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BASF – at the forefront of research and development

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BASF – at the forefront of research and development: Professional turf care is an art form that requires skill, precision and high-performance products to be successful.

Sometimes even the most experienced and skilled greenkeepers have been let down by their products, which is why BASF invests heavily in cutting-edge technology and the best experts in the business to ensure that its solutions are ahead of the game, providing exactly what is needed and when.

BASF – at the forefront of research and development

BASF – at the forefront of research and development

Whether a golf course manager, agronomist, farmer or landscape architect, many professionals rely on effective products that keep turf free of diseases, pests and weeds through every season.

With the backing of thousands of employees worldwide, BASF is perfectly positioned to create a powerful portfolio of product solutions that can be tailored to meet the demands of every turf landscape. Effective and efficient research and development underpins every solution that BASF creates, and it is not a company that is content to rest on its laurels. It constantly invests in the growing opportunities that digitalisation and supercomputing power offers, meaning that it constantly maintains its place as an industry leader. In fact, it invested 2.1 billion euros into research and development expenses last year alone, with 1000 products being patented.

For example, brand-new product Maxtima was launched at BTME 2024 by BASF Turf, a new cutting-edge demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide. This crop safe solution was devised after BASF’s scientists discovered new enzyme assays in their research.

Rob Gladwin, head of technical management for UK said: “The assays test the efficacy with which the DMI chemistry, which includes azoles, inhibit the fungal target site, CYP51 –– blocking this enzyme prevents a fungal cell from producing ergosterol causing it to die.

“Together, the team discovered a unique property of an entirely new family of triazoles –– this molecule has a ‘hook’. It’s an isopropanol linker. This moiety is a small part of the larger molecule and it’s unique for a DMI. We synthesised it and noticed very strong fungicidal effects.”

The launch of Maxtima pays testament to the cutting-edge research and development that the BASF team undertakes every day. In fact, BASF’s researchers are working on hundreds of products at any one time, with research centres in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Furthermore, BASF collaborates with a global network of top universities, research institutes and companies, giving direct access to external scientific expertise, talented minds from various disciplines, as well as new technologies. This helps to quickly develop targeted, marketable innovations, strengthening its portfolio with creative new projects and reaching its targets for worldwide expertise and growth.

To find out more about BASF’s industry-leading turf products, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-innovation/Turf/

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Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC

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Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC: ICL and Syngenta are pleased to announce the Turf Science Live 2024 event, scheduled to take place at North Hants Golf Club, Minley Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 1RF. This free-to-attend event offers valuable insights and strategies for golf course turf management from industry experts.

About Turf Science Live

Turf Science Live, created by ICL and Syngenta, is the premier event for those who want to improve their knowledge in golf course turf management. The event tackles the complex challenges faced by golf course turf managers, providing a excellent platform for enhancing turf management skills.

Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC

Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC

Who Should Attend?

The event is designed for all professionals in the turf management industry looking to stay at the forefront of the latest developments.

Event Highlights

Held at prestigious locations across the UK and Ireland, each Turf Science Live event offers a unique agenda filled with:

  • Insightful Sessions: Engage in expert-led discussions on the latest trends in turf science, technological breakthroughs, and sustainable practices.
  • Innovative Solutions: Explore the latest in golf turf management solutions designed to enhance the quality and resilience of your course.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow turf managers, industry leaders, and suppliers, fostering a community of collaboration and innovation.
  • Practical Demonstrations: Although this specific event will not feature practical demonstrations, previous sessions have included real-time demonstrations of new methodologies and technologies.

Why Attend?

Turf Science Live 2024 is an invaluable opportunity for professionals in the turf management industry to gain expert insights, discover innovative solutions, and network with peers. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge to improve their turf management practices.

Registration

Don’t miss out on this essential event. For more information and to register, please visit Turf Science Live 2024.

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

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

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

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Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair

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Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair: Machinery distributor Reesink UK is bringing a selection of revolutionary Toro machinery to The Game Fair for the first time.

One thing Reesink knows for sure is that landowners need machinery they can rely on to make their workload easier and more efficient.

Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair

Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair

That’s why Reesink is bringing a choice of versatile, convenient machinery including the Workman UTX utility vehicles and a powerful, multi-purpose Groundsmaster 3300 mower, all from Toro.

David Timms, Reesink’s National Accounts Manager, says: “Decent machinery that is formulated to handle those heavy-duty tasks effectively, can help landowners to keep on top of estate maintenance with ease, while cutting costs.

“It is important to have the right equipment for the job, and just as quality is a consideration when choosing a car, it’s equally as important when it comes to the machinery used to sustain and upkeep grounds. It’s with good reason that Toro is widely known for their quality when it comes to machinery.”

The Toro Workman UTX 4×4 utility vehicle – available in both two and four seat options – is built to tackle all terrains and with 25 percent more cargo capacity than that of others in its class and a towing capacity of up to 2000lbs, it delivers the ultimate productivity.

It guarantees the right speed and power for the job in hand, meaning customers can choose between lower RPMs for lower fuel consumption and sound near the house, or higher RPMs for more power to transport a heavier load up any inclines.

The Toro Groundsmaster 3300 and its innovative flail attachment delivers year-round productivity and multiple cutting options. It copes easily with longer, coarser, dry or wet grass, and when paired with the fine-cut flail attachment option, cuts two ways. It’s this sort of innovation from Toro that guarantees the kind of productivity customers today demand.

Toro is a firm favourite with National Trust properties, private schools, colleges and universities and sports venues, but that doesn’t price it out of the market for today’s homeowner. Come and see at The Game Fair on 26–28 July on stand FBJ.

