ACT NOW TO AID OVERWINTER SURVIVAL
After exceptionally the cold, slow start to the 2013 season, followed by unseasonably hot dry weather that has restricted summer growth in some areas, turf plants have not had the time or growing conditions necessary for essential recovery.
Turf could be at even greater risk of disease attack and frost damage this winter, unless plants can be actively encouraged to build carbohydrate reserves over the autumn.
A Primo Maxx programme this autumn could help to stimulate development of essential plant carbohydrate reserves, which would enable turf to survive the harsh conditions of the Nordic winter more effectively.
Greenkeepers will have to be especially careful to ensure turf has sufficient autumn nutrition and irrigation to avoid any further checks when growing conditions allow. Primo Maxx should be an integral part of the autumn programme to promote healthy plant recovery.
Retaining reserves
Disease reduction
One of the key effects seen in Bioforsk trials has been up to 70% reduction in the effects of Microdochium Patch over the winter following summer and autumn treatments with Primo Maxx. This has been attributed to the improved carbohydrate reserves, ensuring plants are stronger and healthier over the winter.
Best results have been achieved where turf is also protected with a fungicide programme, based on Banner Maxx in the autumn to prevent disease attack, followed by Medallion TL in late autumn and before winter snow cover to protect turf in high risk conditions.
Cutting mowing
Every time a turf leaf is cut, carbohydrates and chlorophyll is removed - which weakens the plant as it works to replenish the losses.
Primo Maxx effectively inhibits levels of gibberellic acid in the leaf, leading to a 30% reduction in daily leaf growth and consistently giving up to 50% reduction in clippings. It also leads to corresponding savings in time and associated costs of mowing turf.
Reduced clipping removal and a greater root mass should also make more efficient use of fertiliser inputs and water - achieving better results from all autumn applications and ensuring turf is well prepared for the winter.
Primo Maxx is remarkably effective at reducing stress on the turf plant, which enables it to be healthier and stronger that makes for better playing surface quality.
- Ensure turf has adequate nutrition in the autumn
- Prevent disease attacks that weaken the plant
- Increase root mass
- Raise height of cut to increase light capture season to build carbohydrates
- Maintain a full Primo Maxx programme during the autumn growing
