Tag Archive for: Control

Bionema launches WeevilIntercept™ for adult vine weevil control

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Bionema launches WeevilIntercept™ for adult vine weevil control: Bionema Group, a UK-based biological crop protection company, has announced the launch of WeevilIntercept™, a ready-to-use biological solution designed to control adult black vine weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) in ornamental horticulture, nurseries, and retail plant production systems.

Vine weevil is one of the most economically damaging pests in UK horticulture, with total plant losses estimated at approximately £40 million annually across nurseries, garden centres, and retail supply chains. While adult vine weevils cause visible cosmetic damage to foliage, the most severe economic losses are caused by larvae, which hatch from eggs laid by adults and feed on plant roots, often leading to sudden plant collapse and death.

Bionema launches WeevilIntercept™ for adult vine weevil control

Bionema launches WeevilIntercept™ for adult vine weevil control

For professional growers and retailers, tolerance is effectively zero. The presence of even a single larva or adult vine weevil can result in crop rejection, lost sales, and reputational damage, particularly at the point of sale.

WeevilIntercept™ is designed to break this cycle by targeting adult vine weevils before they lay eggs, helping reduce subsequent larval pressure and protect plant quality. The product exploits the natural daytime hiding behaviour of adult weevils and contains encapsulated entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) housed within a moisture-stable wooden shelter. When adult weevils enter the trap, the nematodes infect and kill the pest through a wholly biological process, leaving no chemical residues.

“Adult vine weevils may cause cosmetic damage, but they are the source of the larvae responsible for the most serious plant losses,” said Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group. “WeevilIntercept™ provides growers and retailers with a practical biological tool to intercept adults early, complement existing larval control programmes, and strengthen integrated pest management strategies.”

Each WeevilIntercept™ unit provides approximately 10 square metres of coverage and remains active for up to 8-10 weeks when kept moist. The product is intended for use by professional growers, nurseries, landscapers, garden centres, and home gardeners managing vine weevil pressure during the active adult period from spring through mid-summer.

Free from microplastics and synthetic pesticides, WeevilIntercept™ supports Bionema’s wider mission to reduce reliance on conventional chemical inputs while maintaining reliable, practical pest control performance.

WeevilIntercept™ will be available for the 2026 vine weevil season, with an initial focus on the UK horticultural and retail markets. Growers and retailers interested in evaluation or supply for the 2026 season are invited to contact Bionema Group directly.

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Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions

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Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions: Foamstream by Weedingtech has been described as a ‘gamechanger’ in the world of weed control by contractors DB Premier Solutions. In fact, owner Darren Baldwin was so impressed with the versatility of the system, that his new venture revolves solely around his L12 unit – opening doors to customers in both the commercial and domestic markets.

With more than two decades of experience under his belt maintaining the world-leading sports surfaces at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Darren admits he seldom gets excited about new machinery – but that changed upon his discovery of Foamstream. “In the Premier League, sustainability is at the forefront of what we do. However, our pursuit of solutions that are more environmentally-friendly cannot be to the detriment of effectiveness or surface quality.” Darren continues, “Foamstream first dropped onto my radar when I saw it in action at another Premier League Club. We then hired a unit at Tottenham and I was sold. I liked the versatility of it and could see it had real mileage – it’s probably one of only a handful of innovations that have come along and really changed the market.”

Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions

Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions

“In wanting to pursue something different, and take life a little gentler, I purchased an L12 from Campey Turfcare Systems in November 2023 and established DB Premier Solutions in the new year. It’s proving itself day after day, gaining interest from new and retuning customers and now means I’m just as busy as ever!”

As the worlds leading herbicide-free weed control solution, Foamstream kills weeds, moss and algae using the precise application of hot water insulated by a specially-formulated, biodegradable and organic foam. Available in the UK via Campey Turfcare Systems, Foamstream targets unwanted vegetation as well as the surrounding spores, delivering control comparable to traditional chemical alternatives in a range of applications and environments.

“Its versatility means that one day I can be in a football club, treating weeds in areas that are environmentally sensitive that would have relied on labour-intensive hand-weeding as a previous method of control. The next, I might be in an equestrian facility working around stable blocks. Being safe to use around animals and pets makes Foamstream perfect for the domestic market, which has resulted in a wealth of new work with residential customers and council-owned facilities.”

He adds, “Being able to use the L12 as a commercial cleaning unit is just another string to its bow, along with being effective on moss – within two hours you’ll see a change in colour, making it easy then to brush out and remove. I’m genuinely excited for the coming months to just keep finding more and more things this system can do!”

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce: As Complete Weed Control, the longest established amenity weed control company in the UK and Ireland, has recently put 13 employees through the Amenity Nominated Storekeeper (ANSK) training and examination to strengthen its future workforce.

Launched by independent standards setting organisation, BASIS in 2021 and fully recognised by the Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) as a certificate of competence, the training course and accredited qualification, is specifically developed for professionals who are responsible for the storage of professional use pesticides within the amenity sector.

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Strengthening the company’s commitment to young professionals in the industry, of those who took the course, 6 included future leaders: Craig Convery, contract manager for Tyne and Wear, office manager and site supervisor, Lewis Bloomer and grounds maintenance operative, Emma Hayman for Durham and Teesside, Mark Carnie, storekeeper for South West and East Scotland, Daniel Adamson, manager for North East and Sam Drury, business development manager for East Riding.

