News: Sward modification and Poa annua reduction with innovative Wetting Agent

Sward modification and Poa annua reduction with innovative Wetting Agent

The challenge:

Many problems in turf are caused by the replacement of desirable species with Poa annua. Poa annua can invade over time and destroy the quality of the playing surface.   

More aggressive species such as Poa annua establish quickly because they can germinate faster at lower temperatures.  

Agrostis and Festuca need higher temperatures and can only achieve their optimal growth with a continuous moisture supply.  

New concept:

TourTurf® uses a new innovative concept for sustainable sward modification. TourTurf^® FTE Respond^® Extreme Fine Turf Enhancer is the most advanced wetting agent on the market, in addition to this effect it strengthens the dominance of Agrostis and Festuca on golf greens and Lolium and Poa pratensis on sports fields and stadiums.  

Nikolaj Hammergaard (Royal Golf Copenhagen) reports here on his experience.

TourTurf^® FTE Respond^® Extreme Fine Turf Enhancer is the result of three years of scientific research at the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at Lancaster University in the UK, resulting in a product with an optimal balance between penetrant and water retention agent.

The results:

• Over a full season of use, our data suggests a 16% increase in the Agrostis/Festuca component of the sward, compared to an 8.2% decrease in untreated plots without overseeding. Agrostis/Festuca composition increased by 61% with overseeding. 
• Success of Agrostis overseeding was improved by 32%.  
• Overall germination of Agrostis seed was increased by 17% compared to when untreated, which was shown in lab studies. Overseeding success will also be increased by the improved water distribution in the soil.

As you can see in this case study it really works!

The use of this new premium wetting agent allows finer turfgrasses to prevail against Poa annua invasion. The product improves successful germination of desirable grass species, root development and uniform growth across the entire playing surface.  

TourTurf^® FTE Respond^® Extreme Fine Turf Enhancer increases the percentage of fine turf grasses by 60%, helping them naturally dominate the sward and reduce Poa annua by up to 70% – with documented results.  

TourTurf^® FTE Respond^® Extreme Fine Turf Enhancer is an effective turfgrass modification tool that ensures Agrostis and Festuca have continuous access to moisture, promoting stronger germination, increased root hair formation and improved survival and sward dominance. At the same time, weed seeds are not further encouraged by product application, allowing desirable turfgrasses to dominate the playing surface.