Tag Archive for: Greens

AIM for clean greens

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AIM for clean greens: A new Syngenta one-box fungicide programme is now available, providing a well-proven, cost effective and agronomically strong season-long disease control strategy.   

The AIM programme contains three leading Syngenta fungicides, specifically selected to provide an effective sequential strategy for summer through to winter, including Ascernity, Instrata Elite and Medallion TL.

AIM for clean greens

AIM for clean greens

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Turf Technical Manager for UK & Ireland, advocated the AIM approach optimises the potential to protect turf from immediate disease risks, while also providing longer term pathogen reductions that more effectively prevents disease outbreaks right through the season.

“Starting the programme with Ascernity, targeted at the increasing issues of summer anthracnose and dollar spot infections, followed by Instrata Elite in early autumn has proven to prevent the hugely damaging early outbreaks of microdochium patch.

“The AIM pack then gives a further follow up of Medallion TL for when conditions cool. That gives outstanding protection against damage through the critical time of limited turf recovery,” he advised. AIM is available for golf courses, sports turf and any turf surfaces covered by the products’ label recommendations.

The AIM strategy is fully supported by the Syngenta Turf Advisor App designed to guide optimum fungicide application timing. That includes local disease risk forecast models and disease pressure levels over recent days and weeks, along with a host of weather data to refine decision making.

“Turf Advisor also provides instant assessment of growth potential (GP) of turf, for appropriate product selection.” Sean advocates the multi-active benefits of systemic Ascernity are best utilised while turf is actively growing, with a GP above 20%, while Instrata Elite remains extremely effective as growth slows to 5%-25% GP.

When growth slows further, the contact activity of Medallion TL effectively protects the leaf from disease infection, while also targeting pathogen spores in the thatch and root crown to reduce the risk of infection.

The further advantage of the AIM strategy is that each application contains different fungicide modes of action. The rotation of fungicides and utilising multiple modes of action is the basis of a good fungicide resistance management plan, he added.

“Targeting disease earlier in the season prevents damage to the leaf, reduces stress on the plant and effectively breaks the disease cycle – enabling fungicide programmes to maintain playing surface quality and longer lasting results throughout the season.

“Early disease outbreaks act as infection source for further spread as the season progresses,” he warned. Even where scars have dried up, millions of spores would have been released that can be waiting in thatch or organic matter for the right conditions to develop and trigger new infections.

“Disease management in the autumn is essentially a numbers game. The potential for disease outbreaks is dependent on both the number of pathogens present, and the conditions for it to multiply rapidly.

“Reducing the initial turf disease pathogen population gives the opportunity for cultural Integrated Turf Management (ITM) controls to be more effective.”

STRI trials in Yorkshire showed how the AIM programme of Ascernity at the onset of microdochium patch pressure, followed by Instrata Elite and then Medallion TL, kept disease down below 3% of surface area affected throughout the season, when infection in the untreated area quickly hit 15% and reached over 25% of disease cover. In high pressure trials at ISTI in Ireland, the AIM strategy was the only fungicide treatment approach to keep disease in complete control.

“The actual timing of each application and number of treatments required will be site specific, according to risks and pressure,” pointed out Sean. “The sequence of using the three products is now very well proven, and more convenient and cost effective in the AIM one-box solution.”

Preventing disease outbreaks from mid-summer gives the best chance to go into winter clean, and come out green in the spring.

AIM is distributed in the UK and Ireland by ICL. The AIM one-box solution is also eligible for extra Turf Rewards points to qualify for turf management products and education resources: www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

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Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury: Five years ago, Dudsbury Golf Club embarked on an ambitious project to revolutionise the composition of their greens.

The decision to introduce ProSelect Riptide, a creeping bentgrass exclusive to ICL, was met with both anticipation and trepidation. Fast forward to today, and the results speak for themselves. The greens at Dudsbury Golf Club have undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the successful sward composition change.

Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

ProSelect Riptide has proven to be a game-changer in the golf course management industry. Its unique characteristics and superior performance have made it an ideal choice for Dudsbury Golf Club. We spoke to the course manager, Warren Moss, to get his insights on the impact of ProSelect Riptide on the greens.

“The change to ProSelect Riptide has been truly remarkable,” Warren shared enthusiastically. “The greens are now in pristine condition year-round. The grass has a vibrant green colour, excellent ball roll, and exceptional disease resistance. It has significantly improved the playability of the course, making it a delight for golfers of all levels.”

The benefits of ProSelect Riptide extend beyond aesthetics and playability. Its deep rooting system ensures better drought tolerance and reduced water consumption, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the grass recovers quickly from pitch marks and other forms of damage, resulting in quicker healing times and improved overall turf health.

