Greenkeepers are
crucial to a golf course’s success, but inevitably a helping hand is sometimes
required to maintain playability throughout the year to maintain stress free
turf.
“We don’t know yet
what conditions greenkeepers will have to deal with during 2020, in recent
years they’ve had to manage both unseasonal dry and wet conditions, and at
times it has been a challenge to keep on top of turf stress,” says Neil
Pettican, Bayer head of sales.
“Due to the
unpredictable nature of the UK climate, we strongly recommend investing in a
preventative and integrated approach to turf management to be in a position to
handle whatever is thrown at turf throughout the year,” adds Neil.
He says when it comes
to disease management implementing a preventative approach is key and can be
achieved by incorporating cultural and biological practices alongside chemical
solutions prior to the onset of disease.
“Healthy plants are
better equipped to combat disease and mitigate stress. Modern fungicides and
IPM programs need to do more than just work on the pathogen for disease
control, as improving plant heath plays a crucial role,” he explains.
If greenkeepers aren’t
invested in this approach, we’re recommending that 2020 should be the year that
they change their focus.
“If you prevent
diseases before they affect playability, it both reduces long-term costs and
any negative effects on the golfers experience,” says Neil.
He recommends that if
greenkeepers are looking at using preventative fungicides, they should look out
for Stressgard Formulation Technology as it is proven to improve plant
physiological results. It enhances plant health allowing superior disease
management and healthier turf, ensuring grass is in a stronger position to
withstand further pressures.
“Disease
pressure will inevitably be present during this year, so it’s best to get
prepared well in advance,” says Neil.
He adds that for
instance it’s been reported that 90% of golf courses suffer with Microdochium
patch annually, so it will pay to be prepared early prior to infection,
especially as the early stages of Microdochium patch can be very difficult to
spot.
“Taking an early
stance on preventative, rather than curative, applications will limit the
severity of disease outbreaks later in the season, improving consistency of
long-term playability and ultimately satisfaction for you and your golfers.”