Lewis Bloomer said: “I’m proud to have passed the course alongside my colleagues from the wider organisation. Complete Weed Control is committed to its responsibility around compliance and ensuring industry regulations are met. This course has provided an opportunity for additional people within the team to maintain the high standards we deliver to our customers.

The organisation is a great place to learn and develop, one that’s investing heavily in its people. There’s no ceiling here, and the progression opportunities are something you don’t find readily with other employers.”

Ian Graham, managing director said: “We are delighted all of our team members who took part successfully passed the course. Not only are we cementing our future in the industry, but we are also growing our talent from the ground up.”

“Our industry is highly regulated and it is important we upskill as many people as possible in our commitment to surpass standards. Developing our people is not just shaping the individuals but supporting our culture of excellence and responsibility. Lewis and the other participants represent a bright future for our company, and we are proud to support them on their journey.”

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Spring timing for Overtake weed control

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Spring timing for Overtake weed control: With spray application opportunities proving to be at a premium between the rainstorms this spring, Greenkeepers can take advantage of the easy and quick to use formulation Overtake herbicide for effective broad-leaved weed treatment in turf.

Research has shown Overtake delivered highly effective results when applied in a water volume of 200 l/ha using the Syngenta XC nozzle, enabling operators to cover more area in any available spray window, compared to application at 600 to 1000l/ha typically used with some other broad-leaved herbicides.

Spring timing for Overtake weed control

Spring timing for Overtake weed control

Soil temperatures have also warmed up that would have encouraged weed seeds to germinate, at a timing when they are best controlled by herbicide application, advocated Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager. “Spring timing is best to target weed control strategies and get good results with Overtake.

“The temperature and soil moisture has been highly conducive to plant growth; which is optimum for Overtake uptake by weeds. The combination of its two herbicide actives together will be quickly translocated to the root for faster results,” he advised.

The Syngenta Turf Advisor app has shown Growth Potential rates consistently in excess of 15% over the past two weeks for most of the country, significantly above the historic seasonal two-week average. The app shows a visual forecast of local conditions for the coming seven days, as well as the previous seven days that will indicate how plants are growing now.

“Although the Growth Potential figures in Turf Advisor are calibrated for cool season turfgrass species, it is a good indication that conditions are good for weed activity and herbicide application,” Sean advocated.

“Strong turf growth in spring will help the sward to knit in and give quick coverage of bare earth where weeds are removed, to maintain surface quality and shade out further weed colonisation.”

Turf Advisor also gives a seven-day forecast of available spray windows, with conditions for any applications.

For spraying on greens Sean recommends use of the purple 025 Syngenta XC Nozzles, which will consistently deliver 196 l/ha at the optimum 2 bar when travelling at 5 km/hr. For treatment on fairways the red 04 XC nozzles will apply the same 196 l/ha at 2 bar when spraying at 8 km/hr. The XC Nozzle has been designed to optimise application of spray on turf and minimise the risk of drift.

Overtake is distributed in the UK and Ireland by ICL Ltd. www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

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Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function: Complete Weed Control, the longest established amenity weed control company in the UK and Ireland, has announced significant additions to its sales team with the appointment of Mark Pyrah as sales director and Simon Pannell as group sales director.

Mark Pyrah brings a wealth of experience to the role having held a leadership position at ICL, as well as overseeing the team at Amega Sciences. His extensive career within the sector spans nearly four decades, contributing to his deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry.

Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

Regarding his move to Complete Weed Control, Mark expressed enthusiasm for the well-respected business, citing a positive and productive working relationship with the company’s leadership. He emphasised the robust service offering, consistency across the network and the commitment to delivering high standards as key factors that attracted him to the organisation.

Mark’s new role within Complete Weed Control will focus on cultivating customer relationships, attracting new contracts and negotiating deals with suppliers. He plans to spend time with individual regional managers to understand their challenges, aiming to facilitate joined-up solutions across the organisation. Mark also looks forward to meeting customers and aiding expansion into new markets.

Highlighting challenges facing the sector, Mark pointed to increasing regulations over spraying activity and sees an opportunity for Complete Weed Control to champion advancements, such as the use of WEEDit technology, to promote best practice.

Joining the team alongside Mark Pyrah, Simon Pannell assumes the role of group sales director, bringing a wealth of experience dating back to 1998. Simon’s proven track record includes significant growth achieved in various roles with Litterboss, CC Cousins, MITIE Landscapes, Integritas Landscapes, John O’Conner GM and at Countrywide GM, where he served as national accounts sales director.

Simon expressed his passion for building relationships and underscored the importance of understanding customer challenges. His goal is to target new business opportunities across the UK, catering to the diverse needs of customers.

The appointments of Mark Pyrah and Simon Pannell signal a strategic move by Complete Weed Control to further solidify its position as the leading player in the amenity weed control industry.

Ian Graham, managing director of Complete Weed Control shared his enthusiasm regarding the dual appointments, stating: “We are confident that the addition of Mark and Simon to our team will greatly enhance our growth trajectory. Their combined experience and deep understanding of the industry will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.”

He added: “Our nationwide presence aligns seamlessly with the requirements of businesses operating across multiple locations, and this new director-level appointment underscores our commitment to prioritising and fostering relationships with such entities.”

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