APPROVAL FOR GREENS AND TEES

PICTURED ABOVE: Microdochium patch developing on turf surface

Syngenta turf fungicide Ascernity, has now gained approval for use on golf greens and tees.

Syngenta technical manager, Sean Loakes, says timing of the announcement gives greenkeepers the chance for Ascernity to clean up greens and tees while there is early autumn growth for recovery, and offers the best chance for optimum turf quality going into the winter.

“Dollar spot pressure has been extremely high for sustained period, with anthracnose flaring up whenever turf is stressed. Ascernity has great efficacy for targeting these damaging diseases, as well as outstanding performance to prevent the early onset of microdochium expected after the wet conditions,” he advised. 

Following ongoing Syngenta investment in specific R&D studies on golf courses, the addition of use for golf greens and tees on the Ascernity label further extends its use from the existing approval on enclosed sports turf stadium surfaces says the company.

“Ascernity has already proven extremely effective under UK conditions, as well as in Ireland where it has been available for golf courses for the past three seasons,” added Sean. 

Syngenta says Ascernity brings an entirely new active for turf disease management in golf, in combination with a triazole fungicide active designed to give the optimum balance of internal and leaf surface protection. 

The company says the product features an advanced formulation, specifically created to achieve a protective coating on the leaf surface, and to move the active evenly through the plant.

This balanced systemicity of the product, they say, ensures the whole plant leaf remains protected for longer - delivering sustained disease control. Ascernity is approved for two applications per season, at a rate of 3.0 l/ha.

Unlike some existing systemic actives, Ascernity stays evenly distributed through the leaf, reported Sean. 

“The balance of translaminar and systemic uptake retains the disease-fighting active throughout the growing leaf. Ascernity is extremely stable within the leaf; studies have shown that even 14-days after application there is no degradation or dilution in the leaf.”

Sean highlighted that the combination of two actives and two different modes of action targeted disease at different stages, giving greater flexibility in application timing and the efficacy of disease control.

Results from over 70 trials throughout Europe have shown the performance against a full range of key turf diseases, including Microdochium nivalle, anthracnose, Dollar spot and take-all. Trials had also shown good effect on fairy ring. 

He believes Ascernity will become the first-action fungicide option during periods of turf growth, from late spring through to autumn, depending on conditions. “Targeting disease earlier 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. 

“The dual action of Ascernity is so effective since it initially stops germinating spores from developing hyphae on the surface. But if disease has penetrated through into the leaf, it can still act curatively to stop further infection - before visible damage breaks out.”