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Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

September 27, 2022/in News, Press Release/by Lesley Spence

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 […]

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

September 27, 2022/in News, Press Release/by Holly Daulby

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 […]

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

September 27, 2022/in News, Press Release/by Lesley Spence

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

September 27, 2022/in News, Press Release/by Holly Daulby

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

September 27, 2022/in News, Press Release/by Lesley Spence

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

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

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

September 27, 2022/in News, Press Release/by Holly Daulby

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors: The UK’s biggest outdoor trade show for the sports and grounds maintenance industry, SAGE, (19^th – 20^th 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

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 11^th 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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

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.

SAGE opens for early bird exhibitors

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

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