Assess Ryegrass now to map out Rescue use

Late summer turf growth gives an ideal opportunity to assess Ryegrass populations and the potential to improve turf quality over the autumn with Rescue selective herbicide programmes, reports Syngenta Technical Manager, Dr Simon Watson.

"The stalky and clumpy growth habit of Ryegrass is clearly evident in fine mown turf surfaces over late summer," highlights Dr Watson. "If fescue predominant fairways come under drought stress any Ryegrass plants become increasingly unsightly.

"Now is an ideal time to assess the Ryegrass content of any turf sward, to determine the extent of any problem that could be tackled with Rescue during September or October," he advises. "Greenkeepers should start to map out problem areas over the coming weeks and identify priority areas for treatment."

Drawing the extent of Ryegrass problems onto a map of the course is a highly visual way of identifying the worst affected areas, points out Dr Watson. It also provides a valuable reference to track development of Ryegrass problems as they grow. Alternatively, a hand-held Garmin GPS system costs from under £70 and can be used to pin-point Ryegrass infestations around the course; these can be recorded on a map in the office and used as a reference point for further investigation and treatment.

He adds that, with the problematic issues of clumpy Ryegrass highly visual at the moment, it is a good time to raise the potential of Rescue as a novel solution with Club Managers, Greens Committees and Members. "The fact that there is now a faster, less costly control option that has longer lasting results than conventional cultural controls will prove increasingly attractive. Rescue can help to improve turf quality without any disruption in play."

Guidance with grass ID

Green keepers and agronomists can refer to the Syngenta Grass Identification Guide to further help define the turf composition and what can be removed with Rescue treatment. The Guide, produced in conjunction with STRI, is specially designed to help with key feature identification of grass species in a tight mown turf typical of that found on golf courses . An easy to use on-line version is available at www.greencast.co.uk whilst greenkeepers attending one of the Rescue Roadshow seminars this month will receive a free copy of the Guide. Alternatively email karen.roberts@syngenta.com for a copy whilst stocks are available.

For further Press Information please contact:

Dr Simon Watson
Syngenta Crop Protection
Tel: 01223 883441
Email: simon.watson@syngenta.com

For turf specific information visit the web site www.greencast.co.uk