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LockStar essential for weed control

January 6, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

LockStar essential for weed control: Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) has claimed that ICL’s residual herbicide, LockStar, has become an essential product in his armoury. Since its launch last year, LockStar has been well received in the turf and landscaping sector. It arrived at a time when public green spaces, […]

Lockdown update from BIGGA

January 6, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Karl Hansell

Lockdown update from BIGGA: Following the rapidly-escalating situation regarding a return to full national lockdown restrictions for England, which followed on the heels of similar restrictions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has sought clarification regarding the level of course maintenance work that is able to take […]

LockStar essential for weed control

January 6, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

Lockdown update from BIGGA

January 6, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Karl Hansell

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

LockStar essential for weed control

January 6, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

LockStar essential for weed control: Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) has claimed that ICL’s residual herbicide, LockStar, has become an essential product in his armoury.

Since its launch last year, LockStar has been well received in the turf and landscaping sector. It arrived at a time when public green spaces, amenity areas and transportation infrastructure were coming under increasing pressure from reduced budgets, weed infestations and a reduction in chemical solutions available on the market. This new herbicide, which controls a broad spectrum of weeds, has been keeping areas such as these weed-free, functional and visually pleasing.

LockStar essential for weed control

Alan has been using LockStar throughout the past season and has reported some hugely encouraging results.

“I’ve found it to be excellent and the longevity is fantastic,” he said. “It has been effective on all fronts for up to five months with just one application.”

When applied before germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier at the soil surface ensuring that soil is kept weed-free for up to five months. The innovative formula contains diflufenican and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium – which is the first new weed control active ingredient to be released in the UK for many years.

When applied pre-germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier on the soil surface preventing weed growth and establishment. To control weeds that are already present, it can be tank-mixed with glyphosate or a ‘fatty acid’.

“For those weeds that are already present, I have tank mixed LockStar with both glyphosate and another herbicide,” said Alan. “I’ve applied them at half rate and again, the results have been fantastic.”

Alan claims that the product has been a huge hit with local authorities and councils especially when it comes to the treatment of areas that need strimming frequently.

“We have applied LockStar to many fence lines, wall lines, tree bases – areas that need strimming at least once every three or four weeks,” continued Alan. “With LockStar applied to these areas, they don’t require to be strimmed at all, which saves our grounds teams a lot of time.”

ICL recently announced an update to the UK label of LockStar, which provided users with more effective and flexible weed control. The label update included extended use of the product meaning it can now be applied at any time of year instead of the previous limited window between February and June.

It was most welcome news to contractors and grounds managers as it gave them the opportunity to adapt their approach and give them greater control over weed growth. Alan agreed.

“It is great that LockStar was given these new permissions as it provides us with a lot more flexibility,” he said. “It is now a very important product in my armoury. I explain to customers about its strengths and how it provides them with more protection against weeds which in turn gives my customers confidence too.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Lockdown update from BIGGA

January 6, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Karl Hansell

Lockdown update from BIGGA: Following the rapidly-escalating situation regarding a return to full national lockdown restrictions for England, which followed on the heels of similar restrictions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has sought clarification regarding the level of course maintenance work that is able to take place on golf courses and other facilities.

BIGGA has reviewed the UK Government guidance and liaised with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf and The R&A and can confirm there will be no limitations placed on maintenance activities able to be undertaken by the greenkeeping teams at golf facilities, driving ranges and other venues where golf and shorter forms of the game take place.

Lockdown update from BIGGA

While golf courses in Scotland are able to remain open, golf courses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are closed. Taking place primarily outdoors with limited opportunities for cross-contamination, greenkeeping teams have adapted well to ensure staff stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff at all facilities should continue to be aware of social distancing requirements and ensure any activities are undertaken in a manner that minimises interaction with others.

Golf clubs may choose to take advantage of the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which is expected to run until at least April 2021, and BIGGA is asking facilities to consider the mental health and wellbeing of all staff, both those who have been under significant pressure to work with reduced staff levels for an extended period and those who have been asked to remain at home. Rotation of staff may be deemed appropriate, as is enabling all team members to take part in professional development opportunities, such as BIGGA’s Continue to Learn online education programme that is taking place during January 2021.

BIGGA is also appealing to the operators of golf clubs to use common sense when assigning tasks to the greenkeeping team and reminds club managers of their responsibility to provide a COVID-safe working environment for all members of the team.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “With widespread vaccinations taking place across the country, our hope is that this is the final hurdle and golf courses will take the opportunity presented by reduced playing levels to prepare their courses for what we hope will be a busy and prosperous summer season out on the fairways. In the meantime, the focus must be on safety and not putting anyone at risk. Course managers should have an awareness of what work is considered a priority during this period of the year and advise senior management as to these requirements, adjusting staffing levels to suit the needs of the golf facility and to ensure the continuing safety of the entire team.”

BIGGA will continue to monitor this situation and provide addition guidance as appropriate.

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

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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)

LockStar essential for weed control

Lockdown update from BIGGA

LockStar essential for weed control

Lockdown update from BIGGA

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

LockStar essential for weed control

LockStar essential for weed control: Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) has claimed that ICL’s residual herbicide, LockStar, has become an essential product in his armoury.

Lockdown update from BIGGA

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