Tag Archive for: Attraxor®

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

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Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads: At Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, Course Manager Luke Jenkins has been achieving exceptional results using BASF’s Attraxor®, a plant growth regulator supplied by Agrovista Amenity.

Containing the active ingredient prohexadione-calcium, Attraxor has become a key part of Luke’s turf management programme, helping him achieve smoother, more consistent greens and a better balance of grass species across the site.

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Luke, who has been Course Manager at Crowborough Beacon for four and a half years, first came across Attraxor through conversations with Andrew Norman from Agrovista Amenity.

Intrigued by the dual promise of growth regulation and seed-head suppression – and the fact it blended well with the biologicals Luke already uses – he trialled it on the greens and was impressed almost immediately.

“Andrew kept mentioning Attraxor for both growth control and seed-head suppression, and it really ticked a lot of boxes. I started using it and instantly started seeing a difference,” Luke explains.

Seed-head suppression that improves consistency

One of the most obvious benefits for Luke has been the dramatic reduction in seed-head size and frequency – a critical improvement for green speed and consistency.

“You don’t get the big, juicy seed heads you used to get – they’re much smaller,” he says. “We don’t get the white, bobbly greens in the spring that affect roll and speed. Even in a tough seed-head year we had minimal issues compared with other courses nearby.”

Attraxor inhibits a key growth hormone, gibberellic acid, leading to consistent reductions in both shoot growth and flowering. This helps deliver a more consistent surface for golfers and reduces the variability that can make putting unpredictable.

Fast, flexible growth regulation

Attraxor activates on contact with water in the spray tank and begins to regulate growth in as little as four hours – a speed of action Luke values.

“It’s a two-in-one for me: growth regulation including seed-head suppression. I apply it every 21 days and try to get the first treatment on early – because the earlier you start, the better the results,” he says.

Luke typically applies Attraxor around 500 g/ha now and has found it provides consistent regulation across species and cutting heights. That flexibility makes it suitable for the fine turf demands at Crowborough Beacon’s greens, and he notes it keeps growth manageable even when granular feeds are applied.

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Health, density and integrated use

Beyond seed-head suppression and reduced mowing, Attraxor contributes to improved sward density and healthier roots – outcomes that help turf resist both abiotic stresses and disease pressures.

Crucially for Luke’s programme, Attraxor mixes well with many of the biological products and foliar inputs he uses, allowing it to slot into an integrated strategy that emphasises plant health as well as growth management.

Practical, value-driven performance

For a club with limited resources and no fairway irrigation, reliable, low-rate chemistry that delivers predictable results is essential. Luke highlights Attraxor’s cost effectiveness at such small application rates.

“For the price and the quantity you use, it’s excellent value. I wouldn’t be without it now – 100%. Even if you only want seed-head suppression, it’s worth a trial.”

Luke encourages other course managers to test Attraxor on their sites, particularly where Poa seed heads and variable green speed are issues. For Crowborough Beacon, the product has become a key part of keeping greens consistent and playable while supporting the wider restoration and improvement programme Luke is leading.

“If it works on your site like it does on ours, it’ll earn a permanent place in your shed,” he concludes.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

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Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima: At a venue that’s hosted the Ryder Cup, 19 European Tour events, and countless visitors from around the world, expectations for course quality are sky high. For Jim McKenzie, Director of Golf Courses and Estates Management at the Celtic Manor Collection, finding products that can consistently deliver performance without disruption is essential.

With three championship golf courses under his remit—including the world-renowned Twenty-Ten Course—Jim leads an expert team managing one of the UK’s most demanding golfing venues. And when it comes to turf management, he says two of Agrovista Amenity’s products—Attraxor and Maxtima—have become standout performers.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“We’ve dabbled over the years with various cultural and chemical approaches, particularly to deal with Poa seedhead suppression,” explains Jim. “Ray Hunt from Agrovista Amenity suggested we take a look at Attraxor plant growth regulator, and we liked what we saw in the marketplace. We trialled it on Roman Road in 2023, and the results spoke for themselves.