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DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

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DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire: Mark Simmons, Course Manager at Monmouthshire Golf Club in Abergavenny, embarked on a journey of trial and evaluation to find the perfect grass seed for the club’s greens. After extensive experimentation, Mark concluded that DSV’s PRO Bent grass seed was the optimal solution.

DSV’s PRO Bent is emerging as a game-changer in turf management, boasting remarkable density, drought tolerance, and adaptability for close mowing. Comprised solely of high-quality Browntop bent, PRO Bent from the DSV EuroGrass range is tailor-made for summer/autumn overseeding and species exchange operations, aligning perfectly with Monmouthshire’s vision for superior greens.

DSV's Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

EuroGrass, the pinnacle of over a decade of breeding and testing, stands as a testament to DSV’s commitment to excellence in turf grass quality. With a diverse portfolio of over 90 approved turf varieties worldwide, EuroGrass offers tailored solutions for professional use across various sporting landscapes, solidifying its position as an industry frontrunner in turf innovation.

Mark’s meticulous approach to seed selection involved a series of rigorous trials conducted over several months. Armed with soil samples and a passion for perfection, Mark evaluated seven seed varieties from different manufacturers, subjecting them to various conditions to assess their performance. “I didn’t want to just do the trial with some sand and a pot,” Mark explains. “I wanted to do it specifically for my site.”

“I took the soils from my greens, put them in pots, and used all the different seeds to see which ones germinated and established the best,” Mark elaborates. “Once they established, I regularly trimmed the grass in the pots to simulate them being cut at 4mm; I over-watered them to see how they would cope with too much rain; I dried them out to see how they would deal with drought; I even put some disease on them and sprayed various treatments to see how each seed responded to treatments.”

“Once the trial had finished, I carried out the trial again just to make sure. On both occasions, the results showed that DSV PRO Bent was the best seed for my greens.”

Reflecting on the process, Mark emphasises the importance of thorough research in turf management. “Choosing the correct seed is not just about investing money—it’s about investing in the future of the course,” he says. “With seed, it could be great at one course but might not be as effective at another. This is why data and trial work are crucial.”

DSV's Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

“The sward density of the DSV PRO Bent seed was a standout feature for me,” Mark notes. “I wanted a dense sward, and the DSV seed delivered. If it was thin, then it simply wasn’t going to last.”

Mark purchased the DSV seed from Rhys Norville at ReGen Amenity, someone who he claims has become a key partner in providing invaluable products, support, and expertise. “Rhys is not a pushy salesman,” Mark praises. “I work closely with him on a variety of products which are all tailored to what I like. We do a lot of data collection together as well. He even helped me drag mat my greens recently – and you can’t ask for much more than that!”

Mark’s commitment to finding the perfect seed highlights the importance of thorough research in selecting compatible products for golf course maintenance. With PRO Bent from DSV’s EuroGrass range now enhancing Monmouthshire’s greens, the club is set to reap the rewards of Mark’s meticulous selection process.

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Productive peace at Hillside Golf Club

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Productive peace at Hillside Golf Club: Having seen improved productivity from all-day course maintenance from using Toro electric machinery, Hillside Golf Club in Southport has subsequently invested in four more Toro all-electric eTriFlex 3370 greensmowers and two Toro Workman GTX-Lithium utility vehicles from distributor Reesink Turfcare.

When the club invested in its first eTriFlex three years ago, the aim was environmental to eliminate the risk of hydraulic leaks on the greens. Having used the machine for three years now there’s an additional benefit: it’s favoured just as much for the lack of operational noise, which has enabled greens staff to mow throughout the day.

Productive peace at Hillside Golf Club

Productive peace at Hillside Golf Club

Links manager Chris Ball explains: “The way golf clubs mow has changed, and it’s not always possible to fit in all the work we need to do before play starts any more. This is due to a post-COVID increase in members and visitors and the commonly held view that rounds played over the same course take longer than they once did.

“Work needs to happen all day – and the solution to that is simple, it’s silent electric power.”

The R&A agrees in its Pace of Play guide, stating that course maintenance during play is necessary and adapting maintenance schedules is vital to have as little negative impact on pace of play and the players’ enjoyment as possible.

“With the electric mowers, we can work around members and guests without disturbing them and gives us the ability to get in right behind tournament play as it happens which is essential in keeping on top of the course throughout an event,” Chris says.

When Chris bought the original mower, total cost of sale was a big factor, yet at the time it was an unknown. Thanks to Toro’s newly developed cost calculator, designed to compare operating expenses of alternative energy-powered machines, it’s now known that using the eTriFlex over five years will save £10,153 compared to its diesel equivalent.

“I can well believe it,” says Chris. “There’s a number crunching exercise to be done but I’d say we’re well on the way to that. It’s the absence of downtime and lack of repairs required that’s particularly noticeable, and how easy and quick maintenance is. And that’s without factoring in reduced running costs and no fuel.”

Seeing how this way of working improved productivity and elevated the condition of the course helped the club make the decision to boost its electric machinery fleet with Toro electric utility vehicles from distributor Reesink Turfcare, too. With the Workman GTX-Lithiums on board bunker work such as raking can also run alongside mowing throughout play.

All of this is part of a wider sustainable picture with Chris and the team working towards being non-reliant on chemicals, carefully choosing the perfect combination of drought-resistant organic feeds and disease-tolerant grasses. The goal is to use less water and fewer inputs and spend less money to get the same results.

“It’s important to make the investment now to reap the benefits in the future,” Chris concludes – and leading the way with electric machinery has been an integral part of that investment in the future.

To find out more about electric or hybrid machinery options, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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

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