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EDITOR'S BLOG

WATCH OUT!
For turf disease outbreaks
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

With many parts of the country experiencing mild and wet weather recently, it is important for turf professionals of all disciplines to be mindful that disease pressures will be high in the coming months.

Early morning dew creates a warm, moist environment that can facilitate the environmental conditions favourable for an outbreak of certain turf diseases.

Diseases are caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens. These are the most numerous infectious agents of plant diseases. If your grass has visible symptoms, the first step is identification to decide if the problem is a plant disease.

Once you have determined that a real problem exists, and is caused by a living organism, you need to decide what type of organism may be causing the damage. In sports turf situations the problem is generally associated with distorted growth, seedling diseases and leaf symptoms.

Leaf symptoms are seen in many forms: discolouration (yellowing or shades of green), localised or indistinct patterns, usually indicate a virus; dead areas on leaves can be caused by fungi or bacteria. Necrotic areas caused by fungi may contain hyphae or fruiting bodies, particularly after incubation in a warm, moist environment.

Understanding the specific disease, or the life cycle of the pathogen involved, is necessary to ensure effective controls can be implemented. Three major factors contribute to the development of a plant disease: a susceptible host, a virulent pathogen, and a favourable environment. A plant disease results when these three factors occur simultaneously.

Environmental extremes of temperature, light, or moisture can accentuate many diseases. Cool, moist conditions are ideal for many fungal pathogens. Understanding the disease cycle is important when considering control options. Learning the chain of events that contribute to a disease helps point out the weakest links. Control measures can then be used to break the cycle. Most pathogens must survive an adverse period, usually winter, when they do not actively cause plant diseases.

The main management tool for controlling pests and diseases is, by definition, an Integrated Pest Management strategy (IPM) that comprises several tasks and checks providing a comprehensive approach to controlling insects, weeds and pathogens in an economically and environmentally sensitive way, using cultural biological and chemical management tools to reduce the incidence of infection in managed turf. The disease triangle is a concept of plant pathology and is based on the principle that disease is the result of an interaction between a host, a potential pathogen and the environment or weather conditions.

Plant disease is prevented by elimination of any one of these three causal components and of course there are further influences.

Keeping the sward healthy and reducing the conditions that favour disease will be the first priority to keep disease from your turf. The following actions should help you achieve this:

Carry out programmes of aeration to help keep the surface free draining.
Inspect and monitor existing surface water drainage systems; ensure that they are working.
Prevent moist conditions remaining on the surface by brushing/sweeping/switching the playing surface (remove dew).
Apply a balanced fertiliser to keep the sward healthy. A soil analysis will identify fertiliser requirements.
Control thatch layers as thatch provides a good environment for the disease outbreaks. Reduce thatch by hollow coring and scarification.
Reduce the return of clippings. An accumulation of dead matter will increase thatch.
Maintain Soil pH between 5.8-6.5; do not allow the soil to become alkaline.
Check mowing heights and keep blades sharp.
Be vigilant and treat the disease early to prevent severe attacks. Treat with approved fungicides.
Reduce shade.

On the subject of approved turf fungicides, we still have a few available for use on sports and amenity turf. I read with interest in a recent press release that Syngenta have launched a new complete fungicide package to help reduce the incidence of turf diseases.

Other products on the market include Maxtima 1L used to control dollar spot and Microdochium patch. We also have HeritageMaxx an acropetal penetrant fungicide for the control of Anthracnose, Brown Patch, Fairy Rings (Type 2), Leaf Spot, Melting Out, Microdochium, Rust and Take-All Patch in managed amenity turf.

Also available is Insignia, a professional use fungicide for the control of red thread, microdochium patch and dollar spot on managed amenity turf.

Before any pesticide product can be used, sold, supplied or stored it must be authorised for use. A full guide on the use of pesticides can be found on this government website.

As mentioned above, by carrying out a robust integrated approach to the maintenance of your turf, it will greatly reduce the incidence of disease outbreaks and quite often lead to reduced use of fungicide treatments. However, while we still have these products available for use, they do provide us with an effective means to control turf diseases.

Finally, as next week it's Easter Bank Holiday Monday, we'll be taking a brief one-week break, and will be back with you on Monday April 8th.