We were impressed enough that we decided to use it across the whole site, all three courses.”

The trial proved effective. Jim noted not only a reduction in clip rate, but also smaller and less disruptive seed heads, leading to smoother ball roll and improved green presentation—even at slightly higher heights of cut.

“The Poa was still there and seeding, but it was far less invasive. That helped maintain surface quality without the need for disruptive maintenance—crucial for a venue like ours where there are no closure days.”

For Jim and the team, Poa is not just accepted—it’s the grass of choice, and managing its behaviour is key to course quality.

“We used to lie awake at night worrying about keeping Poa out. Now, it’s about how we manage it—and products like Attraxor make that job a lot more effective.”

Alongside Attraxor, Maxtima has also been introduced into the programme, further strengthening the site’s ability to tackle turf health issues with confidence. Maxtima is a next-generation DMI fungicide powered by Mefentrifluconazole, and Jim is a fan.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“Maxtima’s been a valuable addition too. It’s part of that progression in product development where we can use targeted solutions that fit our unique environment.”

Its flexible application window, rainfastness, and strong resistance profile have made Maxtima a valuable addition to Jim’s toolkit—especially in a high-pressure, high-visibility environment like Celtic Manor.

“We’ve had no fresh outbreak of disease since November last year and Maxtima is the only fungicide which was used during that period,” Jim adds.

But it’s not just the products that have impressed.

“We’ve known Ray Hunt and Peter Holstrom from Agrovista Amenity for a long time—both are great to work with. They bring completely different things to the table, and that synergy works really well for us. The support we get is second to none.”

Jim McKenzie certainly knows what it takes to maintain excellence—and he’s clear that Agrovista Amenity’s product innovation and personalised support are helping Celtic Manor stay ahead of the game.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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

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Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

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Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School: At Tonbridge School, known for its widely regarded sports facilities, Danny Stunt has embraced practical and effective solutions to manage its extensive grounds. With multiple sports pitches and surfaces to maintain, the challenges are significant.

Since becoming Head of Grounds three years ago, Danny has focused on streamlining processes, with products like Attraxor® proving invaluable in addressing key issues such as excessive grass growth and Poa annua.

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

Supplied by Agrovista Amenity, Attraxor® has not only transformed the way Danny and his team manage turf but has also come with valuable guidance from Andrew Norman, a Technical Manager at Agrovista Amenity. “Andrew has been a brilliant help from the start,” Danny says. “I like that he has previously been a head greenkeeper and straight away, we had common ground. He understands what I’m up against and has always been there to offer advice.”

Danny’s journey into the industry was guided by his grandfather, who he worked alongside at a local golf club. “My grandad brought out my passion for the profession at a young age – he taught me all about high standards,” Danny recalls. This passion evolved into a career which started with greenkeeping until accepting a role as a mechanic at Tonbridge School in Kent.

It was a role he credits for honing his understanding of machinery’s role in grounds care. “That experience as a mechanic has been invaluable and has helped me in becoming a better all-round grounds manager,” he says.

Managing the grounds at Tonbridge School is no small feat. When Danny first took over, excessive growth and frequent mowing were significant challenges. “The team were cutting every day—it was relentless,” he explains. “We were spending hours mowing and collecting clippings, particularly on the cricket outfields.”

This all changed when Danny started using Attraxor®. The product, containing the active substance prohexadione, regulates turf growth by inhibiting the gibberellic acid pathway, reducing turf height and biomass while promoting root growth.

“With Attraxor®, I can spray it on a Friday, come back on Monday to cut, and there are virtually no clippings,” Danny says. “In the past, especially in spring after fertiliser applications, it was crazy trying to pick up all the clippings. Attraxor® has saved us so much time.”

One of the standout benefits of Attraxor® for Danny has been its exceptional control of Poa annua, an invasive grass species notorious for its seed production and unsightly appearance. “The second-team cricket pitch was riddled with Poa,” he shares. “After applying Attraxor, it was the best it had ever been—both in terms of clippings and Poa control.”

