeuvres.
  • Multiple cutting configurations: suitable for different garden sizes and discharge options.
  • Zero emissions and low noise: fully electric drive for quiet, eco-friendly operation.

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Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures

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Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures: Germinal Amenity – the market leader in the development and supply of specialist seed products for the amenity sector – is delighted to announce its 2026 A Range of grass seed mixtures specially formulated for golf and sports turf applications. 

For 2026, Germinal Amenity has sought to improve the already impressive A Range mixtures such as Tour Leader, ForeFront Greens and A20 Premier Ryesport by sourcing new, highly rated grass varieties that complement the top-performing varieties bred by its research and development partners, Germinal Horizon, including AberRoyal and AberRegal.

Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures

Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures

New Varieties Added

This year, Germinal Amenity is introducing the new creeping bentgrass varieties, ‘Piper’ and ‘777’ to its A Range blends for golf greens. It is also adding the new perennial ryegrass variety, ‘AberWin’, to its top specification A20 Premier Ryesport mixture for winter sports.

With its exceptionally high shoot density – the foundation of good wear tolerance and recovery – and very attractive mid-green colour, the Germinal Horizon-bred ‘AberWin’ scores highly for live ground cover and visual merit all year round, even during the most testing of ground conditions.

‘777’ is the sister grass variety to the market-leading 007 DSB and tops the BSPB Turfgrass Seed List with a shoot density score of 6.8 and visual merit of 7.0. ‘Piper’ is a brand-new variety that will reach the full BSPB list in 2027 and scores even higher with shoot density of 7.2, visual merit of 8.1 and an impressive 7.2 for fineness of leaf.

Shoot density is a key trait that allows these grasses to out compete Poa Annua in golf courses.

Germinal Amenity is adding both ‘777’ and ‘Piper’ to Tour Leader, its landmark creeping bentgrass mixture that provides unrivalled performance, seasonal adaptability, high disease resistance, and vivid colour retention.

‘Piper’ is also being added to its ForeFront Greens which combines the proven performance of the AberMajesty browntop bentgrass blend with the best creeping bents available to ensure the highest levels of disease and stress resistance.

Commenting, Richard Brown, Amenity Director at Germinal, said:

“The availability of both Piper and 777 has been highly anticipated. We are delighted to be able to incorporate them into the A Range mixtures for 2026 where they will support even greater performance on low inputs for greenkeepers.

They will also significantly enhance the genetic diversity of our leading seed blends. Diversity underpins a lot of the performance of grass mixtures; when conditions get tough, the best variety in the blend will step up to do the job, whether this is coping with shade, drought or disease. Diversity reduces risk for greenkeepers and has long been the standard sought in sports turf management, and which we are making available to greenkeepers across the A Range and in our new mixtures for 2026.

Groundskeepers can have even more confidence in our top-spec blend for winter sports, A20 Premium Ryesports, with the inclusion of AberWin which will be the first time this breakthrough, high shoot density perennial ryegrass variety will be available to the amenity sector.” 

The A Range includes the full range of Germinal’s trusted and proven varieties for all landscape, golf and sports turf applications including ForeFront Greens, AberMajesty Blend, A5 Golf Tees and Tour Leader.

The A Range also offers Germinal’s pollinator-friendly wildflower products, including True Meadow. These mixtures have been formulated for a wide range of developed areas and natural habitats. They also include Regional Environmental (RE) mixtures which meet the requirements of government-sponsored biodiversity schemes in the UK.

The 2026 brochures from Germinal offer guides to unique ranges of grass, clover and wildflora amenity mixtures and are available now at germinalamenity.com or from Germinal Amenity’s Technical Sales and Amenity Turf Advisers.

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