Barenbrug Fescue to the Rescue
Barenbrug has launched a 100 percent fescue mixture - BAR Rubra - to help greenkeepers increase or re-introduce highly desirable fescues to all areas of the golf course.
The introduction follows what the company believes will be a growing demand for fescue mixtures due to the availability of a new selective herbicide to control several of the most common, unwanted species on the course.
Barenburg research and development manger Jayne Leyland believes there has never been a better time for greenkeepers to look to increase fescues on all areas of links, heathland and moorland courses. "Once you have got rid of unwanted grasses it is essential to overseed these areas with fescues, otherwise they will quickly become re-infested if left open and bare.
"Every area of the golf course demands different characteristics and performance from its fescues. Thanks to our extensive breeding programme we have a diverse range of cultivars formulated into 100 percent fescue mixtures specifically designed to meet the demands and requirements of individual swards, whether in or out of play, throughout the course."
Areas of intense play, particularly greens, naturally receive the best of care. But, according to Jayne, there is a growing problem with deep roughs becoming too dense through the ingression of broad-leafed grasses, which frustratingly cause slow play and look unsightly. She adds: "BAR Rubra has been specifically designed to produce fast-establishing, open, deep roughs that do not impede play as well as provide the aesthetic benefit of producing attractive seed heads. It also has excellent persistency for semi-roughs and its fast establishment is an essential characteristic for repairing bare areas."
BAR Rubra is a mixture of Chewings, slender creeping red and strong creeping red fescues, including the new fast-establishing cultivar Barmalia. The new mixture strengthens the all-fescue mixture choice with BAR Fescue and BAR 22 suitable for greens and tees, and BAR 20 and BAR Rubra for fairways through to deep roughs.
Full details on all Barenbrug's fescue mixtures are available to download from www.barenbrug.co.uk. Alternatively, call the company on 01359 272000 or email info@baruk.co.uk. fax 01359 272001, email info@baruk.co.uk or visit www.barenbrug.co.uk.
Image: Barenbrug has launched a 100 percent fescue mixture - BAR Rubra - to help greenkeepers increase or re-introduce fescues to all areas of the golf course.