Danny admits he was initially sceptical. However, its performance quickly won him over. “I’m normally quite sceptical about product claims, but I’ve never known anything like it. The Poa just disappeared,” he says. “A couple of years ago, the cricket outfields in April or May would be grey, full of Poa seedheads. Not anymore, and that’s thanks to Attraxor.”

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

For Danny, the benefits of using Attraxor® extend beyond aesthetics. The reduction in mowing has led to significant time savings, reduced labour demands, and decreased wear on machinery.

This change has also positively impacted the school’s sustainability efforts. “The school committee were pleased to hear we’ve reduced emissions by cutting down on the amount of mowing,” Danny says. “When you look at the cost-benefit analysis—fuel savings, less machinery maintenance – Attraxor® is a no-brainer.”

Danny plans to continue exploring how Attraxor® can further streamline operations at Tonbridge School. “I may increase the rates in the future to see if I can reduce mowing even more,” he says.

Reflecting on his experience, Danny emphasises the control Attraxor® has given his team. “We are now dictating to the grass – the grass isn’t dictating to us anymore,” he says. “Gone are the days of running all over an outfield picking up clippings, much to the delight of the team.”

For Danny Stunt and Tonbridge School, Attraxor® has proven to be more than just a growth regulator – it’s a product that has delivered results while balancing efficiency and sustainability. With expert support from Agrovista Amenity and Andrew Norman’s understanding of the challenges faced by grounds managers, Danny has found a solution that works seamlessly for his team and the school’s prestigious grounds.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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

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Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

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Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland: Simon Grand, Course Manager at North Foreland Golf Club in Kent, has reported impressive results from using BASF’s Attraxor, a plant growth regulator recommended and supplied by Agrovista Amenity.

Known for its unique coastal setting and historic courses, North Foreland faces the dual challenges of high traffic and dry, windswept conditions. For Simon, the location was a major draw when he joined nine years ago. Moving from a North London clay course, he was eager to manage turf on the free-draining chalk downland and embrace the challenges of this coastal environment.

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Managing the club’s courses, which host approximately 60,000 rounds of golf annually, presents unique challenges. The main course is particularly demanding, with its exposure to winds and a need for consistent, high-quality turf management. With a relatively small team of eight full-time staff, efficiency and innovative solutions are key.

Simon’s relationship with Agrovista Amenity dates back years. Familiar with their product range and expertise, he has trusted the company’s advice and offerings to optimise the club’s turf management.

This year, Simon decided to trial BASF’s Attraxor plant growth regulator: “I’d read positive studies and listened to feedback about the product from other users, particularly its seed head suppression and disease management benefits. The buzz around it grew to the point where I had to see for myself,” he said.

Attraxor is designed to reduce vertical grass growth while promoting lateral spread and tillering. This leads to a denser turf with improved playability and less frequent mowing, freeing up valuable time for other maintenance tasks. The product is especially beneficial for suppressing seed head production and can play a role in disease management.

Simon’s first application on the Northcliffe course was in early spring. “We applied it at the full rate during a mild March. The results were immediate. Within the first few weeks, we noticed significantly reduced growth leading to less leaf removal when cutting and more consistent putting surfaces. I definitely noticed a reduction in seed head as well, when normally they would have been very prevalent at that time of year. There was also a major decrease in disease considering the conditions we were facing. After the initial application we are generally applying it every three weeks and have continued to do so ever since.”

The results impressed Simon enough to integrate Attraxor into the main course maintenance plan later in the summer. “It wasn’t just a short-term solution; it became part of our long-term strategy.”

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Attraxor’s use on the two courses demonstrated benefits like reduced mowing frequency and lower disease presence, which were crucial given the limited resources of the team. “We’re not the largest team managing two busy courses, so any product that helps us maintain quality while reducing workload is invaluable. The challenges we face now as an industry are immense. Greenkeeping can be a tough environment based around labour shortages and the limited products you can use, so a good growth regulator can be a key product in this respect,” he said.