Members of Dudsbury Golf Club have been quick to note the positive impact brought about by ProSelect Riptide. One regular shared that the greens used to be inconsistent, but since the switch, the course feels akin to a professional tour circuit. The ball now rolls smoothly, providing an exceptional putting experience. They were full of praise for the club’s management for this outstanding improvement.

An equally appreciative voice highlighted the visual appeal of the course since the change. They noted that ProSelect Riptide has been a game-changer, leading to smooth and uniform greens that provide Dudsbury Golf Club with a distinct edge. Being part of a club that prioritizes quality and constantly strives to enhance the golfing experience was described as a true pleasure.

The success of the sward composition change at Dudsbury Golf Club with ProSelect Riptide is a testament to the importance of innovative turf management practices. By embracing cutting-edge solutions, golf courses can elevate the quality of their greens, improve player satisfaction, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The collaboration between Dudsbury Golf Club and ICL, serves as a shining example of how investing in advanced turf technologies can pay off in the long run. It not only enhances the reputation of the golf club but also attracts new members and visitors who appreciate the value of exceptional playing conditions.

As the golf industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for golf course managers to stay ahead of the curve. The success story of Dudsbury Golf Club should inspire other clubs to explore innovative turfgrass solutions and embrace positive change. ProSelect Riptide has undeniably left its mark on the greens at Dudsbury Golf Club, and it will continue to do so for years to come, ensuring a superior golfing experience for all.

For more information, please visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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

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COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens

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COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens: Ian Dickson, a bowling green contractor, believes that COMPO EXPERT products have proved to be top of range without the premium price tag.

Ian originally started his career in greenkeeping but switched to bowling green maintenance ten years ago. While admitting it is a completely ‘different animal’, Ian says he quickly got an appetite for maintaining bowls greens and has done so ever since.

COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens

COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens

He explained how he first started using COMPO EXPERT products on bowls greens.

“In my greenkeeping days I used to order a lot of products from Agrovista Amenity (the exclusive national distributor of COMPO EXPERT’S turf products in the UK) and my representative was Ramsay MacGregor. I stayed in touch with Ramsay when I switched to bowls because he is very knowledgeable, and he gives valid reasons behind using products.

Ramsay is genuinely interested in a plant’s health and his advice is key to my operations.

“Ramsay came in and looked at the bowls greens I was working on. He suggested using some COMPO EXPERT products and explained how they had been getting great results on some golf courses, so I decided to give them a try.”

COMPO EXPERT believes in sustainable, integrated turf management by focusing on modern fertilisation concepts, consistent regeneration of growth and optimal support of the plant’s own physiological processes. All of which promote vitalisation, stress tolerance and root development while providing optimum turf quality.

The innovative product range includes specialty mineral and stabilized fertilisers, slow and controlled release fertilisers, water soluble and liquid fertilisers as well as biostimulants, trace elements and soil conditioners.

The first product Ian tried from the COMPO EXPERT range was Fertilis® Speed, an NPK complex fertiliser with emphasis on nitrogen for spring and summer application to promote growth and a quick green-up.

“The green where we applied the Fertilis® had a lot of bare areas and the growth has been tremendous,” said Ian. “We applied it in May and had a full 12 weeks out of it. There has been less disease, the sward is a lot thicker, and even during a big drought period the greens performed superbly.”

Ian also maintains a sand-based green which is prone to leaching. For this green he applied Floranid® Twin Eagle K – an extra fine granulated slow-release complex fertiliser of excellent solubility.

“The nutrient levels on this green are very hard to maintain. With the Twin Eagle K, you don’t get the flush of growth in the way you would from the Fertilis®. Instead, you get an even, consistent growth. I judge the consistency of it by looking at the amount of grass cuttings I take from the mower each week. We get three boxes of cuttings three times a week and that underlines how consistent the Twin Eagle K is. Again, we get excellent results.”

Ian claims that he has been very impressed with the longevity of the products and believes that there isn’t much on the market that can beat COMPO EXPERT products in terms of performance and price.

“A lot of other fertilisers just don’t have the longevity that these do,” he said. “We were using a cheaper fertiliser in the past and I was applying twice as much product, so it ended up costing me more.

“The COMPO EXPERT products are top the range, but you don’t pay top of the range prices for them. They are very fairly priced compared to their competitors.”

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

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Get greens summer-ready with Turf care professionals

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Get greens summer-ready with Turf care professionals: Leading manufacturer of golf, lawn bowling greens and other sports turf maintenance equipment, Wood Bay Turf Technologies, has been creating world-class turf maintenance equipment since 1987, and has a range of products to help with all aspects of summer lawn maintenance.