NEWS

WEMBLEY CREATES 100% RECYCLABLE PITCH
New process developed

Wembley's Karl Standley sat on bench made from elements of a recycled pitch

Thanks to efforts spearheaded by Wembley’s head grounds person Karl Standley, the plastic from the hallowed turf can now be recycled into a reusable plastic format.

PRO DEALERSHIP ENTERS ADMINISTRATION
Limited trading now taking place

The dealership pictured in Service Dealer in January 2023

A well-known groundscare and agricultural dealership has entered administration.

'NEXTGEN' TO INSPIRE FUTURE WORKFORCE
Rebrand for group

The GMA say their aim is to encourage more young people into grounds management.

During #GroundsWeek 2024 last week, the GMA announced that its Young Board of Directors has been relaunched as the GMA’s ‘NextGen’.

The group of talented young grounds professionals will represent the grounds management industry, whilst acting as ambassadors for the GMA, in the association’s aim of encouraging more young people into grounds management.

The GMA say workforce development has become increasingly important over recent years, with research revealing that 20% of grounds staff could potentially leave the sector over coming years due to an ageing workforce and two in five grounds professionals being over the age of 50.

Since this research was conducted, the GMA has invested funds into raising the profile of the sector through public-facing activities, like its #GroundsWeek and Back to Play campaigns, earning widespread media coverage from regional local radio to national media outlets.

The association say they have also forged closer relationships with sport’s National Governing Bodies which recently included working with the FA and the Women’s Super League, alongside Women in Football and Arsenal FC, to make history with the first all-female grounds team to prepare a pitch in the WSL for the North London Derby.

Since this activity was started, there have been green shoots of optimism with research conducted by the GMA in 2023 showing that there has been an increase in the percentage of young people in the workforce, with under 35s now making up nearly 30% of the workforce compared to 19% in 2022. There has also been an increase in the number of grounds managers aged 24 and under, and an increase in the percentage of grounds managers stating that they became involved in grounds management due to apprenticeships, with the figure now being close to 20%.

Armed with four new members and a fresh rebrand, as well as the support by sponsor, Reesink Turfcare, the GMA say their NextGen will build on recent signs of optimism by targeting young people, including those still at school and those at the start of their careers.

The association believes the new look and feel of the group creates a fresh and youthful brand identity, giving it a ‘club’ aesthetic that will enable the group to grow by better resonating with its target demographic whilst still aligning closely with the GMA’s existing brand.

Their work began on Tuesday 19th March, where new NextGen ambassador, Jack Langley hosted a Schools into Stadia event at Ashton Gate. Over the day, a group of local secondary school children got a taste of what it’s like to be a grounds person, as well as learning more about the wide range of careers that can be pursued in the grounds care sector.

Commenting on the new approach, GMA NextGen Executive Sponsor, Jennifer Carter is optimistic about the future, saying, “#GroundsWeek is all about celebrating the grounds management industry and encouraging more people to consider joining. So, what better time is there to celebrate the achievements of a talented group of young people and to announce their renewed efforts to inspire other young people too?

“We’ve already seen what impact they can have on the sector, with three GMA NextGen ambassadors representing the industry during the recent women grounds showcase at the Emirates Stadium, and I’m confident that their fresh energy and focus will be highly impactful on the hearts and minds of other sport-loving young people.

“There are opportunities across the sector, both on the ground as well as in the businesses that support it, and we’re already seeing signs that recent years of hard work are starting to pay off. We as an industry need to keep up the momentum, and our NextGen ambassadors will play an important role in helping us drive this change.”

Longtime member of the group and currently acting as leader of the NextGen, Joe Broadwood is confident the new look and feel will resonate with its target audience:

“The new name and brand will give our group its own strong identity that is stand-out and brings a youthful feel. Our industry is intrinsically connected to sport, so the ‘club-feel’ of the brand will help us appeal to younger people who share our passion for sport and are interested in pursuing a career close to sport.

“In looking to appeal to younger audiences, we hope this relaunch will better support us in our mission to inspire the next generation of grounds staff.”

SECOND EDITION OF TRADE SHOW TAKES PLACE
Organisers say they are "blown away"

Second edition of trade show has taken place

Organisers say the aim of this show was to build on the previous year by offering more stands and educational opportunities for visitors.