Simon values the ongoing relationship with Andrew Norman, his Agrovista Amenity representative, whose knowledge helps guide North Foreland’s maintenance practices. “Andrew and I have a great understanding, and we work well together. Furthermore, Agrovista’s seminars and resources have been great for learning about new products like Attraxor and fitting them into our programmes,” he added.

The positive results from the initial trials have encouraged Simon to explore Attraxor’s use on tees, aprons, and even bunker faces as time and conditions allow. He remains committed to building on this year’s success and integrating Attraxor into a broader, year-round turf management plan. “I think all the time the grass is growing, Attraxor will be a part of the programme,” Simon said.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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

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The Attraxor Advantage at Aberdovey GC

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The Attraxor Advantage at Aberdovey GC: Located in the stunning Snowdonia National Park, Aberdovey Golf Club in Aberdyfi, Wales, stands as a testament to the beauty and challenges of links golf. Overseeing this picturesque yet demanding course is Course Manager Nigel Green, whose dedication to excellence has been furthered by innovative solutions from Agrovista Amenity, particularly BASF’s Attraxor plant growth regulator.

Aberdovey Golf Club spans over 6,500 yards and has earned a reputation for testing even the most skilled golfers. However, it isn’t just the golfers who have their work cut out according to Nigel. “It is challenging conditions for both golfers and greenkeepers alike,” he says.

The Attraxor Advantage at Aberdovey GC

The Attraxor Advantage at Aberdovey GC

Nigel has been working at the club for an impressive 38 years and he highlights how standards at the club have improved. “The course has benefited over the years because the industry has progressed in terms of technology, machinery and products.”

One of the products central to Nigel’s success is Attraxor, a plant growth regulator developed by BASF. Containing prohexadione calcium, this innovative solution offers precise control over turf growth while promoting root development and enhancing turf quality. What sets Attraxor apart is its fast-acting formulation, providing almost instant results and flexibility in application timing, even in cooler conditions.

Nigel’s journey with Attraxor began with a conversation with Chris Knowles from Agrovista Amenity. Intrigued by its potential to reduce seed heads in addition to plant growth plant growth regulation, Nigel decided to give Attraxor a try. The results were nothing short of remarkable. Nigel observed a significant reduction in seed heads, particularly on the greens, prompting him to expand its usage across the course.

Starting cautiously, Nigel trialled Attraxor on the main putting green before gradually increasing the application rate to 600 grams per hectare. He applies Attraxor every three weeks from January to August, sometimes extending into September due to its effectiveness. Moreover, recent independent trials commissioned by Agrovista also confirm benefits of winter application.

Nigel’s meticulous approach also involves tank-mixing Attraxor with Aquatrols’ Premium N, ensuring optimal performance and consistent results.

The Attraxor Advantage at Aberdovey GC

The Attraxor Advantage at Aberdovey GC

In addition to Attraxor, Nigel highlights the efficacy of BASF’s Maxtima fungicide. Trialling Maxtima early on as a trial before it was launched, Nigel found it to be incredibly effective against Dollar Spot, minimising the need for additional treatments and showcasing outstanding results.

Nigel underlines the invaluable support and expertise provided by Agrovista Amenity and Chris Knowles. “The technical advice and support I receive from Agrovista Amenity and Chris Knowles is very good. If you have any questions or are not too sure about something, you can always get an answer from them. It is a very good relationship.”

As greenkeeping continues to evolve, Nigel emphasises the importance of working with knowledgeable partners like Agrovista Amenity. With impending challenges and restrictions on chemical usage, Nigel believes that innovative solutions and strategic partnerships will be essential for maintaining the standards of courses like Aberdovey.

Through strategic partnerships with companies like Agrovista Amenity and the adoption of cutting-edge products like Attraxor and Maxtima, Nigel has elevated the standards of course maintenance while navigating the evolving landscape of greenkeeping.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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

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