It’s always recommended to start the season with a roll, as greens can be soft and uneven at this time of year. Rolling will help to smooth uneven spots and firm up the surface. The greensIRON 3900 golf greens roller, has been top-rated by leading golf course managers to raise the standard of greens to incredibly high quality, while smoothing out any surface imperfections and creating a firm playing surface. The greensIRON golf turf roller has a light footprint, even lighter than a person making a putt, so it will not make a mark as it rolls.

Get greens summer-ready with Turf care professionals

Get greens summer-ready with Turf care professionals

The machine has uniquely designed handlebars to allow for ease of steering, while its Hydro-Gear makes the transition from one direction to another very comfortable for even the least experienced operator. The roller’s rubber-tracked drive roller also provides superior climbing ability on the steepest, undulating greens and approaches.

The greensIRON 6200 Lawn Bowling Greens and Tennis Court Roller is based on the same design as the greensIRON 3900, but has wider rollers at 62” instead of 39”. The greensIRON 6200 is ideally used for rolling lawn bowling greens and tennis courts to make them smoother and play faster, improving the turf surface and creating a consistent green speed.

Another key task is turf dethatching and thinning out thatch to clear out old, dead grass and other organic matter that has built up, but not broken down, over the autumn and winter months. Dethatching opens up the lawn surface to allow for improved nutrient and water intake. The Wood Bay fds9200 multipurpose turf dethatchers are lightweight, flexible and responsive, and are engineered to handle a variety of surfaces, from the contours and undulations of a golf course to the flat surfaces associated with sports fields, race tracks and equestrian arenas.

Finally, it’s is an ideal time to make sure that all equipment is in tip-top condition. Along with turf specialist machinery, Wood Bay also manufactures dynaBlade verti-cut blades for all leading brands of turf machinery. Strong by design with tungsten carbide tips, the blades are engineered to save time and money with the most efficient linear aeration.

Wood Bay Turf Techonologies’ products are available exclusively from Henton & Chattell’s dealer network. For more information, please contact Sam Russo, sales specialist turf machinery, email sr@hentonanchattell.co.uk or call 07716 992587.

Further information about Wood Bay and its products can be found at https://www.woodbayturftech.com/

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TriCure Ad™ Granular eases greens

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TriCure Ad™ Granular eases greens: Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and Lakeland Fells, Casterton Golf Club in South Cumbria has undergone radical expansion in recent years under the guidance of Owner and Head Greenkeeper Peter Makinson.

The underlying limestone rock provides excellent drainage, ensuring the course is playable year-round but poses a challenge to Peter and his team in their attempts to retain moisture and nutrients in the profile. That’s where his feeding programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) comes in – with particular successes seen last year in switching from spot treatments to broader applications of TriCure Ad™ Granular.

TriCure Ad™ Granular eases greens

TriCure Ad™ Granular eases greens

Peter has used products from the OAS portfolio, specifically the Headland brand, for the last 15 years. Under the guidance of OAS Sales Manager Alex Hawkes, this has progressed to a full year-round programme – put into practice for the last four years. “We have traditionally followed a primarily liquid regime” Peter explains, “applied monthly in and around the busy course and available weather windows, and working with the labour resources available.”

“The TriCure Ad™ Granular product is easy to apply and for the last few seasons, we have been using it to target particularly problematic areas around the course with good results.” However, with the prolonged period of hot and dry weather experienced last year, Peter extended his use to wider applications – providing some relief to their non-irrigated greens. “We started with an application at a rate of 24g/m2 at the beginning of the season with the plan to reapply every three months. However, we closely monitored the weather and could react by getting the spreader out, covering two to three greens per night, and watering it in using taps and hoses.”

TriCure Ad™ Granular product offers an effective solution in situations where spraying is not feasible. It utilises DG-Lite, dispersible granular technology as a carrier to quickly release the chemistry with no residue left after normal irrigation. It also does not contain any of the ingredients commonly associated with phytotoxicity or scorch meaning it can be safely applied in the morning and watered-in to activate the product in the evening without risk to the turf.

“It’s easy to spread and breaks down well, with no pickup on the mowers afterwards” Peter adds. “The beauty of being able to apply it as and when we needed it most meant we got through the challenging summer retaining adequate coverage and recovering quickly when the rain returned.” Having demonstrated its effectiveness, Peter now plans to extend applications of TriCure Ad™ to the tees for the upcoming season. “As we look for ways to manage the challenges that mother nature throws at us, knowing how this product works on our ground and the results we get with the resources we have available, it’s the next logical step.”

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