The second edition of the The Scots Turf Show took place recently. Organisers said they saw over 700 visitors and over 60 companies exhibiting, which demonstrated growth and a platform for the future.

The aim of this show, they said, was to build on the success of the previous year by offering more stands and educational opportunities for visitors to explore at Hamilton Park Racecourse. An increase in the number of exhibitors from 16 to 64 ensured a diverse range of products from industry names such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches, and John Deere.

Organisers said the growing stand count, set to increase again for the third event, has proven Scotland’s desire for a dedicated show, and Scots Turf Founding Committee member Richard Heywood is ready to continue the growth.

“It was fantastic to see such a broad selection of visitors from all aspects of our industry, and the feedback we received from everyone we asked was incredibly positive,” he said.

“We were blown away and delighted with the response we received from companies wanting to exhibit. Our target in year two was to attract 30 businesses. In reality, we ended up attracting over 60, with a waiting list of ten more, and I think that shows the positive impact we’re having in Scotland.

“I’d say this is our first proper year as a ‘trade show,’ and we were very much encouraged by seeing over 700 visitors coming through the gates, with around 500 arriving in the first hour.

“It really shows an appetite for something like this in Scotland, and we will be looking to grow year upon year, helping to establish this once again as an event that you need to put in your diary.”

Updates on Scots Turf 2025 are promised for throughout the year, including initiatives to support Scottish charitable causes. While demand for stands is high, companies are invited to apply for next year.

R&A STRENGTHEN TEAM
Sustainable agronomy expert

Recruit says he's proud to join a team that places importance on sustainability and how golf can be good for the environment.

Dr. Simon Watson, an industry expert within turf agronomy and specifically sports turf management, has joined The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, bringing over 20 years of experience in the turf, amenity and agriculture industry to the service.

Dr. Simon Watson

Prior to joining, Simon travelled the world gaining experience across different climates, turf conditions and locations, all of which has shaped his expansive knowledge of the industry today.

“My background has allowed me to learn and develop my understanding of the industry across many sectors, and through my time at STRI and Syngenta, I have had an extensive amount of practical experience that I’m excited to utilise with the team,” said Simon.

“The opportunity to join The R&A was something I simply couldn’t miss. Its involvement and commitment to not only fostering the growth of golf, but also the importance it places on sustainability and how golf can be good for the environment, is an ethos that I’m proud to now be a part of.”

Based predominantly in the Southeast of England, Simon is already working with a host of clubs in the area, alongside other venues across the country and into mainland Europe.

'RECORD BREAKING' START FOR DEALER WITH TORO
Created eight new jobs

Following appointment, dealer has recruited new members of staff to accommodate the increase in business and further plans for expansion.

Keys Brothers Horticulture Ltd in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland, has been appointed as the only authorised dealer for Toro fine turf and groundscare machinery in Ulster.

From Keys Brothers, Andy Keys (left) and Mark Mallon (right) with Reesink’s David Timms

Following the appointment, eight new members of staff have been recruited by the dealership to accommodate the increase in business and further plans for expansion.

Keys Brothers and Reesink Turfcare have actually been in partnership since 2018 when the company was chosen as a service centre for Reesink.

Andy Keys, director at Keys Brothers said, “Working as a service centre for Reesink was a successful endeavour, so it made sense for that relationship to evolve into us becoming a dealer. We’re 12 months into the relationship and delighted to report a record-breaking start with sales numbers exceeding all expectations.”

Andy continued, “We focus on delivering high performance, superior quality machines and exceptional after-sale service. The combination of Toro being a leading brand when it comes to quality machines and performance, the backup and service Reesink provides, and the face-to-face contact, social media content and industry training we offer, have all contributed to our success.”

David Timms, national accounts manager for Reesink Turfcare, says its notable how the business has focused its attention on its new customer base for great results already. “Since the appointment Keys Brothers’ has focused on winning back business and nurturing relationships, and has in turn amassed a sizeable order bank. Simply putting themselves back in front of customers on a regular basis is proving its worth.

“Their workshops have grown in strength with the additional workload, and they’ve recently recruited additional technicians to the team. If they continue in the manner, then we will have a terrific outlet for the Toro golf and commercial brands for the future.”

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